Apple Discontinuing Space Gray Mac Accessories Now That iMac Pro is Dead

[Stephen.R]

Simply pointing out that the mouse is unusable while connected to its charging cable cos of a design decision is an overreaction now?

Pointing out that you can't use it while it's charging is just stating a fact. Ignoring that it needs to be in that state for just two minutes to give you all-day battery life, and acting as if this is both a calamity of epic proportions and the intended use is whining about a non issue.

It's intended that you charge it for a few hours per month. I don't know about you but I tend to find myself away from my desk, to, you know, sleep, eat, ****, live my god damn life, at least a few hours per month.

And if the base socket has advantages, why it not also done for the keyboard and trackpad.

The front edge of the Magic Mouse literally isn't big enough to fit a lightning port, unless you want to be rubbing said port with your finger tips. Whether that's an acceptable design trade off is obviously relative to the person.

I've had a "plug it in and keep using it" bluetooth mouse before (a RadTech BT600, which generally I really liked). If Apple changed the Magic Mouse to have a port on the front, and made the whole thing slightly thicker or whatever, I wouldn't be against it, so long as it's comfortable to use - but there's really not a problem with the current design.

The space grey keyboard = it’s not supposed to match any product other than the iMac Pro. That’s the product it was designed for. I know there are 8,763 different space grey colors.

You're still missing my point. The Mac mini and iMac Pro aren't different shades of "Space Gray" because they're different products. They're different shades because the anodising process is not exact, so there's small differences in shade between all "space gray" items.

The MacBook Air was originally a higher-end Mac. Now it’s at the bottom, but that’s not originally where Apple marketed it. And yes MacBook “pro” which is also a high-end Mac.

It was more expensive originally. It was never "high end", it typically had even lower spec CPUs and graphics than the entry level 13" MBP (which itself is stretching the term "Pro").

That's all irrelevant though. Claiming that "Space Gray has always been Pro" is just ignoring facts. The 2018- Intel Mac mini is space gray, and the base model is decidedly not "pro". The 2019 Mac Pro is spectacularly not Space Gray.


It's just a shade. That's all. It doesn't mean anything.

 

[vbctv]

It was more expensive originally. It was never "high end", it typically had even lower spec CPUs and graphics than the entry level 13" MBP (which itself is stretching the term "Pro").

That's all irrelevant though. Claiming that "Space Gray has always been Pro" is just ignoring facts. The 2018- Intel Mac mini is space gray, and the base model is decidedly not "pro". The 2019 Mac Pro is spectacularly not Space Gray.

The 2018 Mac mini is a Pro model compared to every Mac mini before it. Even the i3 was a quad-core and was actually a previous year i5. Also the 2018 Mac mini uses desktop class processors and not the mobile versions like other Macs. From the price to the specs it was a 'Pro' model and it's likely why Apple still sells it starting at $1099. Because they aren't ready to release the M1X or M2 that will be 'Pro' model ready to replace the Intel Mac mini and 16 inch MacBook Pro models. Plus the fact they technically refreshed the 2018 Mac mini last March with double storage and I believe the storage is faster also than the original 2018 models.

 

[bobt]

The space grey keyboard is being discontinued because it’s replacement is just around the corner.

The new keyboard will finally have the Touch Bar.

(saying it as a joke but actually wish it was true being the only person in the world that seems to like it)

 

[Stephen.R]

The 2018 Mac mini is a Pro model compared to every Mac mini before it.

Being better than the model released four years earlier doesn't make it "pro".

Also the 2018 Mac mini uses desktop class processors and not the mobile versions like other Macs. From the price to the specs it was a 'Pro' model

I didn't say it can't be used for work - I use a maxed out i7 2018 Mini (mostly because it was the best option available for my needs, at the time), but to claim that $800 is "Pro" pricing really pushes the bounds of reality mate.

Plus the fact they technically refreshed the 2018 Mac mini last March

They just increased the default storage on all models.

I believe the storage is faster also than the original 2018 models.

It's "faster" at the same price point, because the SSD speed is faster as you increase the capacity in the 2018 spec. So a upgraded 256GB 2018 model will be the same speed as a "new" base 256GB 2020 model (if both SSDs had the same level of wear)

Because they aren't ready to release the M1X or M2 that will be 'Pro' model ready to replace the Intel Mac mini and 16 inch MacBook Pro models.

