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This needs to manifest as a feature of macOS - an evolution of Universal Control - where connected AS macs can link their SoCs for increased computing power. Right now, there seems to be few compelling reasons to own an M1 MacBook AND iMac, since their systems are basically identical. But imagine if you could use both in tandem for video encoding or gaming and capitalize on all of that available power simultaneously.
 
I'd be interested in hearing how many of the $6K-$7K displays Apple has sold compared to the $1K Thunderbolt. Perhaps a large percentage of their customers might purchase an Apple display priced around $1K.

A large percentage? I doubt even 10%.

You can get a 4K display for $300. Or an HD display for $130. $1k is already very-high-end by comparison — even if this display is 5K.
 
I had waited a long time for an Apple display to continue to have something for a MacMini.

Since Apple refused to make a monitor at an acceptable price (around 1k), I currently have a less than presentable Dell monitor w/o FaceTime-Camera and speakers on my aging MacMini replacing my 2 broken CinemaDisplays.

That's why I'm now switching to the iMac 24 inch, where you have to buy the monitor hardware again with every upgrade. This is actually a stupid concept, since monitors have less innovation than computers.

In this way, Apple lost me as an enthusiastic MacMini customer, even though I liked the idea of upgrading a MacMini more often while keeping the same Apple display for a long time. But Apple didn't support its own concept by abandoning its Cinema Display series.

I, and everyone I've talked to about this, have never understood Apple's inconsistent marketing concept.
 
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If Apple displays were affordable it would be a great monitor to have for someone that uses it as a second monitor to a powerful computer, but can get a boost when hooking up a less powerful laptop. Problem is the price of their monitors are already way above what normal people spend. Those who can afford it can also afford a mac with a good graphics card so who is it really helping?
Why not wait until a chip fast enough to turn that monitor into a eGPU, Apple TV, and barebones iOS device so you can use it in some other way even if there is no computer hooked up to it? Then they can charge $800 or more for it and justify the cost with actual usefulness instead of paying for a thin screen in a pretty package. That same chip can accomplish all those things if its designed to only output one function at a time depending on which output you choose.
 
A large percentage? I doubt even 10%.

You can get a 4K display for $300. Or an HD display for $130. $1k is already very-high-end by comparison — even if this display is 5K.
There was nothing on the market that rivaled the 27" Thunderbolt display in terms of the total package: image, build quality, durability/reliability, power/thunderbolt connection, etc. Plus it has camera & speakers (which many of those bargain monitors do not). $1000 was (and still is) a bargain. Those $130 and $300 monitors are junk.
 
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