Your path: MacBook Pro with T1 chip (Touch Bar 2016 / 2017)

Touch Bar models from 2016 and 2017 (identifiers MacBookPro13,2, 13,3, 14,2, 14,3). The Touch Bar is run by a small "T1" chip — a precursor to the more controversial T2. The smoothest Linux path of any Touch Bar MacBook.

Effort

One unhurried weekend.

Cost

Free.

Risk

Low — with a Time Machine backup.

Verdict

Recommended.

What works

• Keyboard, trackpad, Wi-Fi, webcam — out of the box.
• Touch Bar in function-key mode after a small post-install step.
• Sleep, brightness, volume, battery — all work.

What doesn't, ever

• Touch ID. You'll log in with a password.

What needs a small fix after install

• Audio on the 13" models (13,2 / 14,2) needs a kernel driver patch (we'll walk through it).
• Touch Bar customization beyond function keys, if you want it.

The plan

1. Try it without installing — recommended for these machines.
2. Backup & prep — back up, dual-boot decision, free up space.
3. Create the installer USB — Zorin OS to a stick. (Coming as we go.)
4. Install — boot from USB, follow the installer. (Coming as we go.)
5. Post-install — audio driver if needed, Touch Bar tweaks. (Coming as we go.)
6. Daily life — apps, photos migration. (Coming as we go.)

Why Zorin OS

It's designed for people coming from macOS — ships with a macOS-style layout (menu bar at the top, dock at the bottom), and the installer is unusually polished. Underneath it's Ubuntu, so almost any Linux software just works.