Apple Invites Media to October 30th Event in New York City

[tubular]

Ok, but the entire point of a Mac Mini was to be affordable lol. If they make a pro tier and keep an entry model I guess that would be fine.

That's what they used to have -- a low-end Mac mini and a mid-range Mac mini that got pretty close to low-end Mac Pro performance. That way they had the whole range covered. But then they started believing their own press releases that positioned the Mac mini as a low-power machine, and in 2014 they very stupidly killed the mid-range quad-core Mac mini, leaving a big wide gaping hole in the performance spectrum we've been begging Apple to fill since the day they emptied it.

 

[cmaier]

Current Apple has no direction. No leadership. NO VISION.

They iterate on products started or completed under Jobs (the Watch was definitely started while he was still CEO), sometimes not even once a year.

They are supposedly working on a car?

Maybe they'll become a TV studio?

$1 trillion in marketshare and they don't know what to do.

They have vision. It’s just different than yours. The easy thing to do would be to give in to the shrillest voices on the forums. Then we would all be tethered to our desktop mid sized tower cases, rocking 3 pound Mac tablets, and making calls from our iPodPhones. Chill out a little.

 

[Zdigital2015]

I hope so. I'd really like something in between a Mac mini and Mac Pro, with a consumer based graphics card, hopefully a GTX 1080.

Apple has hitched its wagon to AMD, for better or worse, and NVIDIA is never going to be included in that wagon train again. That being said, it would be helpful if Apple at least allowed NVIDIA GPUs to be officially supported in an eGPU, but I would not hold my breath. Metal is Apple’s future, and although Apple does support Metal on NVIDIA, I do not expect that to continue indefinitely.

 

[pappkristof]

iOS versions of Final Cut ProX and Logic ProX for the new iPad Pro ???

Please no! If apple releases them for iOS they’ll be dumbed down versions like with iMovie.
[doublepost=1539957696][/doublepost]Apple should rather improve iWork and iLife for both MacOS and iOS.

 

[Tozovac]

For the love of Steve... Apple did not remove mag-safe. Apple effectively opened it up for everyone to add it into any one of the ports in any number of different ways. Now we have a lot more choice.

Just google “usb-c MagSafe”

What the f is the problem???

Nice. When looking for a mag-safe type of lightning connection option for the phone, I found nothing but articles on Apple patent infringements and questionable reviews on Amazon for Chinese variants that resulted too often in heat-up and other issues when charging.

Anyone try a magsafe usb-c option and run into no heat or other compatibility issues?

 

[IG88]

NVIDIA is never going to be included in that wagon train again

How do you figure?

 

[smulji]

Agreed. I think you're being kind, though. Watching paint dry doesn't make me cringe and there have been several cringeworthy moments in recent keynotes. Craig is the only bright spot. Jony's design videos border on parody. Tim has gotten worse as a presenter. He's adopted this weird, almost politician-like, way of speaking and when he stresses words like "magical" and "amazing", it just sounds creepy and desperate. Jobs knew how to put on a show. I got to sit in the second row, front and center, at one of the NeXTWORLD keynotes back in the day and it was electric. Apple's current executive lineup doesn't have that kind of energy or charisma. Craig is the only one with charm.

"Apple's current executive lineup doesn't have that kind of energy or charisma."

To be fair, I don't think anyone in the tech industry does. The closest I've seen is Panos Panay.

 

[BayouTiger]

I don’t expect a Mac mini Pro, there’s no way to shoehorn a Xeon CPU and a workstation-class GPU into a mini form factor. I do think we’ll see a higher-spec’ed, more expensive entry price, about the same as the current $899 pricing of the 8GB/256GB SSD model.

The smaller iPad Pro currently starts at $649, I expect the new model to be around $699. The 12.9” should be close to its current $799 starting price as well.

I don't expect you will ever see a Workstation class GPU in an Apple box (that's not an iMac) again. I think they will be the domain of the eGPU in the new devices. Thus the modularity. I would expect the main CPU box to have onboard graphics and enough cooling to handle an i7/i9 CPU or even the new Intel/Vega and a separate Xeon option. Keeping the GPU in it's own enclosure opens up the CPU enclosure cloying to either a powerful Xeon with minimal graphics, or a Core cpu with decent graphics. I would love to even see the power supply move to it's own box to accommodate 2 or 3 different supplies and even redundancy.

Moving to a truly modular platform could make the new MacPro the basis for an entire computing platform that could serve every market from basic web browser to server to workstation. Hell imagine if the footprint of the CPU matched the foot on the iMac and opened the option for either a 5K display to match, or an eGPU to go as a riser under an iMac.

My head starts swimming to think of how amazing this could be if done right.

