Apple Says All-New Modular Mac Pro With Apple-Branded High-End Pro Display Coming After 2017

[jmoore5196]

I'll try to get my TBD to hold out until 2018, I'm sure. Welcome news all around and sadly quite overdue.

 

[peter2]

You make jokes about it, but I love the cheese grater. A spec bump'd cheese grater would be perfect in fact.

I don't think he meant it as a joke. There was nothing wrong with the cheese grater design. I still have 2 of those (2x 6-core, 128 GB RAM and a bunch of HHD/SSDs each). Perfectly quiet even when it is crunching numbers at a 100% load on all cores.

 

[satchmo]

In other words, we screwed up.

A modular style Mac Pro was what everyone needed. Just an updated smaller cheese grater.
IMO, the trash can design was simply another Jony Ive vanity project. Being different for the sake of being different, without regard for user experience.

And because they've been sitting on our hands for the past 3 years, you won't see anything new this year.
I wonder if this public announcement is a reaction to a mass exodus by semi and pro users to Windows.

 

[Baddcow]

Gosh, they are right on top of things then huh?!

 

[Cineplex]

iPhone and iPad must be running out of gas.

 

[d5aqoëp]

Steve Jobs is smiling from the heaven

 

[Ds6778]

View attachment 694848


Gosh, they are right on top of things then huh?!

Best thing is, they charge pretty much the same price even though its old now haha

 

[TheHateMachine]

Probably too late, most shops I know switched to BOXX, HP and even Dell in some instances with no inclination of returning. Why gamble on this Nu New Mac Pro and risk the iOS focused Apple deciding to "forget" about the line again.

 

[Skie77]

Looks like there is some hope...."To do something that can be supported for a long time with customers with updates and upgrades throughout the years. We’ll take the time it takes to do that. The current Mac Pro, as we’ve said a few times, was constrained thermally and it restricted our ability to upgrade it. And for that, we’re sorry to disappoint customers who wanted that, and we’ve asked the team to go and re-architect and design something great for the future that those Mac Pro customers who want more expandability, more upgradability in the future. It’ll meet more of those needs."

Yeah. At least the old Mac Pro could be upgraded and regarded a workstation. The newest one not so much.
Professionals don't care about the look of the box. It has to be easy to upgrade. It has to give choice to the buyers, whatever they prefer AMD or Nvidia etc... and no custom ****.

 

[kodos]

In my circles a lot of people are reluctantly getting Windows machines to do photo and video work. It is just so much cheaper to get a brutally powerful Windows box. And if you are on the Adobe ecosystem of products, there's no pain point in transitioning. Frankly, I left Apple after the Aperture fiasco. So I wouldn't stick around with Apple software anyhow.

 

[Atlantico]

Well, this is the best Mac news I've heard for years. The nu-Mac Pro will have to match or exceed the power and flexibility of the Cheesegrater Mac Pros. Well, I had written the Mac Pro off completely, but I am very pleased to have been wrong.

Looking forward to this.

 

[timothevs]

Read it as you may... but as a skeptic of Apple's recent moves, I am kind of heartened by this renewed focus on Mac Pros. Call me a rube, but I am willing to give them another chance. I've waited this long, I can wait another year to see what they have in store. I just hope it is worth the wait.

 

[AppleWarMachine]

OMG! Yes!! Wait... next year?? Aw.

Released late next year (2018) for preorders...shipping 2019

 

[TheRealDGD]

OK people, we are corralling you towards the pen and once you are in there it will be easier to keep you interested in staying..... do any of you realize how 1 year affects technology and how behind the times this company has become... they used to innovate and surprise, not tell you that they were working on it.

 

[L-U-R-C-H]

This is the letter I sent to Tim Cook in late January. Physically on paper, personally signed. I like to think that maybe it helped.

Dear Tim Cook,
Apple's focus, or lack thereof, on MacOS and the quality of software and hardware has become apparent. I urge you to direct resources and care toward the "desktop" Mac experience.

Many businesses run on workflows and solutions that Apple has been able to provide or enable over the decades. At my previous employer, I personally developed multiple systems to create or manipulate data, with Applescript and Cocoa apps. At my current employer, *******, a colleague has built many apps to automate transmitting ******* with a variety of languages, on multiple computers. My career in programming began with Applescript, so when I heard that Sal Soghoian's position was eliminated, I became extremely worried about the future of automation in MacOS. Eliminating top product managers doesn't happen when the features are being actively and successfully worked on. So there is good reason for concern.

What is the future of open computing in general, in your view? What is the future of automation on the Mac? Apple, as created by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, has always had a love-hate relationship with users. Job's vision was clearly that of a closed computer, with no user upgrades or anything allowed outside of what the company would provide. Wozniak promoted open systems, and wanted to allow user to upgrade the hardware and write their own software.

