If automatic keyboard brightness is enabled, you'll see the keyboard backlight get brighter (though with less delay).īottom line, at least as of the latest Mojave beta and the latest 2018 MBP (15'), there is no apparent way to control the touchbar brightness. There is a bit of a delay, but afterwards, you'll see the touchbar go to its full brightness. I believe, they've been located there as far back as there have been keyboard backlights on MacBooks.Īn easy way to check this out for yourself (and characterize the behavior of the touchbar brightness vs ambient light) is to first, turn off 'Automatically adjust brightness' option in the Display preference pane*, then, in a dimly lit room, shine a flashlight over either one or both of the speaker grills. There are two of them – one located behind each (left and right) speaker grill. The ambient light sensor for the keyboard and touchbar are located under the top cover.

Here's what I've been able to determine about how the touchbar brightness controlled. So far, I agree the answer is 'you can't'.

How to turn on macbook pro no touch bar