• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
TechApple

Apple’s Touch Bar-Enabled MacBook Pro Is Barred from Bar Exams

By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
January 31, 2017, 1:24 PM ET

Apple has called its MacBook Pro with Touch Bar “revolutionary.” But several state bar associations are concerned that the laptop computer’s Touch Bar software may actually be used by would-be lawyers to cheat on their bar exams.

Bar associations in California, New York, and Colorado will ban MacBook Pro’s with Touch Bar starting next month. Software company ExamSoft, which makes digital bar exam tests, published a note on its site last week explaining to test takers and administrators how to turn off the Touch Bar.

“Exam Administrators will want to ensure that the newest feature included with some MacBook Pro’s is disabled before a student begins their exam,” the page reads. “By default, the Touch Bar will show predictive text depending on what the student is typing, compromising exam integrity.”

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter

It’s unclear why ExamSoft and several state bar associations are concerned about the Touch Bar. Apparently, the feature can be used to cheat, but ExamSoft didn’t say exactly how and whether anyone has actually done so. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Test takers are allowed to use other computers during the bar exam. Policies vary as to whether they can go online during testing.

Apple (AAPL) unveiled its new MacBook Pro in October. The Touch Bar sits above the keyboard and replaces function keys, like the volume, escape, and other keys, found in traditional keyboards. In its place, users can interact with the touchscreen and be automatically presented optional functions they can turn on based on what is on the screen.

Some developers have found ways to modify the Touch Bar, including getting video games like Doom to be played through the feature.

The ExamSoft warning, reported earlier by Apple-tracking site AppleInsider, came as state bar associations issued guidance to test takers about how they can use Touch Bar-equipped MacBook Pros.

North Carolina, for instance, will allow test takers to bring the Touch Bar with them to the exam, but they must show proof that the feature has been disabled. Colorado, California, and New York have banned the devices entirely from exam rooms.

Apple did not immediately respond to a Fortune request for comment about the bar exam troubles.

About the Author
By Don Reisinger
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.