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2022 'MacBook' and 'iMac Pro' Could Help Apple Simplify Its Naming Strategy
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Personally, I think he does not involve himself with products at that level, probably marketing comes up the naming conventions, the Jobs era for CEOs is over at Apple.
This is how I think they'll go in 2022
iPhone SE
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Max
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
MacBook
MacBook Pro
iMac
iMac Pro
iPad SE
iPad
iPad Pro
Apple Watch SE
Apple Watch
iPhone SE
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Max
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
MacBook
MacBook Pro
iMac
iMac Pro
iPad SE
iPad
iPad Pro
Apple Watch SE
Apple Watch
If you ever searched for Sony headphones or a specific Samsung TV you realise that Apple does neither have a messy lineup nor a messy naming strategy.
"Air" is obsolete. The thin, light laptop (that fits in an "interoffice memo envelope" (remember those?) is common as dirt now. And frankly, seeing how Apple nearly "thinned" itself out of the pro laptop space, there's not a lot of currency in that word anymore.
When we talk about names.
I do not understand why Apple did not choose to call the iPhone "12/13" Mini -> iPhone "12/13" Nano.
The iPod Nano was a huge success because it was smaller. Why not reuse that name, it's much more appealing than "Mini", which I thought sounded childish, and which brings to mind that compromises have been made. Nano has some history, and some success in it, also it's just a cooler name.
I do not understand why Apple did not choose to call the iPhone "12/13" Mini -> iPhone "12/13" Nano.
The iPod Nano was a huge success because it was smaller. Why not reuse that name, it's much more appealing than "Mini", which I thought sounded childish, and which brings to mind that compromises have been made. Nano has some history, and some success in it, also it's just a cooler name.
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I agree with you. The naming conventions have become strange, especially the Air. I thought things were making sense when they introduced the 12” MacBook. But then They introduced a heavier “Air” and discontinued the 12” MacBook. They could’ve used the same MacBook name. Not sure why they used the Air name. Seems like the Air name means the “cheaper” version. It loses the original meaning of a “lighter version.”
I’ve been saying for YEARS that Apple needs to go back to the Steve Jobs model: Simplicity first. Regular, Pro for everything. Ditch the “Air” monitor. The last several years are exhibit A on why the naming scheme is confusing. There’s a good argument that “Mini” may need to stick around or be modified; “Mac” is universal for any Mac. Though, I’d consider ditching that, too, and forcing people to be specific about their “Apple” computer. It would take some years of adjustment, but eventually, we’d get it.
iPhone. iPhone pro.
iPad. iPad Pro.
MacBook. MacBook Pro.
iMac. iMac Pro.
(Multiple sizes of all of the above)
Mac. Mac Pro.
It. Is. Not. That. Hard.
iPhone. iPhone pro.
iPad. iPad Pro.
MacBook. MacBook Pro.
iMac. iMac Pro.
(Multiple sizes of all of the above)
Mac. Mac Pro.
It. Is. Not. That. Hard.
Ok, but what if there really is a market for a third tier for everyday consumers. For example, less expensive iPhone SE and iPad that are perfect for students and casual users.
I have two kids in college and they both have the iPhone SE ($200 Walmart sale in 2020) and MacBook Air ($850 on sale). That’s $1,050 for very capable devices that could easily last through their entire college experience. If this tier did not exist, it would be iPhone 13 $800 and new MacBook (which almost everyone believes will start at $1,199…at least), so more like $2,000 for each kid. And of course, one of the issues is that devices tend to get lost, stolen, or dropped on campus. It is kind of like buying a bike for college: you want an inexpensive bike with an expensive lock…..not the other way around.
So if I were Apple, here is how I would do it:
iPhone Mini, iPhone, iPhone +. The iPhone would equate to the current iPhone Pro and the + is the iPhone Pro Max. I'd drop the current cheaper model because one extra lens doesn't make it a Pro.
iMac and iMac + for 27in.
Macbook and Macbook + for larger model. Same thing for pro models: MacBook Pro and MacBook Pro +.
iPad mini, iPad, iPad +, iPad Pro, iPad Pro +
AirPods, AirPods +
iPhone Mini, iPhone, iPhone +. The iPhone would equate to the current iPhone Pro and the + is the iPhone Pro Max. I'd drop the current cheaper model because one extra lens doesn't make it a Pro.
iMac and iMac + for 27in.
Macbook and Macbook + for larger model. Same thing for pro models: MacBook Pro and MacBook Pro +.
iPad mini, iPad, iPad +, iPad Pro, iPad Pro +
AirPods, AirPods +
Marketing 101: never put a year or date as an official product name. Great way to date your product and kill sales outside that same calendar year.
Noting it unofficially in documentation like Apple or how businesses name their image builds in the background is far more efficient.
