Pretty much my thoughts several years ago. It was a little closer back in the 2.0 days but anyone with a Photoshop workflow would have been drawn to Lightroom for obvious reasons. The Additions in PS and LR this year alone likely put the last nail in the coffin. Photos/iCloud Sync will no doubt follow the LR Mobile model if Apple can manage to break a record and not have the most confusing interface around.
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Apple Ending Development on Aperture as Upcoming Photos App for OS X Will Replace iPhoto
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Pretty much my thoughts several years ago. It was a little closer back in the 2.0 days but anyone with a Photoshop workflow would have been drawn to Lightroom for obvious reasons. The Additions in PS and LR this year alone likely put the last nail in the coffin. Photos/iCloud Sync will no doubt follow the LR Mobile model if Apple can manage to break a record and not have the most confusing interface around.
I didn't say Apple was going to suddenly kill all products but one. I'm alluding to the fact that they're whole "simplify" philosophy, when taken to the end of it's logical progression, would mean that they would only have one "perfect" product, which would be the one that makes the most profit.
I was using a bit (ok, a lot) of hyperbole to illustrate how Apple is constantly and unnecessarily (in my view at least) downsizing, in order to (so-called) "focus" and maximize profits. That is great for them (short-term), but bad for us.
Is it that impactful to their bottom line to continue support for this product? Financially, maybe. But as stated by many here, it may cost them when users abandon the platform altogether because the product they've come to rely on for years is discontinued and replaced by the competitor's product (at their own behest!!!) because it'll save Apple money in the very short term. Apple needs to start taking some of that huge cash hoard and invest in itself, by keeping products around that, while not being high volume sellers, have long-time users attached to them.
I see that Apple is like a long-time wife who starts looking for younger men, 'cause your old-ass doesn't do it for her anymore.
Bottom line, Apple killing Aperture is yet another example of them being unreliable and fickle in my book. And it hurts, 'cause I love her so.
I didn't say Apple was going to suddenly kill all products but one. I'm alluding to the fact that they're whole "simplify" philosophy, when taken to the end of it's logical progression, would mean that they would only have one "perfect" product, which would be the one that makes the most profit.
I was using a bit (ok, a lot) of hyperbole to illustrate how Apple is constantly and unnecessarily (in my view at least) downsizing, in order to (so-called) "focus" and maximize profits. That is great for them (short-term), but bad for us.
Is it that impactful to their bottom line to continue support for this product? Financially, maybe. But as stated by many here, it may cost them when users abandon the platform altogether because the product they've come to rely on for years is discontinued and replaced by the competitor's product (at their own behest!!!) because it'll save Apple money in the very short term. Apple needs to start taking some of that huge cash hoard and invest in itself, by keeping products around that, while not being high volume sellers, have long-time users attached to them.
I see that Apple is like a long-time wife who starts looking for younger men, 'cause your old-ass doesn't do it for her anymore.
Bottom line, Apple killing Aperture is yet another example of them being unreliable and fickle in my book. And it hurts, 'cause I love her so.
You're right about the hyperbole.
But people don't even know what Apple's new Photos app is going to be like, and they're already freaking out. Most likely, it will have most of the editing features Aperture had anyways.Let's face it, Aperture was just a beefed up version of iPhoto, and when you put iPhoto, Aperture, and Lightroom on a spectrum, Aperture and it's feature set were much more close to iPhoto than Lightroom. Lightroom's editing features are way more in depth.
It's likely the new Photos app will have the majority of features from Aperture and more new features as well. It's just a logical progression. There wasn't a big enough difference between them and or a real professional user base on Aperture to continue their separate development.
You're right about the hyperbole.
Let's face it, Aperture was just a beefed up version of iPhoto, and when you put iPhoto, Aperture, and Lightroom on a spectrum, Aperture and it's feature set were much more close to iPhoto than Lightroom. Lightroom's editing features are way more in depth.
