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.