Imagine clueless-customer-XYZ going to ABC-store to buy a tablet, only to find they have 2021 iPads for sale and it's 2022... Sale lost.
The current Air is a design first released in 2010. They have reduced the screen bezels, added Retina, and switched to USB-C ports, but the case is barely changed in 11 years. It was always the lowest priced and thinnest Apple laptop…
… until the 12” MacBook was launched in 2015. It is pretty clear that Apple intended the 12” MacBook to replace the MBA but due to manufacturing costs and Intel never being able to improve the low power chipset that it used, Apple was not able to retire the MBA which continued to be popular because it gave people a lot of functionality in a small and inexpensive package.
Now Apple finally has the ability to make a thin and light MacBook with full functionality and I hope that they use this as a chance to clean up the naming. Due to new screen tech, price may again be a complicating factor so we may still be in a transition. If they cannot get the new MacBook down to the $999 price point, they may keep the M1 MBA around for a while at that price. What’s unclear is if they keep the ”Air” name or use the “SE” name that they have used for cheaper, older tech models.
Apple's problem has not been in its "naming strategy," confusing as that continues to be. Apple has transformed itself from a "computer company" to being an electronic device company, and in so doing follows the big money to other devices, letting its desktop offerings lag.
While as an Apple investor this decision has enhanced my profit, it has come at my expense as a Mac user.
A "too-small" screened iMac and an anemic port-challanged MacMini were poor first Mac Silicon offerings unworthy of Apple. The same level of anemic performance may have been acceptable when Apple introduced the original Macintosh (yes, I was around then)... but certainly not now. Why are we forced to wait for an expandable M1 MacMini, and a reasonably priced 27-inch M-whatever iMac?
The fluid ease of the Mac and its eco-system are nice... but no longer the sole province of Apple. Mac Silicon will be challenged by others and PC's still abound. Up your game Apple... and don't forget your computer legacy.
While as an Apple investor this decision has enhanced my profit, it has come at my expense as a Mac user.
A "too-small" screened iMac and an anemic port-challanged MacMini were poor first Mac Silicon offerings unworthy of Apple. The same level of anemic performance may have been acceptable when Apple introduced the original Macintosh (yes, I was around then)... but certainly not now. Why are we forced to wait for an expandable M1 MacMini, and a reasonably priced 27-inch M-whatever iMac?
The fluid ease of the Mac and its eco-system are nice... but no longer the sole province of Apple. Mac Silicon will be challenged by others and PC's still abound. Up your game Apple... and don't forget your computer legacy.
There is something to be said for the 2x2 product plan that Jobs saved Apple with: A professional and consumer notebook (MacBook Pro & MacBook); a professional and consumer desktop (Mac Pro and iMac). All of their products could follow that same logic: iPads for both professionals and consumers (iPad Pro and iPad--although I want the iPad Air to just be called iPad and they can ditch that old design). Same for iPhone and iPhone Pro (pick your size--the Max monicker makes it all awkward).
In fact, you could have multiple sizes within each product line (MacBook Pro 14" or 16", iMac 24" or 30"). But streamline the names of products.
In fact, you could have multiple sizes within each product line (MacBook Pro 14" or 16", iMac 24" or 30"). But streamline the names of products.
I know that it can be frustrating during a transition when your area of interest has not been addressed yet, but Apple cannot launch all of the chips and computers at once, particularly this year when chips and other components are in short supply.
Apple started with the lower end computers because they needed to start with the simplest M1 chip first. It takes time for them to develop and produce the higher performing and more complex M1 Pro and Max that are needed in the higher end computers that you seem to need. Those lower end computers are their volume sellers and this way they get the new product into the hands of the most people sooner. By this time next year, the whole line will be revamped and some Macs may even be featuring the second generation of M-chips.
All the changes over the last 2 years show that Apple does value the Mac and intends for it to be a big part of their product line. There may have been a loss of focus for a few years and some decisions that did not make user needs a priority, but that period seems to have passed.
BTW - is is silly to say that the M1 has “anemic performance”. It is faster and more efficient than any of the Intel chips that were in the computers that got the M1. The M1 is faster than all but the very fastest of the chips in those higher end Macs.
Why not go back to the basics:
Macbook (replacing the MacBook Air)
PowerBook (replacing the MacBook Pro)
iMac (current 24'' iMac)
iMac Pro (future 27-32'' iMac)
PowerMac (replacing the Mac Pro)
And why not introduce a iBook with chromebooks specs at lower price ?
Macbook (replacing the MacBook Air)
PowerBook (replacing the MacBook Pro)
iMac (current 24'' iMac)
iMac Pro (future 27-32'' iMac)
PowerMac (replacing the Mac Pro)
And why not introduce a iBook with chromebooks specs at lower price ?