It's likely the new Photos app will have the majority of features from Aperture and more new features as well. It's just a logical progression. There wasn't a big enough difference between them and or a real professional user base on Aperture to continue their separate development.
Like the new iWorks had all the old features in...
Aperture is a pro tool, clearly you don't use it if you think it iPhoto with nobs on
As for user base on Aperture, 4th highest grossing App in the App store says otherwise.
If Apple want to keep this large and ever growing group of users they need to be more open about Photos if it is any good or people will have already invested time and money in other systems that are being developed on an ongoing basis, not once every 5 years....
I've reviewed the WWDC keynote a few times, and I'm sorry, but it is not at all clear that extensions as described will be coming to the MacOS photos app... Sounds very iOS-focused to me. So.. Yes, hope for the best (best = Aperture Plug-in/Extension from Apple on Day 1), but I'm not holding my breath.
In the meantime, I'll be buying a few extra current Macs, mothballing them and sticking w/ 10.9 and Aperture for the foreseeable future. In a few years, after this all shakes out, perhaps a 3rd party will actually offer something that is better for my photography than Aperture 3... Right now, LR just doesn't cut it.
The market needs more competitors, not fewer.
apple.com/feedback
Is this how apple treats professional photographers? giving them the middle finger?
Um...
HyperCard? (Imagine if HyperCard had continued to be developed and supported, well into the iOS age. Imagine the tools that could have been created with it.)
QTVR? (Especially sad, as right after QTVR+Sprites died and was forgotten, we finally had devices (iPhone, iPad) where it would have truly shined... Imagine Apple Maps with user-generated QTVR content for museum interiors, parks, etc...)
Sigh.
Aperture doesn't have a RAW engine. It uses the one built in to OS X. so it actually can continue to support new cameras without new updates. (Of course, Apple's RAW support for OS X would need to be updated to support new cameras, but they already have committed to do that.)
All that means is that most software sold in the app store doesn't cost much. Nothing more.
We're not sure of that. We know it is one of the highest grossing. We don't know if that means it made money.
spot on.. for a 'forward thinking company' Apple seem incapable of being truly innovative, as they don't understand what they have till the throw it away
not truly developed in years, so it isn't exactly costing much, I think it's a safe bet.
regardless, it is popular, it is great software and they are as ever throwing it and it's user base away.
I buy macs because of the software, not because they are shiny, if the software is else where I will look else where.
So far non of the other things I've seen are as good, perhaps Tim Cook could make a statement before we all decide Apple just don't want to be bothered with us any more.
I have been using Aperture every day for the last 8 years. I have about 500,000 images across about 20 libraries!? This is an absolute pisstake. I have had Apple everything for years, every single thing. My whole workflow revolves around aperture. Their stupid libraries system means you can't even access the files outside aperture. Moving to another system will be an absolute nightmare. There are terabytes and terabytes of data! All of the 'lossless' adjustments will be completely lost.... Not to mention the many years of experience and workflow shortcuts that will be cut down to the stump. ****** you Apple. This is the absolute worst thing you could possibly have done, you absolute inconsiderate scumbags. That is people's livelihoods you are messing with
Do what I'm doing? Buy a few extra Macs, mothball them until one dies, repeat.. Ride 10.9 and Aperture 3 until the wheels come off.. In a few years, perhaps, a 3rd party will offer exactly what we want?
and.. apple.com/feedback ...
Can't hurt... may do more good than saying it here?
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This is too true for me. I've used Aperture from the beginning. It's the only OS X app I really need. I'm very frustrated, as I'm sure others are, as I have a huge Aperture library, closing in on 1TB, with tens of thousands of images perfectly organized, adjusted etc. etc. This is very, very disappointing news indeed.
I've tried many other photo apps and nothing even comes close to Aperture in terms of organizational capabilities, key wording, batching, automated workflow setup etc. That's what I will miss most.
Praying the new "Photo" app will have at least a good portion of that functionality.
Seriously... everyone.. apple.com/feedback ....
