Julie Clover
With the 2016 MacBook Pro models, Apple introduced the Touch Bar, a small touchscreen display located above the keyboard. The Touch Bar replaced the function row of keys and added dynamic buttons that changed for each app, but it was a controversial feature that many Mac users didn't like.
Apple began phasing out the Touch Bar with the 2021 MacBook Pro models, with the last Mac with the Touch Bar discontinued in 2023. If you're one of the MacBook Pro Users who miss the Touch Bar will want to take a look at the Flexbar, which is designed as a Touch Bar replacement.
The Flexbar is a standalone touchscreen hardware device that connects to a Mac, iPad, iPhone, or PC via USB-C. It features a customizable, responsive interface modeled after the Touch Bar, and is similar in functionality to multi-button add-ons for PCs and Macs like the Stream Deck.
The Flexbar features a 10-inch 2K OLED display and comes with preset shortcuts and controls tailored to popular apps. It supports third-party APIs and is said to offer “advanced, native controls” for YouTube, Microsoft apps, Adobe apps, AutoCAD, and more. Flexbar’s creators say a plugin system and marketplace are in the works and are scheduled to launch in Q2 2025.
Like the Touch Bar, Flexbar is designed to automatically switch controls based on the current task window, but users can create their own preferred layouts using the “Workspace” recording feature. While the Touch Bar was limited to more basic controls, Flexbar supports multi-step macros and sequences for repetitive tasks.
Flexbar is a Kickstarter project from Hong Kong-based ENIAC, so first off, MacRumors readers should know that ENIAC hasn’t made a hardware product before. Taking hardware from prototype to mass production is a complex task that can lead to delays and even insurmountable problems, plus there are software integration requirements, so we recommend waiting until the product launches to make a purchase.
The Flexbar is currently priced at $120 (shipping not included) and is already funded. The Kickstarter page lists an estimated delivery date of February 2025.
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