We talking about the same trash can mac? SJ kicked in 2011 and the trashcan was released in 2013.
I would like to see a Mac Mini Pro with M1 Pro, 64GB RAM, and up to 4TB storage, more ports, make it a bit taller for cooling. It would be like a old "Cheese grater" Mac Pro you could carry in one hand. Small so doesn't take much deskspace, but powerful enough for all music composing tasks up to film scores.
Apple could be looking to simplify the naming of its product lineups, most noticeably with the launch of a "MacBook" and "iMac Pro" in 2022, according to recent rumors.
Apple is believed to be preparing to launch five new Macs in 2022, including a new high-end iMac, a redesigned MacBook Air, an updated Mac mini, entry-level MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro with Apple silicon.
While multiple reports indicate that Apple is working on a direct successor to 2020's MacBook Air, a recent rumor from the leaker known as "Dylandkt" claimed that this new model may not be branded as the "MacBook Air." Instead, it would simply be the "MacBook."
This would not be the first time Apple has offered a "MacBook." The company sold a MacBook from 2006 to 2012, and again from 2015 to 2019. The last 12-inch MacBook model offered the same low-powered, tapered, USB-C-centric, and fanless design of the subsequent MacBook Air, so they were clearly positioned as similar devices.
Elsewhere in the product lineup, the inverse may happen with the iMac. In recent years, Apple has sold two main iMac models: a 21.5-inch model and a more powerful 27-inch model. Earlier this year, the 21.5-inch model was replaced with an all-new 24-inch model with the M1 chip. The 27-inch model has yet to receive a redesign or an update with Apple silicon, but another rumor from Dylandkt claims that the new model could actually be called the "iMac Pro."
Apple previously offered an iMac Pro in Space Gray from 2017, in addition to the other two iMac models, but the machine was discontinued in early 2021. The high-end iMac model rumored to launch next year is expected to feature a different design, more ports, and more powerful chips compared to the 24-inch model. The "iMac Pro" moniker could make it clearer to customers that the larger, high-end iMac is a professional machine that is significantly different from its smaller sibling, rather than just calling both models the "iMac" as in previous years.
These changes would mean that there was simply the "MacBook" and "MacBook Pro" in terms of Apple laptops, and the "iMac" and "iMac Pro" for Apple all-in-one desktops. This would also bring the Mac more in line with the iPhone, where there is primarily only the "iPhone 13" and "iPhone 13 Pro."
As machines that are expected to get a major overhaul, it seems plausible that Apple could use the launch of the "MacBook" and "iMac Pro" to simplify the Mac lineup's naming. Apple once considered launching an "Apple Watch Pro", but there is no sign of the "Pro" label coming to the Apple Watch for 2022 even though a new model with a "rugged" casing designed for sports and challenging environments is reportedly on the way.
The iPad lineup, on the other hand, remains an open question due to the prominence of the iPad Air, which is offered in between the entry-level iPad and the high-end iPad Pro, so Apple could yet have some way to go before it achieves consistency across the naming of its major products.
Article Link: 2022 'MacBook' and 'iMac Pro' Could Help Apple Simplify Its Naming Strategy
Yes, and the "something to be said" is that it made sense in the 1990s, when Apple 1) had a confusing line-up, 2) relied on third parties (magazines, stores that often didn't care about Apple, etc.) to explain it, and 3) was very small and on the brink of being acquired.
Their current line-up really isn't that confusing, they run their own network of retail stores and their own online store and are in much better control of messaging for the media, and they're a ton bigger. So none of that applies any more, which is why Steve Jobs moved away from that 2x2 matrix rather quickly — as early as 2000 with the Power Mac G4 Cube, in fact.
I’m sure the CEO doesn’t come up with the product names anymore. Not that customers cared either.
Basic principle is that if you start wriggling the names around to talk about *performance* and not *form* then you're locked in a writhing mess of nomenclature.
I'd be happy with the upcoming Mac minis being called Mac minis -- that is, named after the form factor. They don't currently differentiate between Mac mini models based on capabilities, and they're all called "Mac Mini." A Mac mini with an M1 Pro inside it should be a Mac mini, not a "Mac mini Pro." No need to make the names proliferate just because there are changes on the inside.
I'd be happy with the upcoming Mac minis being called Mac minis -- that is, named after the form factor. They don't currently differentiate between Mac mini models based on capabilities, and they're all called "Mac Mini." A Mac mini with an M1 Pro inside it should be a Mac mini, not a "Mac mini Pro." No need to make the names proliferate just because there are changes on the inside.
In fact, "i" was for connectivity ("Internet"), not for consumer. During the first iMac presentation in 1998, it was also used for "individual", "instruct", "inform" et "inspire".