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# Miss Apple's Touch Bar? Flexbar Brings This Experience to Linux
- URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/flexbar-linux/
- Published: 2025-05-28T03:44:57.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-28T09:16:15.000Z
- Description: While Apple has discontinued the Touch Bar, Linux users can now enjoy the same experience with Flexbar.
- Author: Sourav Rudra
- Tags: Gadgets 🎛️, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15

Apple's [Touch Bar](https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-the-touch-bar-mchlbfd5b039/mac?ref=itsfoss.com) was a thin, touch-sensitive OLED strip integrated into some MacBook Pro models, replacing the traditional function keys with more dynamic, context-specific controls.

It allowed users to quickly adjust system settings, activate Siri, access function keys, and perform app-specific tasks through intuitive touch gestures. However, Apple discontinued it back in 2021, leaving the door open for a Touch Bar clone to step in.

Flexbar has been gaining popularity ever since it hit crowdfunding, quickly surpassing its [Kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1735591421/flexbar-a-versatile-and-fully-customizable-touch-bar-solution/?ref=itsfoss.com) goal by a massive margin. And now, its creators have extended compatibility for use on Linux-powered devices.

## Flexbar on Linux: What to Expect?

Designed to boost productivity, the Flexbar is **a USB-powered, customizable touchscreen shortcut keypad** that allows users to assign functions, commands, and macros to virtual buttons on the display.

It has the following **key specifications**:

- **Power:** 5V, 500mA
- **Material:** Aluminum Alloy
- **Display:** 2K AMOLED with 2170×60 resolution
- **Weight:** 71.7g (*without stand*), 154.7g (*with stand*)

If the device piques your interest, you’ll be glad to know that FlexDesigner, the configuration app for Flexbar, **is now officially available for Linux** as an [AppImage](https://eniacelec.com/pages/software?ref=itsfoss.com).

This allows Linux users to fully customize their Flexbar experience, creating custom button layouts, assigning macros, managing any plugins, icon sets, presets, and more. 

![a screenshot of the flexdesigner app for linux](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/05/flexdesigner-linux-app.png)

**The FlexDesigner app for Linux.*

If you want to go the extra step, you could pair it with [Gear Lever](https://itsfoss.com/gear-lever/) for a better experience.

[Gear Lever: An Open Source Tool To Manage AppImage Apps on LinuxA nifty tool to help manage AppImage files.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192-111.png)It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/gearlever-aotw.png)](https://itsfoss.com/gear-lever/)

### Want to Get One?

Currently, the Flexbar is up for [pre-order](https://eniacelec.com/products/flexbar?ref=itsfoss.com), with **only 200 units available** at this stage. It is offered in two colors, *Silver* and *Space Black*. Pricing is set at **$179** excl shipping, with units being scheduled to ship on 30 June 2025.

Sadly, the software and the product itself are **not open source**.

[Flexbar](https://eniacelec.com/products/flexbar?ref=itsfoss.com)

**Via:** [OMG! Ubuntu](https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/05/flexbar-touchbar-clone-ships-linux-support?ref=itsfoss.com)