The MacBook Pro's Touch Bar just isn't that useful. Sure, its functionality changes based on the app you're in, but if you -- like me -- were expecting a second screen that you'd be able to customise, you're not the only one who's disappointed. You can, however, download the third party app 2Touch to create some bespoke shortcuts that will launch your favourite apps and services.

The MacBook Pro's Touchbar is a polarising addition to the notebook. Many praised its versatility, while others bemoaned the removal of the traditional shortcut keys we've grown to know and love on Apple's keyboards. Since there's no tactile indication of whether or not you've hit a key on the Touchbar, it's a bit frustrating to find yourself tapping where you think the misaligned Escape key should be without getting a response.

Apple's latest MacBook Pro refresh has its fair share of detractors and for good reason -- changes like the omission of traditional USB ports, incompatibility with Apple's own Lightning-only headphones, and the removal of the magnetic MagSafe connector have rankled longtime users, despite Apple executive Phil Schiller insisting the changes unveiled were "the future of the notebook."

Since last spring, new MacBook Pro models have replaced the function keys with the Touch Bar, a gimmicky touch-sensitive display along the top of the keyboard. It takes some getting used to, and you may find yourself groping for the delete key and cranking up your headphone volume, or idly resting your finger on the escape key and losing your work.

A little after Apple launched its new MacBook Pro, it also cut the price on its USB-C cables and adaptors since the switch to the new technology meant that most people needed to buy a goofy amount of dongles and converters. Today, that sale ends.

One of the biggest professional gripes about the new MacBook Pro -- dongle issues aside -- is its lack of upgradability. Apple made the decision to solder the storage onto the logic board (just as it does the RAM), making it impossible for users to upgrade past the capacity they choose at time of purchase.

Ever since Apple dropped its latest MacBook Pro with a cool but mostly unnecessary Touch Bar, programmers have been jumping at the chance to make cool but mostly unnecessary apps to run on it. This new one does not break from that tradition but it does turn your MacBook Pro into Kitt from Knight Rider.

Apple's Renew program pays you in Apple gift cards and good Earth vibes to recycle old iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other devices. Here's what you can expect to get back if you send in your used stuff.

The recently introduced MacBook Pros are the first major update to Apple's high-end laptop line in a long time, and the pent-up anticipation had enthusiasts and the Apple faithful imagining the impossible.

The new MacBook Pro's Touch Bar is a weird thing that our friends at Gizmodo found a bit lacking, but that doesn't mean we're not all a little curious as to how it works. While you obviously can't make an actual Touch Bar, Touché is an app that gives you a glimpse of an app's Touch Bar support so you can give it a digital test drive.

Apple’s MacBook Pro series is back in the media thanks to the comany’s announcement of the new "Touch Bar". Announced last Thursday, the Touch Bar uses retina display and multitouch technology to replace the MacBook Pro’s top row of static function keys. It might seem like a simple idea, but it builds on a long history of research on what is referred to as 'human–computer interaction'. The feature deserves the attention it’s receiving as it provides a glimpse into how we will be interacting with computers in the not so distant future.

Last week, Apple launched the next generation of MacBook Pro laptops; the first update in over four years. Many fans who had been eagerly anticipating the new range were left bitterly disappointed. It seems Apple forgot what the "Pro" in the product name stands for. A lot of the hardware 'improvements' have drawn criticism from the professional crowd; from programmers and developers to designers and photographers. Which leaves us all wondering, who is Apple trying to sell the MacBook Pro to?

The Apple MacBook Pro line has traditionally been user-customisable, which was one of its major appeals. The new MacBook range that was announced last week is considerably thinner, however the design makes it a lot harder for users to do their own upgrades on the laptops. So what has changed? iFixit did a teardown of the new MacBook Pro 13-inch to find out.

Apple decided to kill off the startup chime from the new model of MacBook Pro, which aside from being a mainstay on Macs for years, has also always helped troubleshoot boot issues. Thankfully, you can get the sound back with a Terminal command.

Both Microsoft and Apple have launched new laptops that will ship later this year: the all-new Surface Book and the long-awaited MacBook Pro. Each of these notebooks are a considerable upgrade to their predecessors (though some may dispute this) and are the most powerful laptop devices Microsoft and Apple have to offer. If you're in the market for a new laptop, we've made it easier for you to compare the new Microsoft Surface Book with the Apple MacBook Pro 2016 model.

Anyone who's ever owned a Mac probably remembers the first time they booted it up and heard that sound. It announced that you were about to begin a relationship with your computer that would probably last for many years. With the new MacBook Pro, Apple is replacing the iconic chime with cold, unforgiving silence.

It has been four years since Apple updated its MacBook Pro notebook range and existing users have been dying for a refresh. Their prayers have now been answered. Today, Apple announced the new and improved MacBook Pro line that is thinner, lighter and more powerful than the previous generation. Here are the details on the MacBook Pro 2016, the spec sheet and the pricing.

Apple's special event today focused on hardware. The big news is a brand new version of the MacBook that includes a fancy touch screen in place of the function keys, but they also announced a new TV app and some minor Apple TV improvements.

Dear Lifehacker, I am looking for a new laptop. After pricing up a few different options I've settled on either a MacBook Pro or a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (i5, 256gb). They are similar specs for a similar price. As much as I prefer OSX, I'm leaning towards the Surface because it doubles as a tablet. Am I making the right decision or should I stick with Apple?