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It is absolutely remarkable to me Apple doesn’t have an external display. So much money left on the table,but more importantly, these offices all look like Dell or Samsung shops, even though everyone was using Macs and MacOS.

I welcome the return with open checkbook.
Apple is a company more constrained by time than anything else. If they haven't released a cheaper external display, it either means they chose not to, or they simply didn't have the time and resources to get down to designing one.
 
I don't know what changed, but Apple seems to be on some virtual speed and I am a fan. Craig has been nailing IOS, iPadOS & MacOS, and rumors of the new MacBook Pros and potentially new monitors has me stoked. It feels like the Mac is getting some much-needed attention...
In hindsight, I'm willing to chalk up Apple's desktop struggles from 2013-2018 as a result of Intel not being able to provide the chips that they promised, but constantly were behind with that Apple needed.

From the "trashcan" Mac Pro, to their "server" Minis on being dual-core instead of quad-core, to the thermal problems of MacBooks (standard, Air and Pro) which were made even worse when the Butterfly keyboard was a fail and few like the Touch Bar.

The thermal issues were a result of Apple building the thinner and lighter chassis they wanted, but Intel's offerings weren't up to the task. Intel's low power options were too deficient and their faster chips were too hot for Apple's designs. This is why the M1 and the chips to come exist.
 
27" LG UltraFine 5K is exactly that and costs $1300. There's also a 24" 4K version for $700.
No, i dont think so. Display itself i'm pretty sure is better than Thunderbolt Display, but i need a complete package. I use Thunderbolt display, which has (not super great but) decent speaker, webcam, mic, hub to connect backup drive, my pen tablet. And it also has Ambient light sensor, which is important to me, as i work in various lighting condition (morning with curtain open, night when all lights off, afternoon with curtains closed), the sensor does a great job of adjusting to it. Once you use you will know. I had iMac which i sold off to get macbook and dell monitor. I was missing the iMac's features. So went ahead and bought used/box-open Thunderbolt Display. Also, the display charges my macbook back from its cable itself.

I tried to search something like that but there's none.
 
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Magsafe on MacBook, No more touch bar, Cheaper price display, will they bring the Airport router back next?
Airport can be skipped, i mean there are tonnes of router that give you pretty much all the features or more than what Apple has to offer, though i would still prefer Apple's router, which i have, 3 of them.
 
New R&D guy at Apple picked from MR forum.
If Apple are indeed suffering from a sudden outbreak of common sense, maybe they'll consider including some aux DisplayPort and/or HDMI inputs in their new display. You know, like you'd get in any other mid/high-end monitor...

Same goes for the new iMac...

...because some people have PCs, consoles, Raspberry Pis, old Macs etc. that they'd like to connect to the best display in the house from time to time. In particular, with Apple Silicon Macs, the options for running x86 Windows and x86 Linux aren't going to be so great, so more people are going to want to have something like a NUC for their x86 needs.
 
will they bring the Airport router back next?
Airport can be skipped, i mean there are tonnes of router that give you pretty much all the features or more than what Apple has to offer, though i would still prefer Apple's router, which i have, 3 of them.

Not a terrible idea, but I'm not sure what the market would be.

On the one hand, as @akbarali.ch says, there is a huge, diverse range of routers/WiFi hardware to fit the needs of more advanced users, and Apple can't match that.

On the other hand, less-technical users who want something that "just works", will probably be best served by accepting whatever their broadband provider offers (esp. if it's also tied up with TV services, phones etc.) Yes, provider support can be awful, but throwing a third-party router into the mix (esp. if the user can't tell a router from a modem from a WAP) will only downgrade that to "abysmal". If I remember correctly, the AirPort routers had an Ethernet port WAN connection, so ADSL/VDSL users would either need an external modem (last I looked there was order-of-magnitude 1 standalone VDSL modem on the market) or to configure their ISP-supplied router into "pass through" mode (if it supports it) and... Well, my point is that they'd be better off with an all-in-one modem/router.

Back when the Airport stuff launched, WiFi was a bit new and shiny, Apple had one of the first user-friendly implementations and - if you had home broadband - you were by definition an advanced user.

Time has moved on, and even in the case of the Time Capsule, Apple have moved to standard SMB file sharing and the main SMB implementation, Samba, now has Time Machine support.

In the case of displays, though, things like Thunderbolt displays and 5k (at 16:9) resolution which Macs can really benefit from haven't really caught fire in the PC world, so there's still room for an Apple display. The previous generation Thunderbolt and LED Cinema displays were blatantly designed as docking stations for the MacBook Pro, too.
 
YES PLEASE!