 

[Skoal]

This is a crucial keynote for Apple. It will show us their direction for next few years. If there is nothing interesting (nice tech for a reasonable price), I will have to get out of the ecosystem.

Not so sure how crucial it is for Apple since they’ve been killing it the last several years but I understand how it might be so for you.

 

[Skoal]

The excitement in this thread is good to see. Really looking forward to coming here on the 30th to see all the hand wringing and whining......and that’s too bad.

 

[omihek]

The word whining implies the person doing it is a malcontent or difficult to satisfy. My point is that people may be whining for a legitimate reason which is not the same thing.

Spot on definition of most MacRumors commenters right there.

 

[Detnator]

Yes Apple removed it. Do you visually see the port in the Mbp?

The problem is this is aftermarket, and there is no Apple approved MagSafe alternative. The 3rd party MagSafe adapters do not sit flush with the chassis, and some do not reliably work.

These are business machines for doing a job. The above solutions do the job and at least some do the job as well if not better than Apple’s official MagSafe.

It not sitting flush makes absolutely no difference to practical usage and getting the job done.

Some do not reliably work? That means some do reliably work.

No... you just want an excuse to whine (as inkswamp said: malcontent or difficult to satisfy). It’s unfortunate for you that this is the stuff that makes a significant difference to your actual real life.

 

[charlituna]

Seeing as Tim doesn't seem to like Macs and likes to maximize profits

if you believe that then you should be thinking he's going to announce that they are just cancelling all Macs and Mac OS. because all the profit is in iOS

 

[Detnator]

What disaster was that? It nearly killed them financially? That was when Apple only sold Macs.

How could that even be a disaster today, when Macs bring the smallest share of the profits? Windows 10 is such a mess that Apple would probably make at least 10 times as much profit selling macOS for non-Mac PCs instead of selling trying to squeeze profits out of Macs built with out-of-date components. Profit margins are a lot higher on software than they are on hardware, after all.

Seeing as Tim doesn't seem to like Macs and likes to maximize profits, I'd say that macOS for everyone would not surprise me at all. It would even explain the multitude of logos for the current event.

This actually makes some sense on some levels but not on others.

People today love macOS so much that yes Apple could potentially make a killing just selling that. But...

The kind of people that only love the software and hate the hardware are the same kind of people as MR readers. We’re a minority.

Part of the reason macOS is so awesome is the security and the way everything just works so well together (comparatively speaking - yes sometimes it sucks but it still sucks less than the alternatives). And most of the reason all that exists is because Apple makes a limited amount of hardware to work really well with their software and nothing else.

It’s this juxtaposition that’s the dilemma.

MR readers need to remember that we’re not Apple’s target market. We’re a minority. Even Apple’s pro target market is not us. What we want and what Apple’s target market want are completely different, virtually opposite.

That’s why Apple isn’t going to make non-soldered Macs any more (except possibly the new MP) and it’s why they’re not going to sell macOS separately.

So yeah. Unfortunately It’s not going to happen.
[doublepost=1539967716][/doublepost]

Nice. When looking for a mag-safe type of lightning connection option for the phone, I found nothing but articles on Apple patent infringements and questionable reviews on Amazon for Chinese variants that resulted too often in heat-up and other issues when charging.

Anyone try a magsafe usb-c option and run into no heat or other compatibility issues?

These Mac compatible usb-c magnetic power connection options are pretty prominent and from long standing reputable brands like Griffin. I’m pretty sure if they were infringing anything we’d have heard by now.

 

[brinary001]

I wonder why this is in NYC and not at Apple HQ like all other events.

Seems to be the pattern they're developing for non-iPhone/Watch announcements. Think back to their education event earlier this year in Chicago where they announced a new standard iPad. Maybe trying to go back to their roots where they'd announce new Macs at Macworld NYC? I'm pretty sure they did from time to time... Back in the Steve days

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

How is it a meme? They haven't updated the Mac Pro since 2013. The GPU performance is something like a GTX 1050.

1. They have announced they are doing something about the Mac Pro. So, whining about how long it has been for the Mac Pro AFTER that announcement is not helpful nor informative, especially since we are still within their projected timeframe of "In the near Future, but not 2018".

2. Although there was no specifics given as to timeframe (IIRC) nor what it exactly means, Apple has publicly stated, in addition to their assurance that the Mac mini is "Still important", they also later stated that they are redesigning the Mac mini with a "Pro" focus. Again, once this commitment was announced, continually harping about the current status of the mini is neither helpful nor informative.

As I said, once or twice is ok. But literally HUNDREDS of Posts echoing the same hand-wringing sentiment at this point is nothing more or less than unmitigated Apple Hatred, and has NO PLACE on a site like MR.