Apple has become wildly successful. In my 20 years using Apple computers, it seems clear to me that the most influential factor for any user to become a lifelong Apple devotee, is when they can do something easily that they previously thought impossible. It could be installing their own hard drive. Or writing their own simple program or script. Or doing something that Windows never let them do. These kinds of easy-yet-powerful aspects of the Mac drew lots of rabid users, including people like me. Open and upgradeable computers are more conducive to users being able to learn on their computer and customize it for their needs, or even develop an entire career.

Professional users, the ones who truly have the most amount of money invested into their hardware and software, are observant of the lack of hardware updates. The Mac Pro is now the poster child for Apple's "unloved computers", not being updated in 3 years. Professionals bemoaned the lack of internal upgrade options, compared to the "cheese grater" giant G5 and Mac Pro. And the outcries were justified. The current Mac Pro is completely hampered, because no user can upgrade the Mac Pro video card, or CPU, even when alternatives are available. User forums I read are often populated with comments of "when will a new Mac Pro be available", "I'm switching to Windows", or "I'm going to build a Hackintosh".

Promises that "Apple will have great stuff for you soon" don't quell fears that Apple continues to not care for Pro users. The Final Cut Pro X release debacle, mDNSResponder issue, the Applescript removal from Pages/Numbers, Mac Pro no fresh in over 3 years, elimination of Airport Express routers, all point to Apple caring only for it's money makers- namely iOS and iPhones and iPads, and marginally MacBook Pros. But professionals, businesses, and even small developers whose requirements and workflows are unusual, need open computers and options.

What I would like to see from Apple is a renewed focus on MacOS and Pro-level computing. These steps should include things like:

•Updated Mac Pro with a design that allows for GPU card upgrades, and possibly CPU upgrades. Expandable internal storage would be a plus. For example, a compact relative of the old cheese-grater Mac Pro- a little smaller, but expandle.
•Continue to support peripherals that support Apple products, even if they are not money-makers. A compatible Apple eco-system with easy integration is extremely important for home use. Airport Extreme is my prime example.
•Power user features continued/added in MacOS Finder and other Apple apps. Stop removing features or hiding app functions. iTunes is a prime example - removal of multiple windows, continual moving around of buttons and tools.
•Don't let app "rewrites" go out missing current functionality again, ever. (Pages/Numbers and FCPX as examples).
•Some professional level scripting capabilities promoted and fostered by Apple, such as Applescript or "Scriptarian" (Swift bridge, scriptarian.com by Matt Rajca), or some other technology to allow integration and automation.
•Full scripting language support in all Apple supplied apps and backwards compatibility for 3rd party apps such as Adobe and Microsoft apps
•Improve fixability in products, especially medium size items like MacBooks, and obviously aforementioned Mac Pro. Replacing batteries shouldn’t require replacing the entire computer. And it should be something a skilled tinkerer be able to handle.

Ultimately, can Apple position its products to be easy for consumers, yet expandable enough or flexible enough for developers, researchers, creative users? Or will Apple let itself be walled-in by it's own actions and designs? It has in the past. Apple -seems- to be putting all its eggs in the iOS basket. I can see the same dynamic happening now as happened in the early 90s. Apple lost its technical lead to the mass market of cheap Windows PCs. iOS development requires desktop power, and content creation (audio, video, print, interactive) requires a desktop OS. iOS needs MacOS. And I want MacOS users to love their experience, not bemoan it's lack of options or being forced to use computers that can't fulfill all their creative needs.

Please direct resources to the MacOS desktop software and hardware. Please keep desktop computing friendly, open, and flexible.

Very well put. Thank you so much for taking the time to write them this letter.

 

[MicahL]

Too late Apple, I'm already building my PC rig and switching platforms. Not that it matters or that they care, but this month they lost another professional, and another Apple evangelist. I no longer adamantly recommend Apple products.

 

[euphemus]

I get all the secrecy with phones and watches, but I'm glad Apple has relaxed its 'no talking about future products' strategy - if only a little - with this statement. It's good to know they are working on something, it's good to hear acknowledgement that the 'trash can' design wasn't really optimal and it's *very* good to hear that they are really thinking about want professionals need from a desktop Mac.

This being said, I am still pretty sure Apple will overthink its next desk desktop. Most pros would be delighted with a rectangular enclosure containing upgradeable, high-end hardware, and a selection of industry standard ports.

 

[slashlos]

Now Apple this is courage. You like to be very secretive. This must have been hard to swallow. Telling your users (and competitors) about future plans.

Shhh, an external touch bar, usb keyboard !?

 

[Skie77]

I've responded to a few naysayers on here with the argument "The lack of Mac Pro updates isn't apathy". Here is confirmation that I was right.