I doubt any of the comments here will ever be seen by anyone at Apple otherwise.. If this matters to you, let Apple know. Can't hurt, and may do more good than venting here.. Maybe...
Your serious? One speciality hire for a specific assignment paid 2X their previous salary for an Apple Poach? Reality check time.
The problem for you (and me) is there are so many teenyboppers out there buying iPhones and iPads so they can iSight each other about who got laid at last weekend's underage drinking party that selling real computers and quality software is not where Apple's money is coming from.
They might have needed you (and me) earlier but not any more. OK-quality downloads, OK-quality streaming, iToys and ghettophones are apparently where it's at these days.
Yeah.... frustrating situation, but ....
NO piece of software gets supported forever. It's part of using computers to run into these situations where you invested all sorts of hours of time putting information into a program, only to find the program gets discontinued.
Since we still have very little information on what the "Photos" replacement will be, it may not be a big issue after all? I could easily see Apple just taking the Aperture code and merging it with the iPhoto code in such a way where you'll be able to select simple or advanced menus -- hiding the expert features from those who don't want them, and revealing them for those who do.
If not? Well, then you've got a product that still works for you exactly like it did before Apple said they'd discontinue it. Use it as long as you can use it and get your money's worth out of it -- with the idea in the back of your head that you have to move to something else, long-term.
NO piece of software gets supported forever. It's part of using computers to run into these situations where you invested all sorts of hours of time putting information into a program, only to find the program gets discontinued.
Since we still have very little information on what the "Photos" replacement will be, it may not be a big issue after all? I could easily see Apple just taking the Aperture code and merging it with the iPhoto code in such a way where you'll be able to select simple or advanced menus -- hiding the expert features from those who don't want them, and revealing them for those who do.
If not? Well, then you've got a product that still works for you exactly like it did before Apple said they'd discontinue it. Use it as long as you can use it and get your money's worth out of it -- with the idea in the back of your head that you have to move to something else, long-term.
Aperture definetly won't be the last pro software to bite the bullet. They are expensive to maintain and are not part of apples core business now.
People need to remember why many of these were created and that's mostly because Steve couldn't get his own way with the companies so created a competitor (his outburst to avid releasing their software on windows is legendary). Tim doesn't carry this baggage so doesn't need to continue with the development.
People need to remember why many of these were created and that's mostly because Steve couldn't get his own way with the companies so created a competitor (his outburst to avid releasing their software on windows is legendary). Tim doesn't carry this baggage so doesn't need to continue with the development.
Your serious? One speciality hire for a specific assignment paid 2X their previous salary for an Apple Poach? Reality check time.
Check out MacRumors some time on all the hires Apple has made over the past few years. The biggest problem Apple has right now is not enough space. Right now. Employees are spread out in numerous buildings throughout Cupertino. Hence why they're building a new campus.
I'm curious what evidence you have that software engineers aren't interested in working at Apple?
Like the new iWorks had all the old features in...
Aperture is a pro tool, clearly you don't use it if you think it iPhoto with nobs on
As for user base on Aperture, 4th highest grossing App in the App store says otherwise.
If Apple want to keep this large and ever growing group of users they need to be more open about Photos if it is any good or people will have already invested time and money in other systems that are being developed on an ongoing basis, not once every 5 years....
Clearly I don't use it? What?
I used Aperture for almost 5 years. I bought both Aperture 2 and Aperture 3. I was even one of the holdouts to switching to Lightroom hoping that Apple would come out with Aperture 4. I gave up waiting and switched to Lightroom in January because Aperture is not even close to Lightroom when it comes to image processing. Tone controls, filters, masking, sharpening & noise reduction, and lens correction are miles ahead in Lightroom.. it's like a Ferrari compared to Aperture's Kia.