You're probably right, but that's also irrelevant to a discussion about colours.


Let me state this a bit clearer for those of you who are somehow fixated on "Space Gray = Pro; Pro = Space Gray":


THE COLOUR DOESN'T AFFECT HOW FAST OR SLOW THE COMPUTER WORKS OR WHAT THINGS IT CAN DO.

 

[ipponrg]

THE COLOUR DOESN'T AFFECT HOW FAST OR SLOW THE COMPUTER WORKS OR WHAT THINGS IT CAN DO.

I don’t think people are really saying this. Historically the pro models (15”+) in terms of colors were more neutral. Some people are fixated on the colors because they are not fans of these pastels. That is all.

 

[bluecoast]

Is this the beginning of the end for space grey across all apple’s hardware? It doesn’t look good for it.

 

[rpmurray]

I can’t delete my post and it didn’t add to the thread so I did what I could to remove it. Shouldn’t have posted it in the first place but it was too late; my finger had already pressed the “Post reply” button.

Ah. I thought you were making a minimalist post on the plight of the common man.

 

[coolbreeze2]

My wish list of space gray accessories would cost me $690.15.

 

[Stephen.R]

I don’t think people are really saying this. Historically the pro models (15”+) in terms of colors were more neutral. Some people are fixated on the colors because they are not fans of these pastels. That is all.

Historically, every "high end" laptop Apple sold this century has come in Silver, with some additional options in the last half-decade.

Guess which non-pastel colour is available on the M1 iMac? SILVER.

If you don't like pastels, buy the silver. If you care more about it being specifically dark gray, than about how it works, that's your prerogative, but it seems like a weird way to buy a computer to me.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I'd opt for the Dark Grey if I had the option... But I only use an Apple keyboard without a number key pad so ... silver is my only option. But I buy everything else in Dark Grey - (my MBP, iPhone, iPad, and anything else that I can). I like darker colors. Oh well.

It kinda bothered me too that the Dark Grey options were usually $50 more expensive than the silver.

 

[macintoshmac]

Did we need matching keyboards for the new iMac? White would have sufficed. These space grey keyboards and other accessories are classy and rather timeless. Go with all models. Shouldn’t have been discontinued.

 

[macintoshmac]

I'd opt for the Dark Grey if I had the option... But I only use an Apple keyboard without a number key pad so ... silver is my only option. But I buy everything else in Dark Grey - (my MBP, iPhone, iPad, and anything else that I can). I like darker colors. Oh well.

It kinda bothered me too that the Dark Grey options were usually $50 more expensive than the silver.

That was Apple’s bean counter counting beans. My opinion might be unpopular, but Apple is really just going after high margins, that’s it.

Airport lineup needed to be updated and made competitive, not discontinued. Similarly, these keyboards could be updated, didn’t need to be discontinued.

What needs to be discontinued is that mouse with its juice-mouth at the bottom instead of at its sides. But that ain’t happening just yet. 😅

 

[svish]

I prefer the white magic mouse. But there should be a choice. Hope Apple releases colourful Magic Mouse (available along with 24" iMac) to purchase separately.

 

[ipponrg]

Historically, every "high end" laptop Apple sold this century has come in Silver, with some additional options in the last half-decade.

Guess which non-pastel colour is available on the M1 iMac? SILVER.

If you don't like pastels, buy the silver. If you care more about it being specifically dark gray, than about how it works, that's your prerogative, but it seems like a weird way to buy a computer to me.

Yeah to you it’s weird. To others, it matters. To me, it’s not weird that people prefer darker shades of grey/silver over silver itself. Color is a large part of personalization which in itself is a factor for a purchase. It just happens that pastels are not historically timeless which is why silver is offered in practically every release.

I do think most that preferred space grey will just end up purchasing silver.

 

[Stephen.R]

Yeah to you it’s weird. To others, it matters.

I didn't say preferring a particular colour is weird.

I said if you care about it being dark "gray" rather than "silver", more than you care about how it works, that is weird to me.

I do think most that preferred space grey will just end up purchasing silver.