 

[Detnator]

The word whining implies the person doing it is a malcontent or difficult to satisfy. My point is that people may be whining for a legitimate reason which is not the same thing.



Oh come on.

The iMac Pro may be an impressive machine but who exactly is that for? Most pro users don't want a built-in screen and next to no expandability. And most desktop users don't need that kind of power nor want that kind of price tag.

I stand by my assertion that Apple's efforts in desktop computing have been utterly pathetic for almost half a decade at this point.

Umm... No... Most MR readers don’t want a built in screen and next to no expandability, but normal pro users who see their Mac as a tool to do a job and not a religion don’t care anywhere near as much about these things as MR whiners want to think. They buy the machine. It does the job. They make money. They’re happy. They sell it and buy a new one N years later and repeat.

The vast majority of Apple’s target market doesn’t give two hoots about all the crap MR whiners whine about. Which is why I love your other point, about whining: malcontent or difficult to satisfy. That says it all. Unfortunately it seems you’re saying that to justify people whining but no. Most whiners here aren’t happy under any circumstances. They are impossible to satisfy. See MacsRuleOthersDrool‘s post I’ve replied to below.

The iMP is awesome (it does the job for me). And the iMac is awesome for those it’s targeted to. But I do agree that Apple’s other efforts on the desktop are pathetic right now. MP and Mini are embarrassing at best. But to their credit at least they’ve acknowledged they screwed up the MP and so I’m excited to see what they’re bringing to replace it next year. I’m vaguely hoping they’ll show us some kind of sneak peak on 10/30 but won’t hold my breath. I think the here and now is a joke (mini and MP) but i think we’re not far off from them fixing that mess.
[doublepost=1539969149][/doublepost]

1. They have announced they are doing something about the Mac Pro. So, whining about how long it has been for the Mac Pro AFTER that announcement is not helpful nor informative, especially since we are still within their projected timeframe of "In the near Future, but not 2018".

2. Although there was no specifics given as to timeframe (IIRC) nor what it exactly means, Apple has publicly stated, in addition to their assurance that the Mac mini is "Still important", they also later stated that they are redesigning the Mac mini with a "Pro" focus. Again, once this commitment was announced, continually harping about the current status of the mini is neither helpful nor informative.

As I said, once or twice is ok. But literally HUNDREDS of Posts echoing the same hand-wringing sentiment at this point is nothing more or less than unmitigated Apple Hatred, and has NO PLACE on a site like MR.

That says it all very well. Thank you. I challenge anyone not happy with the MP or Mini right now to heed these words.

 

[imageWIS]

NYC? What the hell

Yeah! They don't even have an Apple Store! Or people who buy Apple products!

 

[1146331]

Of course they would announce it literally after the day I bought an iPad Pro 10.5" from AT&T. Now I'm going to return it and pay the $45 Apple was too slow to announce the event this year [restocking] fee lol.... Oh well. I'll go without an iPad until after the event, I'm sure it'll be worth it!
[doublepost=1539970753][/doublepost]

1. They have announced they are doing something about the Mac Pro. So, whining about how long it has been for the Mac Pro AFTER that announcement is not helpful nor informative, especially since we are still within their projected timeframe of "In the near Future, but not 2018".

2. Although there was no specifics given as to timeframe (IIRC) nor what it exactly means, Apple has publicly stated, in addition to their assurance that the Mac mini is "Still important", they also later stated that they are redesigning the Mac mini with a "Pro" focus. Again, once this commitment was announced, continually harping about the current status of the mini is neither helpful nor informative.

As I said, once or twice is ok. But literally HUNDREDS of Posts echoing the same hand-wringing sentiment at this point is nothing more or less than unmitigated Apple Hatred, and has NO PLACE on a site like MR.

There are hundreds of post because APPLE HAS BEEN IGNORING THE PRO USER BASE SINCE AT LEAST 2013. Just so you know that is five years, or half a decade, which is a long time.

That is not unmitigated Apple hatred and has plenty place on MR. The only people that think that it is unmitigated Apple hatred are Mac Cult fanboys who worship every decision and design makes without complaint.

Most of the complaints about the Mac Mini and Mac Pro are legitimate, such as not having been updated for 5 years but somehow are still being sold at the 2013 price, no reduction in cost for a substandard product.

If Apple didn't require developers to use MacOS to develop iOS apps, they would have an extremely small user base for Macs because of the poor quality Mac Pros/Macbook Pro/ Mac Pros that have been released. Professionals do not need or want the thinnest computers, they want forward compatibility which means expandibility, not soldered on SSD's and RAM chips. They want a Machine to be rugged [and most people like aesthetics] and USEFUL for the price they pay.