Aperture is prosumer software for Apple fans. I was one of them and I'm not afraid to admit it. But as I've expanded my photography, I outgrew it. It's not full professional level software, it just lacked too many features. It's a niche product for prosumers who wanted to do more editing than iPhoto could do but still wanted the ease of use and integration with OS X and iOS. But just like with Final Cut and Avid Media Composer, Apple's offering has always been the smaller niche and the vast majority of pros who use the software to make money used LR/PS or Avid Media Composer. Final Cut is great software and was used by a good amount of people (especially before FCPX), but still, Avid was in the majority of post houses and on the majority of big productions.
The only app/industry where Apple is a serious player is the music industry with Logic Pro. And Logic Pro X kicks ass.
You don't even know what the new app is going to be like? It's impossible to even make this claim you're making without knowing that.
Like it or not, Aperture and iPhoto were too close of a product that it just doesn't make sense to continue them as separate product lines. It's about time they become unified. It's more forward thinking than you think, you're trying to live in the past where there was still a difference between regular consumers and the "prosumers".. consumers who take the stuff seriously as a hobby. Aperture is iPhoto with slightly better editing tools, but still they aren't even close to Lightroom's.
My only gripe is that hopefully Adobe comes out with a migration tool for Aperture users. I have a good 20,000 images still in Aperture. I use a referenced library so I can use the photos in LR now, but I'd like an easier way to move my edits of previous images over from Aperture short of exporting edits and importing them to LR. Hopefully Adobe comes up with an easier solution for migration.
Apple doesn't do anything without a business case. Apple certainly knew in their calculations that they would lose folks. They didn't go into this blindly.
They are looking at the masses vs the folks that stuck with them through thick-n-thin. And no, I'm not implying that ever mattered/factored into Apple or any other corporate decisions. Plain and simple it doesn't.
Yep been an Apple owner since Apple II days, then an IIE, then a IIc (yeah, don;t hold that against me), etc etc.
Sad as with the Peg2 and MPro we're FINALLY getting to a fast, usable, reliable system.
As for someone you mentioned "have you used lightroom?", yes I have. My best friend uses lightroom, I've seen what it could do years ago and chose to not switch.
I'm not a pro, I'm in the Pro-Sumer category who needs a photo workflow that works for both myself and my wife. We have 500K+ photos jpeg/raw formats and a few hundred videos.
Over the next week or so, there'll be a version of lightroom on my Dell 17" (yep Apple 17") laptop. Its not an Apple, but its a 17" screen here's at ya Apple. My buddy is gonna come down and teach an old dog new tricks with lightroom.
Once I spec a new system, probably will go with another laptop, Windows 8.1 (yeah, well at least it has full blown OneNote) and the real question will be which RAID.
And yes, I do think from years of owning both Apples and Windows PCs...Mac OS being built on UNIX at its core, its still the most secure system. Perhaps 20+ years of being a UNIX SW engineer has jaded my thinking I can tell you with two boys having Windows 8/8.1 PCs of recent versus when they were both sharing the MBPro...the Windows have suffered from 10+ virus infections just since Christmas, sometimes requiring days to restore. The MBPro...even though they're accessing the same sites...ZERO.
Could do Lightroom on Apple...but don't think I will.
Speaking as a SW Engineer...in a perfect world Apple would release Aperture into the open source market...but they won't because it might grow into something that would erode their new photo business direction. Would scare the #&46@ out of Lightroom though! Oh well...back to reality.
I will bring up to Apple Biz on Monday why I'm moving on from Apple. But guys, its gonna fall on deaf ears. Apple made their decision and they made it knowingly. They knew they'd be abandoning us and they DON'T CARE. Its all about the mighty dollar of the masses no, and that's what corporations are about.
This is my first series of posts here, though a lurker for years. This will now be my last post here.
After decades as an Apple owner..I'm moving on.
Apple left me, I didn't leave Apple.
Good luck everyone!
Jesse
They are looking at the masses vs the folks that stuck with them through thick-n-thin. And no, I'm not implying that ever mattered/factored into Apple or any other corporate decisions. Plain and simple it doesn't.
