Apple Updates iMovie, GarageBand, Xcode and iWork Apps With Support for MacBook Pro Touch Bar

Though the new MacBook Pro models equipped with a Touch Bar won't be in the hands of consumers for at least two more weeks, Apple today updated many of its Mac apps with support for the feature.

GarageBand, iMovie, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, and Xcode are now able to work with the Touch Bar built into new 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pro machines.

In Xcode, the Touch Bar offers up context-specific buttons when in the Xcode editor, commit sheet, navigator, and Interface Builder. The Interface Builder makes it easy for developers to add Touch Bar features to their Mac apps, and the Touch Bar simulator lets them see how their app works with the Touch Bar.

In Numbers, Pages, and Keynote, the Touch Bar can be used to edit text, shapes, tables, and charts, providing quick-access tools depending on what you're working on.

In iMovie, the Touch Bar allows users to quickly add video clips to a movie, or use them to create picture in picture, green screen, and split screen effects. There are also options for using the Touch Bar to play a movie, split a clip, or adjust clip volume.

In GarageBand, the Touch Bar can be used to adjust all Smart Controls on a selected track, adjust volume, or to fine-tune the sound of instruments and effects.

Apple has also released a new version of iTunes, iTunes 12.5.2. The update is not yet available for download and it may be limited to new MacBook Pro models, introducing support for the Touch Bar.

Over the course of the next few weeks, many popular Mac apps from third-party developers will also be updated to support the new Touch Bar in the MacBook Pro. Some apps that will have Touch Bar buttons include Pixelmator, Affinity Photo, Photoshop, Sketch, DaVinci Resolve, Microsoft Office, and more.

Update: iTunes 12.5.2 is now available through Software Update for all compatible devices.