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This Gadget Revives One of Apple’s Most Polarizing Mac Features

The polarizing feature is making an unlikely comeback.

Eniac Flexbar for MacEniac

By Tucker Bowe

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When Apple brought the Touch Bar — the glimmering multi-touch OLED strip — to the 2016 MacBook Pro, it divided opinion. On one hand, it was a gorgeous and novel feature that no other laptop had. On the other, it replaced the vital function key row and disrupted many people’s workflows.

Ultimately, the Touch Bar turned out to be more hindrance than helpful and, after a few-year run, Apple started to phase it out in 2021 and then discontinued the last TouchBar MacBook Pro in 2023.

Yet, a Hong Kong-based gadget company called Eniac is trying to bring back the Touch Bar. It’s called the Flexbar.

Eniac Flexbar

Eniac Flexbar for Mac
The Flexbar is a USB-C accessory that functions like Apple’s Touch Bar of old.
Eniac

Bringing Back the Touch Bar

The Flexbar is a USB-C accessory that functions similarly to the Touch Bar. You plug it into your MacBook and the 10-inch 2K OLED display automatically switches controls depending on the app you’re using.

According to Eniac, the Touch Bar’s demise didn’t mean the concept was flawed — it simply “wasn’t taken far enough to reach its full.” The company promises that the Flexbar will be compatible with more apps and more customizable than the Touch Bar ever.

MBP-Touch-Bar-Gear-Patrol-Lead-Full
The Touch Bar pictured on a 2016 MacBook Pro.
Photo by Henry Phillips for Gear Patrol

Not just reserved for the MacBook

While the MacBook Pro was the only Apple computer that the Touch Bar ever graced, the Flexbar ambitions are greater. The standalone USB-C accessory will be compatible with Macs and PCs, as well as iPads, tablets and smartphones.

The Flexbar will support a companion app that allows users to customize the controls. And API support opens it up to third-party app developers. According to the company, the Flexbar will bring advanced controls to anybody’s workflow, including streamers, gamers, creative professionals or the average web browser.

It’s the Touch Bar, but it doesn’t force you to give up your row of Function keys.

Eniac Flexbar for Mac
The Flexbar promises to work with a lot more devices than just the MacBook Pro.
Eniac

Price and availability

Eniac is currently running a Kickstarter campaign for the Flexbar — it’s already surpassed its goal by a lot. The campaign ends on January 2nd.

The Flexbar costs $120 and is expected to start shipping in February 2025.

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