Yep been an Apple owner since Apple II days, then an IIE, then a IIc (yeah, don;t hold that against me), etc etc.
Sad as with the Peg2 and MPro we're FINALLY getting to a fast, usable, reliable system.
As for someone you mentioned "have you used lightroom?", yes I have. My best friend uses lightroom, I've seen what it could do years ago and chose to not switch.
I'm not a pro, I'm in the Pro-Sumer category who needs a photo workflow that works for both myself and my wife. We have 500K+ photos jpeg/raw formats and a few hundred videos.
Over the next week or so, there'll be a version of lightroom on my Dell 17" (yep Apple 17") laptop. Its not an Apple, but its a 17" screen here's at ya Apple. My buddy is gonna come down and teach an old dog new tricks with lightroom.
Once I spec a new system, probably will go with another laptop, Windows 8.1 (yeah, well at least it has full blown OneNote) and the real question will be which RAID.
And yes, I do think from years of owning both Apples and Windows PCs...Mac OS being built on UNIX at its core, its still the most secure system. Perhaps 20+ years of being a UNIX SW engineer has jaded my thinking
I can tell you with two boys having Windows 8/8.1 PCs of recent versus when they were both sharing the MBPro...the Windows have suffered from 10+ virus infections just since Christmas, sometimes requiring days to restore. The MBPro...even though they're accessing the same sites...ZERO. Could do Lightroom on Apple...but don't think I will.
Speaking as a SW Engineer...in a perfect world Apple would release Aperture into the open source market...but they won't because it might grow into something that would erode their new photo business direction. Would scare the #&46@ out of Lightroom though! Oh well...back to reality.
I will bring up to Apple Biz on Monday why I'm moving on from Apple. But guys, its gonna fall on deaf ears. Apple made their decision and they made it knowingly. They knew they'd be abandoning us and they DON'T CARE. Its all about the mighty dollar of the masses no, and that's what corporations are about.
This is my first series of posts here, though a lurker for years. This will now be my last post here.
After decades as an Apple owner..I'm moving on.
Apple left me, I didn't leave Apple.
Good luck everyone!
Jesse
I wonder how many people angry about this situation asked us who like the 17" MBP to quit whining when Apple killed it because it didn't sell well
I said it before, and I'll say it again: Apple is not interested in making the "best products" any more. It is ALL about money. This is yet another exhibit supporting that theory.
The decision to kill an app such as Aperture is strictly FINANCIAL. They are going for the bigger market; the "pro" one is too small (according to their apparent philosophy, at least).
They keep getting smaller at the point where they have the most money EVER, when they should be diversifying more (i.e. getting bigger--MORE PRODUCTS). Their so-called "focus" and simplification is the problem. If taken to it's logical conclusion, it means Apple would end up with one product (the simplest form). The one that makes the most profit.
So if you have a heavy business investment in Apple, you better have a "Plan B" ready, tested, and viable. Apple is a consumer company, not a computer company anymore.
This trend of killing products with no real 1st party replacement will cause it to implode.
Yea, I said it. Apple is doomed. But not yet, not yet.
I stand by my original statement... your not an Aperture user, if you knew how to use it you would know it has some major advantages in the pro workflow over lightroom.
yes Lr has more features, but time is money which is why I hate it's interface.
edit 2000 images in an afternoon with Lr and I bet I'd beat you hands down, of course I need PT lens for lens correction, the one thing I was hoping for from aperture 4, but other than that it works, it's intuitive and though the data processing is slower due to ease of use it's faster over all.
your dismissal of it as iPhoto+ shows your lack of understanding of what a pro tog needs from an app.
as for the rest, I was quoting track record, so perhaps more credible than your wishful thinking.
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Don't forget Apple trawl sites like this, it would be interesting to see how this and many other discussions going on over the internet shape Photos.
which may be great, and I may be able to wait and see, but I am pessimistic due to resent software updates and Apples historic ability to just walk away from entire markets.