Still waiting for a major announcement that proves the naysayers are right and that "all Tim Cook cares about are profits".

Seems like he cares quite a lot about profit, since the 3½ old Mac Pro still costs the same as when introduced.
Who else besides Apple rapes their customers wallet like that?

 

[skellener]

Should be ready for a new Mac in two years when it ships. Yes I said two years. Knowing how Tim likes his pipelines empty, I take "some point beyond this year" to mean at least two years away. 2019 here we come!

 

[Keebler]

It is very odd for them to 'announce' this but I guess it had to do with growing backlash and lack of a 'roadmap'. It is refreshing to have them announce this...I'm sure it may slightly dip current sales but that will be offset by their goodwill.

Hi,

I believe the backlash is exactly why. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but the 1st time ever, I penned a letter to Tim Cook talking about the 'pro' community last month and how they've seemingly left us in the dark as they focus on the i-device. I described how the Apple ecosystem is what got me started - first a G4, then a display, Apple software and then the iPhone/iPads came later - amongst a fleet (7) of macs over the years for my business. Everything worked (still does tbh) well together.

But I said with competition growing and Apple not updating their Mac Pro lineup (and no displays), it's leaving a hole and not convincing people to stay in the Apple ecosystem.

I'm not saying the Apple ecosystem is the be all, end all, but for those of us who wish to use their products, it works and it works very well. From a business point of view, it's just stupid to at least not tell us what might be coming or ignore us.

It's like the person who lives in the wilderness. They need to farm, hunt and fish. If they only did 1, it leaves greater risk for not having food on the table. Same for a business - if you have a range of products and services which work together or individually, well then you'll have multiple sources of income.

So I'm glad they are up front about what's going on. It's not good that those changes aren't happening now, but maybe....just maybe they listened to people like me (and the many others) who are speaking up. We have a choice - we can sit back and b*tch or try to help companies understand. Won't always work, but worth a shot.

My 2013 12 core MP still works like a charm. No complaints, but I can definitely see how others want improvements to match technological advances.

Cheers,
Brian

 

[akatsuki]

As I have been saying since they introduced the damn thing. It was overdesigned and destined to fail. For a low profitability segment, the best you can do is reduce costs as much as you can - and that means easy to upgrade commodity hardware.

What I'd like to see them do is simple:

1. Move to a standard ATX-style case/mobo with ****ing normal card slots.
2. Guarantee day 1 GPU support for GTX1080 / R480 level cards from here on out. They have the money to pay for it.

Monitors - how about adding a damn webcam to them finally?

 

[LauHainam]

A speed bump Mac Pro to clear inventory.

 

[xnu]

I just cried a bit. My business may actually be able to continue using Macs. Thank you Mr. Cook, Thank you.

 

[imronburgundy]

And that is the sentiment TODAY. By the time this machine gets to the customers, it will again be based on 2 year old hardware and be outdated before it hits the shelf.

Why do they think they have to blow everyone out of the water by totally reinventing the wheel every time? We just know that they will do something that will throw a monkey wrench into the mix.

We all have the next macpro in our heads. It acts like a PC with everything modular and standardized to current hardware trends. PCI slots. M2 slots. USBC. TB3. Basically we are all looking for a really slick and cool PC tower that will run macOS. Apple's version of an authorized Hackintosh. Right? That's what I'm looking for.

IMHO, what we will get is- new gen PCI slots, with some weird connector that will have 2 fewer pins because they wanted to save 2mm in depth to make the machine thinner.

M2 memory slots- that are half length, because Apple owns the place where they can manufacture these blades and charge a premium for them until the 3rd partys crack the code, and get Apple certified versions (think MFi) going. Gonna be like toner cartridges, unless it identifies as Apple approved, it aint' gonna work.

USBC- they MIGHT leave these alone, but instead of providing a dozen of them split 6 in front and 6 in back, they will provide 4. "They can be chained together!" *sigh*

TB3- Again, might leave these alone, but we can always use MOAR!!!!

2.5"SSD's will be gone in favor of M2 or PCI memory. They will have to do just enough different to justify the wait, the suspense, the marketing, the push and the price. Being humble and coming out with just a standard frikkin tower that will run macOS and give tons of flexibility for the user is not how apple works, and has never worked. There is a bit of arrogance there, and this announcement I like to imagine came with much threats from board members, internal strife, years of marketing and sales data and general consternation at the internal people that were tired of using outdated trash cans.

Eat crow? Nope. I like the previous user that quote Tim "Apple's never wrong" Cook. Ego propping at its finest. The PR department must have been busy in the days and weeks before this all happened.

Seriously, pass. I can build bigger and better for a fraction of the cost. If Dexcom can get on board with an Android app, I'd drop Apple completely.