I'm still using an old Cinema Display even though I've been trying to buy a new monitor for years, there is just nothing good out there. Please Apple make this happen!
 
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There are a lot of very good monitors made by a variety of manufacturers for really good prices. I don't think Apple will sell something at a low price point, so they're going to have to include some premium features to justify the price.

Well, 5k is a good start (I mean 5k @16:9 or, we can only dream, 16:10 - not ultrawide) - it is smack in the Goldilocks zone for MacOS, thanks to the legacy of the 2560x1440 iMac and Cinema/Thunderbolt displays but hasn't taken off in Windows (which is more "not really 4k" UHD-centric). Last I looked, the LG Ultrafine (which is clearly an LG/Apple collaboration*) was one of only a couple of 5k displays currently in production.

Also, sound. Apple are very, very good at building small speakers and mics into thin, apparently sealed devices. The iMac speakers aren't good enough to replace your serious Hi Fi/Home Cinema or studio monitors, but for anything short of that they are streets ahead of other built-in speakers and more than good enough for video conferencing, youtube, music-while-you-work etc.

Plus, although it shouldn't be important, some Apple users really do seem to care about aesthetics, and will pay a premium for something that matches their Mac. The question is whether they're going to stick with the current black-glass and smooth aluminium look of the MacBook/iMac range (which is fairly timeless and doesn't need fixing) or persist with the Mac Pro "steampunk" concept (which was cool for about 15 minutes - and that's being generous).

(*actually, I'd go further and say it was clearly the innards of a planned 5k Thunderbolt display that was abandoned by Apple and left to LG to package in a boring plastic case - the USB-C only specs are so unlike any other LG model, the fugly forehead would be concealed by an iMac-style black glass bezel, and the RF interference problem on early models probably wouldn't have happened in a metal case... )
 
So long overdue. It should be available in multiple sizes: e.g. 22 inch, 25inch and 30inch. And the sizes should perfectly match the new forthcoming m1 iMacs ... for those who want to have dual monitor setups, and add a side-by-side display to their iMac.
 
Great! I'll take 2.
I have been using two TB Displays next to an iMac 2013 and as a dock/display for a laptop at another work place spot until recently settled for an iMac 2020 with those same two TB Displays next to each side for work from home...
Almost a decade later after their release they are still vibrant, fully functional, full brightness still achievable, both look identical even when bought 2 years apart, daisy chain is still flawless, so on and so forth... at the time the $999 sticker price (and $700 for an open box later on the second one) did sting, I didn’t know any better and has been totally worth it.

Im with you on this one, I’ll take two, and heck, I don’t think like getting rid of the then older other two, can send them to family members or set up a remote dock later on. They have gained my trust.
 
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This is great news if true. I’ve been using the LG 5K as my primary display since early 2017 and I cannot imagine going back to a lesser resolution. With that said, those monitors after four years of use, have ghosting issues (both of them), the audio—even after updating the firmware—has ridiculous volume control, and while the screen itself was really nice, the fit and finish was nowhere near as nice the 27” LED Cinema Display it replaced.

The XDR is cool, but I just want a large, clear, retina screen. I’m not a video or photo professional so the XDR is utter overkill.

4 years on a 5K... you just can’t go back to low DPI screens.
 
If Apple are indeed suffering from a sudden outbreak of common sense, maybe they'll consider including some aux DisplayPort and/or HDMI inputs in their new display. You know, like you'd get in any other mid/high-end monitor...

Same goes for the new iMac...

...because some people have PCs, consoles, Raspberry Pis, old Macs etc. that they'd like to connect to the best display in the house from time to time. In particular, with Apple Silicon Macs, the options for running x86 Windows and x86 Linux aren't going to be so great, so more people are going to want to have something like a NUC for their x86 needs.
I know that having an Aux port is definitely wishful thinking, but it would be nice to have, since I'm planning on replacing my 2012 27" iMac with an M1 Mac Mini and getting a monitor that I could use for both the mini (home use) and work-issued HP Laptop for my work-from-home setup on my desk, since I've been a lot more of that since March. While I have another monitor that I've been using as the 2nd monitor for work computer, it would be nice to have the 3rd monitor like I do at the desk at work.
 
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The LG 5k Ultrafine is already an excellent option for an Apple-like monitor. However, It's already expensive at $1299, and it's made of plastic. How much will an aluminum Apple branded version cost? $1699? $1999?

I'm going to predict $1499 on the assumption the ASi iMac with the same panel will keep the current $1799 entry price.
 
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I use 2 x ATDs. I am happy with them, but yes, they need replacing.

Give me 4K IPS, a glossy glass covered screen, connection via TB, and a built-in webcam, and I will get two on the first day!
 
