FAQ
Revive the Touchbar is a macOS app that brings the Touch Bar on compatible MacBook Pro models back to life with animations, custom text and GIFs, live info tools, and new animation drops every week.
Which Macs does it support?
MacBook Pros with a Touch Bar, on Apple silicon or Intel, running macOS 13 or later. Macs without a Touch Bar have nothing to light up.
Is it free?
Yes. The free plan keeps six animations — Spectrum Cycle, Matrix, Clock, Rain, Bouncing Logo, and Do Not Touch — with fixed settings, a small "Revive" tag on the bar, and a small sponsor card in settings. Every feature is unlocked for a 7-day trial when you first install it, with no card needed. Pro Yearly or Lifetime unlocks the whole library, your own text and GIFs, and all tuning, with no ads. The download page sometimes has a limited-time offer on top of this, so check it for current pricing.
What's the difference between Pro Yearly and Lifetime?
Nothing inside the app. Both unlock every animation, every new drop, your own text and GIFs, and all tuning, with no ads. Pro Yearly renews each year until you cancel; Lifetime is a single payment.
What are animation drops?
New animations published roughly every week. The app downloads them on its own, so there's nothing to update. They're included with Pro Yearly and Lifetime.
Are there ads?
Only on the free plan: one small "Sponsored" card at the bottom of the settings window, and a small "Revive" tag at the left end of the bar. Pro Yearly and Lifetime have neither, and nothing is tracked.
Will I lose my volume and brightness controls?
While an animation is showing, it covers the Control Strip. Tap the close button on the bar, or switch it off from the menu bar, and your normal controls come back.
Is Revive the Touchbar on the Mac App Store?
No. It shows content on the Touch Bar system-wide using features Apple doesn't document, which the App Store doesn't allow. You download it directly from this site instead.
Could a macOS update break it?
It's possible, for the same reason. If that happens, switch it off from the menu bar and your Touch Bar returns to normal while a fix ships.
Can I get a refund?
Yes, on paid plans: ask within 14 days of a purchase or charge and we'll refund it in full. See Refunds.
Is Revive the Touchbar a BetterTouchTool alternative?
Not directly. Revive the Touchbar focuses on animations, custom content, and visual effects for the Touch Bar, while BetterTouchTool focuses on Touch Bar automation and shortcuts. See Touch Bar animations for what's in the library.