Apple Officially Retires 13-inch MacBook Pro and Controversial Touchbar

With the recent launch of 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models powered by the new M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max chipsets, Apple has officially discontinued the 13-inch MacBook Pro, removal of the 13-inch size from Apple’s website signifies the end of an era and the retirement of the polarizing Touch Bar feature.

Apple M3 MacBook Pro models

The Touch Bar was first introduced in 2016 as a distinctive feature of higher-end MacBook Pro models. It replaced the standard function key row with an OLED touchscreen strip capable of displaying app-specific controls that adapted to different workflows.

While some users appreciated the versatility of the mini touchscreen, others found the Touch Bar to be more of a gimmick than a genuinely useful productivity tool. Common complaints included accidental touches, lack of tactile feedback, and inadequate support from third-party apps.

By limiting the Touch Bar to only 13-inch and select 15-inch MacBook Pros, Apple was never fully committed to the idea, arrival of the redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch models in 2021 without the Touch Bar seemed to seal its fate.

The discontinuation of the 13-inch MacBook Pro ultimately represents Apple conceding that the Touch Bar failed to deliver on its potential. For power users, the superior performance and display of the 14-inch and 16-inch models overshadowed the loss of the Touch Bar.

Still, the Touch Bar had its fans and some users may miss it, an innovative feature ahead of its time, the Touch Bar never got its full chance to shine.

While it didn’t have the longevity of other Apple innovations, the Touch Bar highlighted the company’s willingness to take risks and push boundaries in its perpetual quest to enhance the user experience.

Latest

NVIDIA Project DIGITS: Desktop Supercomputer Personal AI Development, 1 Petaflop Power

NVIDIA aims to change that paradigm with Project DIGITS...

Microsoft Unveils AI Features for Copilot+ PCs: Transforming PC Experience

Microsoft is pushing the boundaries of AI integration in...

Meta ORION AI-Powered Glasses: The Next Big Tech Revolution is in Sight

The tech industry is on the brink of a...

Intel Strategic Shift: New Partnerships and Restructuring Pave the Way for Future Growth

Intel, the semiconductor giant, is making waves with a...

Newsletter

Don't miss

NVIDIA Project DIGITS: Desktop Supercomputer Personal AI Development, 1 Petaflop Power

NVIDIA aims to change that paradigm with Project DIGITS...

Microsoft Unveils AI Features for Copilot+ PCs: Transforming PC Experience

Microsoft is pushing the boundaries of AI integration in...

Meta ORION AI-Powered Glasses: The Next Big Tech Revolution is in Sight

The tech industry is on the brink of a...

Intel Strategic Shift: New Partnerships and Restructuring Pave the Way for Future Growth

Intel, the semiconductor giant, is making waves with a...

DJI NEO: The Pocket-Sized Drone That’s Changing Aerial Photography

DJI has thrown its hat into the ring with...
Max Hyland
Max Hyland
Long form contributor Apple iPhone, iPad, watch reviews, opinion, editorial

NVIDIA Project DIGITS: Desktop Supercomputer Personal AI Development, 1 Petaflop Power

NVIDIA aims to change that paradigm with Project DIGITS - a compact yet powerful AI supercomputer that fits right on your desk. NVIDIA's latest innovation...

Microsoft Unveils AI Features for Copilot+ PCs: Transforming PC Experience

Microsoft is pushing the boundaries of AI integration in personal computing with its latest announcement of new features for Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11....

Meta ORION AI-Powered Glasses: The Next Big Tech Revolution is in Sight

The tech industry is on the brink of a paradigm shift, with AI-powered glasses poised to become the next disruptive form factor. With a...