14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro Models With XDR Displays Expected to Launch Later This Year

[jdiamond]

Guys, I still see a reason for optimism. What Apple appears to have done here, is split the iMac line more than it ever has before - in that the low end (24") iMac is now clearly a low end, all in one, aimed at students and receptionists. That audience really doesn't need a lot of expansion options. Similar with the lowest tier Macbook Pro (even though it has Pro in the name.)

This still leaves the door open that Apple understands that Professionals need a lot of ports and expandability and hate dongles and poorly performing docks. I was always amazed in particular at the iMac - no modern computer Apple made still had the complete set of ports, including wired Ethernet, USB-A, and DisplayPort...

Remember how well Apple did during the pandemic by focusing products like a laser on the lowest end (but largest) audience? And while it's not great evidence, notice that the new iPad Pro got an amazing screen, a better port, and an abundance of power and storage... and thicker!

 

[nikhsub1]

Guys, I still see a reason for optimism. What Apple appears to have done here, is split the iMac line more than it ever has before - in that the low end (24") iMac is now clearly a low end, all in one, aimed at students and receptionists. That audience really doesn't need a lot of expansion options. Similar with the lowest tier Macbook Pro (even though it has Pro in the name.)

This still leaves the door open that Apple understands that Professionals need a lot of ports and expandability and hate dongles and poorly performing docks. I was always amazed in particular at the iMac - no modern computer Apple made still had the complete set of ports, including wired Ethernet, USB-A, and DisplayPort...

Remember how well Apple did during the pandemic by focusing products like a laser on the lowest end (but largest) audience? And while it's not great evidence, notice that the new iPad Pro got an amazing screen, a better port, and an abundance of power and storage...

Just wait. This is a pretty typical strategy for many manufacturers. Roll out the cool new thing that does 80% of what most want it to do. Then roll out the more expensive more feature rich product.

 

[DronesOn]

After seeing the design aesthetic of the new iMacs, I'm prepared to be disappointed with the new MBPs.

The key difference is that the the iMac is not a Pro level model.

Apple needs to be able to differentiate their higher end pro products from the entry level stuff, which is more difficult now that their entry level processor has killer performance and the Touch Bar has bombed.

More ports is one way for them to do this. I and a lot of other people are still pissed at Apple creating the dongle nightmare of the current "Pro" models.

Apple has shown more of a tendency to listen to their user community the past couple of years. That plus the leaked schematics make me reasonably confident we'll get additional ports on the next generation 14 & 16 inch MBP's.