For this reason, both Touchè and Demo require a very specific build of Sierra: 10.12.1 build 16B2657, to be precise, which is the build where Apple introduced Touch Bar support. The interesting thing about Touchè and Demo is that they aren’t third-party copies of Apple’s Touch Bar – both apps leverage the Touch Bar software that’s baked into macOS Sierra. In this article, I’ll be showing you how to setup and use both Touchè and Touch Bar Demo, plus how to get a more authentic experience, by using your iPad as a stand-alone Touch Bar. Once you’ve experienced the Touch Bar first-hand, you’ll have a better idea of whether this is something that should be at the top of your “must have” list when you’re shopping for a new MacBook, or whether you prefer the traditional function keys. Using Demo or Touchè to ‘try before you buy’ can be especially helpful if you’re unsure about replacing the familiar, physical function keys with something entirely new. Then, all you need to do is attach your iPad to your Mac, and you’re ready to use this simulated Touch Bar to interact with your Mac via touch – just as Apple intended when they designed the Touch Bar (the clue’s in the name, after all!)

In addition, if you have access to an iPad, then you can install the Demo app on your iPad, which turns your iPad into a stand-alone Touch Bar. Touch Bar Demo and Touchè are two apps that you can use to emulate the Touch Bar on any MacBook that’s running macOS Sierra. For example, if you’re working in the Mail app then the Touch Bar will display email-related shortcuts, and if you’re penning a response in Messages then the Touch Bar may display a row of your most frequently-used Emojis.Ĭurrently, the physical Touch Bar is limited to the 2016 MacBook Pro line, but if you’re curious to try this new feature for yourself, then there is a way to get a taste of the Touch Bar experience without having to spend £1,700+ on a new Macbook Pro. Rather than simply replacing the physical function keys, the MacBook Pro’s new ‘Touch Bar’ area displays application shortcuts that update automatically depending on whatever’s currently onscreen. The 2016 MacBook Pro saw the removal of the familiar row of function keys that have pretty much become a staple feature of Mac keyboards, and in its place we have a brand new OLED display. Back in October 2016, Apple unveiled their brand new MacBook Pro – and introduced an unexpected new feature.

Mac touchbar emulator