I hope Apple delivers to the Pro users. I personally bought a 2013 Used MBP on Amazon for $500, upgraded the ram to 16GB for like $50 and threw in a spare SSD and it definitely performs fast and probably better than the new MBP's that come with soldered on 8GB ram. Oh and the Keyboard is much better too .

Edit: Take a look at Apples iPad Pro Smart Keyboard page at https://www.apple.com/smart-keyboard/. Here's an excerpt:

Innovation across the board.
There are no gaps between keys to trap crumbs or coffee. Instead, the keys are laser ablated into a single sheet of durable custom-woven fabric coated in a water-resistant finish. The fabric also provides spring-like tension for each key, eliminating the need for bulky conventional mechanisms.

It's almost as if they are admitting that the original butterfly designed keyboards on the MB was flawed, but doing so in a way that they aren't actually admitting anything. Funny how they are talking about there are no gaps between the keys to trap crumbs under, it's probably because of Keyboardgate.

 

[Scrapula]

I am a software developer in the Seattle area. Many companies here issue you a MacBook or a MacBook Pro for their developers. This is because they need a Unix OS and everything is already installed and works together perfectly. The other option, one my husband chose, is to get a Windows laptop, uninstalll Windows, and install Ubuntu. Most people don't want to bother with this, so they just use their Mac. Going to iOS instead of OSX will lose the market that they have now.

 

[1146331]

I am a software developer in the Seattle area. Many companies here issue you a MacBook or a MacBook Pro for their developers. This is because they need a Unix OS and everything is already installed and works together perfectly. The other option, one my husband chose, is to get a Windows laptop, uninstalll Windows, and install Ubuntu. Most people don't want to bother with this, so they just use their Mac. Going to iOS instead of OSX will lose the market that they have now.

It's a shame how much configuration Linux STILL needs to be functional, but more importantly the lack of High Pixel Density support that the window managers have. On my 3K ThinkPad, I have to change the resolution to 1080 to actually use the computer, the side effect is it looks terrible. Sure, I was able to use the 3K resolution and change the font sizes, but it was entirely inconsistent. Even changing the DPI scaling was terrible.

Apple has perfected high definition monitor support years ago. Now only if they can create a better keyboard...

 

[imageWIS]

Thank goodness. The whiners in these forums will give it a break until Oct 30 11:01am (1 min after the event ends)

Apple hasn't updated the Mac Pro since 2013. It hasn't updated the Mac Mini since 2014 (read: 2012). Your comment is farcical to say the least in an age where computing speeds increase at an exponential rate.

 

[DNichter]

I understand that. I guess I miss the days when the same script wasn't simply recycled year after year. I want to get excited, but apart from Craig, I find Apple's presentation about as interesting as watching paint dry.

We'll see how brilliant Apple really is. I am withholding judgment for now, but this may solidify my decision to move back to Windows. I really enjoy macOS but the mobile hardware is problematic. The keyboard is still an issue, I hate the size of the touch pad, and I find the touch bar to be inefficient. Couple that with the difficulty to repair the MB(P)s, even for Apple, and I am moving slowly back toward Windows. Unless Apple can provide reliable, repairable, efficient hardware that doesn't hurt your hands when you type--I constantly bottom out their keys, there is no point in buying into the ecosystem any longer.
[doublepost=1539914729][/doublepost]

It always is

I am not sure what that means. I guess you're saying the latest offering is always the best? While that makes some sense, I'd still prefer using these new iPad Pro's over a new MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, or Mac Pro released next year.

 

[va1984]

Though I care about all the announcements and I would consider buying a 14"+ consumer grade retina laptop or a bezel-less iMac, or a TB-3 Apple Display, and I will certainly buy one of the Face ID iPad Pros, the one thing that I am awaiting most eagerly is actually.... an accessory. An improved smart keyboard for the 12.9" iPad Pro.

I've gone back and forwards between the 12.9" and various MBPs several times. I would love to go iPad only (at least aside from the old iMac at home). All my work apps are ready. But I need a backlit, adjustable angle keyboard that doesn't compromise portability like the Brydge and Logi offerings do.

Will Apple up its game with the iPad Pros accessories? I might be the only one that will approach the keynote with this question in mind...

 

[1146331]

Apple hasn't updated the Mac Pro since 2013. It hasn't updated the Mac Mini since 2014 (read: 2012). Your comment is farcical to say the least in an age where computing speeds increase at an exponential rate.

I wouldn't say exponential, I'd say marginal. I tried comparing all processors from top end MBP's from 2013-2018, however I could only do three.

I don't have time to fine tune it or make a chart, however it is clear that this years MBP has a great processor, I'm sure I probably missed something from the EveryMac website when trying to compare them.