However, the Touch Bar suffered from what seemed like neglect from Apple. Its performance never really improved, and it never evolved beyond those early days. Five years ago, I wrote about how I really tried to like the Touch Bar, but I was ready to move on. I could never adjust my workflow to the accommodate the strip screen, and prefer having physical function keys that I can press without hunting them down with my eyes first.
And now, 10 years after the Touch Bar introduction and almost exactly three years since its discontinuation, Apple will reportedly release a touchscreen MacBook Pro. The Touch Bar was seen by some as an Apple compromise for not having a touchscreen–there was even speculation that the Touch Bar was a precursor to a touchscreen Mac, but Apple shot down that theory. Now, as Apple prepares to launch what most people had given up on, the excitement of those early Touch Bar days can be felt once again.
But I can’t help but wonder if the touchscreen MacBook Pro will follow the same pattern as the Touch Bar: Impressive at first, but as time goes on, it doesn’t seem necessary. According to rumors, Apple will treat touch as an option rather than a necessity, despite attaching a hefty premium to touchscreen devices. macOS Golden Gate is said to be retooled to work with fingers, but Apple will need to be active in touchscreen development to make it more successful than the Touch Bar.
But for now, let’s enjoy the anticipation and promise that Apple’s first touchscreen Mac brings. And pour one out for the Touch Bar that had to die so the touchscreen MacBook could live.
