Does this signal the death of TouchBar?

[AZhappyjack]

Apple seems to have solved the security issue with adding TouchID to the new M1 iMac keyboards... but they did not add the TouchBar... does this signal the end of the TouchBar? Clearly they have the technology to include it but they obviously chose not do. Speaks volumes to me.

 

[gwhizkids]

Apple seems to have solved the security issue with adding TouchID to the new M1 iMac keyboards... but they did not add the TouchBar... does this signal the end of the TouchBar? Clearly they have the technology to include it but they obviously chose not do. Speaks volumes to me.

I’d say so. We’ll know for sure if they don’t have an SKU with it for the new higher end MBPs when they come out later this year.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Touch Bar is dead.

 

[ondioline]

How does this even make sense? TouchID is on the MBA without a Touch Bar. The two are mutually exclusive.

 

[gwhizkids]

How does this even make sense? TouchID is on the MBA without a Touch Bar. The two are mutually exclusive.

They are not mutually exclusive but I think you mean that they can exist apart from each other.

The argument makes sense because it is further evidence that Apple is not expanding the use of the Touch Bar when it has the opportunity. Were it intent on expanding its reach, this would have been a golden opportunity. Instead it chose not to. The example you cite, of the MBA with Touch ID but no Touch Bar, is, in fact, another such example, and perhaps more compelling because it’s a laptop.

 

[Fishrrman]

The touch bar seems to be one more "bright idea that failed".
Many, if not most folks still prefer the row of "function keys" instead.

 

[AZhappyjack]

The touch bar seems to be one more "bright idea that failed".
Many, if not most folks still prefer the row of "function keys" instead.

Indeed...there was another thread on the subject that got pretty heated...

Personally, I sold my 2018 MBP with the Touch Bar and replaced it with the M1 MBA. There were several reasons for the switch, but the annoying TB was one of the major factors.

I just see Apple NOT including the TB functionality in the new keyboards as a sign that the Touch Bar is now is DOA.

 

[gwhizkids]

The touch bar seems to be one more "bright idea that failed".
Many, if not most folks still prefer the row of "function keys" instead.

I love the TouchBar. But I suspect that’s because I customized it using Better Touch Tool (with the Golden Chaos add-in).

The default set of tools with TouchBar are pretty meh…

 

[bluespark]

To me, the proof that Apple has given up on the TouchBar is the fact that they haven't added to its functionality. As gwhizkids said, the TouchBar is fantastic once extended with something like BTT/Golden Chaos. As is, though, it seems a bit half-baked. I'm sure that fact is not lost on Apple and that their original plan was to add additional user customizability over time. If so, then the absence of any such additions probably is all we need to know as to the TouchBar's long-term future.

 

[blairh]

I always hate using capacitive buttons. I am not surprised that Touch Bar did not work out for Apple.

 

[DrBashir]

I just got the M1 MacBook Pro 13" which does have the TouchBar. I do like it, and you have the option to change the default for it to always show Fx keys. Thats why I don't get the hate. I will check out the BTT and said plugin as well though.

I hope Apple doesn't bin the TB, or maybe they replace it with something even better.

 

[gwhizkids]

I just got the M1 MacBook Pro 13" which does have the TouchBar. I do like it, and you have the option to change the default for it to always show Fx keys. Thats why I don't get the hate. I will check out the BTT and said plugin as well though.

I hope Apple doesn't bin the TB, or maybe they replace it with something even better.

Enjoy!

As much as I hate to say it, though, the signs are not good for it to continue on. Which is a shame.