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Still using an LED Cinema and a Thunderbolt display in my office as well, just waiting to upgrade. Looks like there's some major pent-up demand here based on the number of people still using the old Cinema Displays. I'd spend iMac money for the same panel in a presentable form factor. I can't stand plastic computer stuff on my desk, I'm a purist... The people who expect this to be much cheaper than $2000 should consider cheaper alternatives rather than wait.
 
I do not remember doing anything other than plugging it in using the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter I bought from Apple. The monitor just sat there. If it did any software updates, I did not see it happen. The HDMI port had horrible refresh. Moving the mouse caused a long trail of ghost pointers.

I was pretty excited about the purchase cause it was so inexpensive. I planned on getting 2 more to replace the old thunder bold displays from Apple.
Ouch. I didn't try that adapter since it's not Thunderbolt 3 on the monitor. May be a defected unit? I read some poor experiences for LG monitors online.
 
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For me, the dream would be a 40” curved 6k with True Tone, integrated ethernet port, good webcam, microphone(s) and speakers. It would top the new Dell 40” just announced at ces. This would make working from home perfect. 👌
 
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Apple 23'' Cinema Display with Apple TV support, $1499

Apple 29'' Pro Cinema Display with Apple TV support, $1999

an updated 27'' $999 5k display, with shiny Apply logo, would make most of us happy ;)
 
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Finally. I got 3 aging thunderbolt displays that need replacing. I bought an LG 27UK850-W 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor with HDR10 with USB Type-C Connectivity and FreeSync because I read an article that said it could be hooked up to the old trashcan MacPro. It just sat there doing nothing. It did work when I connected it to the HMDI port but the image was so flickery, it was unusable. Hopefully the new monitors will work on with my old MacPro...or I will be forced to buy one of the new MacPros.

Now it just sits on the other desk along with other old Macs I never use. It taunts me. Stupid thing. Look at it.

View attachment 1713462
I have the same LG monitor for Mac Pro 2013 and it works good with it.

No chance the new monitor will work with Mac Pro 2013. Discontinued model and they have the 5K LG monitor they sell for it still. The 4K does work with it, but needs two ports to work.
 
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I think what we are clearly seeing is a course correction of their ignoring the Mac for several years.
While they will never admit it, I think they were considering axing the Mac before deciding to double down.

During that period, they got rid of things that were no brainers, like monitors that could connect to the ONLY port they shipped on their machines.... while at the same time shipping 4 versions of a failed keyboard design before finally getting around to replacing it with a traditional keyboard. No improvements to touch bar during that time either.... and letting their "Pro" machine go what, 6-7 years before an upgrade? It doesn't take 7 years to design a new motherboard, especially when you are one of the richest companies on earth.

It really does feel like to me they decided to pull back on the Mac, and something happened about a year and a half ago that suddenly made them decide they cared again. Maybe it was when they started seeing apple silicon macs in the lab starting to look as a success... Or maybe it was the slowing of iPhone growth to where they didn't want to throw away their other revenue streams.

Whatever it was, the last year or so has been really good for the Mac, and it really looks like they are focussed on it now.
Maybe Because Ive left...
 
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Not quite true. They made on significant improvement by bringing back the physical Escape key.
While a minor improvement technologically, it addressed major and/or very vocal complaints from users.


Well, something did happen then:
Jony Ive left the company.

The industrial design head under whose tenure on of the main objectives seemed to be to make products smaller, thinner, slimmer. More minimal, with reduced physical ports. With the iPhone being a notable exception of Apple caving in to customer and market demand (but remember how they were claiming an iPhone 5 to be a perfect size and held off on releasing bigger-display phones?).

Ive's departure coincides with what seems to be a slightly less dogmatic but more pragmatic approach in product design at Apple:
  • The return of the Escape key on Touch Bar models
  • MacBook Pros (slightly) heavier and thicker to accommodate scissor-switch keyboards
  • iOS 13 gaining external mouse and trackpad support, later even physical trackpads made for iPads. I'm not sure if Ive has or would have signed off on these (though on the other, it seemed a somewhat consequence of adding USB-C and external storage support to Pro iPads
  • There's now talk about Apple bringing MagSafe and "more ports" to the MacBook Pro, with Ming-Chi Kuo saying most people may not need to purchase dongles.
Now, going back to the rumoured display, I wouldn't hold my breath for Apple bringing any other port than one single latest-generation Thunderbolt. On the other hand, I wouldn't be shocked for an HDMI 2.1 port (on a 4K or 5K display).
At least two USB-C ports...one for my MacBook Pro and the other for my M1 Mac mini.. :)

Perfect World..
 
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