Not before they've whined about it here incessantly apparently.

 

[coolajami]

Apparently subtle colours are not good enough for Apple anymore.
You either have to settle with toilet-sink white, tin-man silver or reflective buoy shades, just in case people don't notice that you own an iMac.
Coming soon to all gym/medical/hotel/you-name-it receptions near by.

And in case you're not happy now, let's wait to see the new Macbook Pro/Air models.

 

[Warped9]

Apparently subtle colours are not good enough for Apple anymore.

And what was subtle about the colours on the G3 iMacs and vibrant colours on the iPods of several years ago?

Gray and Silver tones are desaturated Black unless you add some tint from some other colour. This makes them neutral so they can match with anything. Soft tones such as those introduced on the iPad Air and now the iMac and forthcoming MacBook Air also tend to be more neutral and less likely to clash with different colour schemes of a home, office or workspace, and thus also less distracting from whats on your screen. More vibrant colours draw attention, are more distracting and are more difficult to blend in with different colour schemes.

Gray and Black are not really colours, but actually absent of colours unless you tint them with something else.

 

[T Coma]

Not sure about using the word “dead” to describe a product no longer for sale during a pandemic where many have suffered the loss of loved ones.

good grief. I’ve worked with burn victims that were less sensitive then some of these MR folk.

but yes, i hope grey and silver/black return for the big iMacs — no fruity colors here, thanks.

 

[hooptyuber]

Apple's iMac colors are massively idiotic. They're freaking awful. Who the **** is going to buy a pink iMac? If they offered the new iMacs in Dark Space Gray, they'd sell a lot more of them. They wouldn't be able to keep them in stock. Many of us are adults who don't want a garish tinker-toy colored iMac.


Dark Space Gray is the best color for an iMac and accessories and not only does Apple not offer it with the new iMacs they discontinue it in the remaining iMac accessories they've got. Brilliant move, Apple. Grow up.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

Ah. I thought you were making a minimalist post on the plight of the common man.

I guess I was thinking more of the proverbial unknown as everyone eventually hits the period at the end of their life sentence.

While much postulation has been made about what happens after you finish your sentence, no one has any hard facts, hence the blankness after the “.” in my post. It was the summation of scientific evidence of post-life consciousness, rolled into a single post.

 

[bobt]

What happens if your 6 month old space grey keyboard craps out under warranty. Will Apple keep a supply on hand or replace with a silver one?

 

[philosopherdog]

White is so ugly and prone to getting grungy fast. I just grabbed a spare trackpad. Things will probably command a fortune used.

 

[Warped9]

Apple's iMac colors are massively idiotic. They're freaking awful. Who the **** is going to buy a pink iMac? If they offered the new iMacs in Dark Space Gray, they'd sell a lot more of them. They wouldn't be able to keep them in stock. Many of us are adults who don't want a garish tinker-toy colored iMac.


Dark Space Gray is the best color for an iMac and accessories and not only does Apple not offer it with the new iMacs they discontinue it in the remaining iMac accessories they've got. Brilliant move, Apple. Grow up.

Wow! Just….Wow!

 

[John.B]

I’m sure this has to do with the new touch ID keyboards that will be showing up soon or whatever keyboard will come with the 27 inch iMac replacement.

With white key caps and bezels, to be sure.

 

[John.B]

this isn't true. the logitech mx keys is specifically designed for mac users. it even has the same colors (space gray, black) as the magic keyboard that is the topic of this thread.

the same goes for the logitech mx master 3. it's black, space gray, and silver, the same colors you'd expect from a mac

if you do a quick google search and read threads of people comparing the logitech's mx set with the apple's magic set, it's pretty clear that the majority of people prefer the logitech mx set.

based on your comment, you only want the apple magic set because they're from apple and not because of any objective reasoning.

I thought the key-feel of the Logitech MX keyboard for Mac was terrible. Like there was oatmeal under the keys? And boot-option key presses with the MX keyboard didn’t work over Bluetooth. I couldn’t return mine fast enough.

I’m sure the MX mouse is fine, but it’s no trackpad. (As far as that goes, nobody has ever made a trackpad that’s the equal of the Apple trackpads.)