There is lots of CAD done on Macintosh systems, and with the improved performance, I would not be surprised to see some of the Linux applications offer macOS versions (even running under X). Until now, there was no reason to bother to port to macOS. They offered the same Intel chips and no matter how great their industrial design or how reliable their systems were, it did not matter to that crowd. However, Apple Silicon will give them a chance to distinguish themselves. If Apple can continue to deliver better performance than their competition, they will finally have a compelling reason for these companies to consider porting.
I don't think X(X Server) exists for M1, does it? Even on Linux it's end of life and almost abandoned!
Maybe, but i doubt it worth porting them over(investment/profit) wise. These software companies won't benefit much, it would just add support costs and take or need more development resources, that's how they see these things.
You do understand that there are lots of other places that do design other than automative and aerospace, right? Many smaller shops use Macintoshes as they have software that solves their CAD needs and is cheaper/easier for them to maintain. That is why AutoCAD, ArchiCAD and Graphisoft all have macOS versions.
Thats true!
Given that you are now talking about my industry, I have to say you are wrong. Some studios are primarily Linux, some primarily Windows, some primarily macOS. Many have a mixture. That Maya, Cinema4D, etc., all have macOS versions, indicates that there is a profitable market for them to maintain the software.
Great, nice to find you!
Well, most Animation Studios use everything (Win;Lin;Mac), but when it comes to final network rendering it's usually a Windows/Linux Renderfarm(cheaper, faster, more flexible), no chance for Apple to get feet here, this will remain an AMD and Intel ghetto. Even Pixars Renderman Farm is build on non Apple hardware.
There are Animations Studios who struggles with Macs, buts that's a nightmare. Well, somehow it its okay to use it, but I wouldn't. PCs are much more flexible, you can upgrade internals by adding more RAM, replace the graphic card, or build an array. You're in this industry, you know that every second matters, rendertime is money.
E.g. as soon a new graphic card comes out with more RAM and faster GPU model, the Arch guys also starts eyeing it.
C4D is nice, macOS versions of it always worked great. Same for LW *cough* - now Modo since its founders left Newtek to found Luxology/Modo, and is now owned by TheFoundry.
But dunno how well C4D is going, they somehow always had to fight against the competition, but they have a loyal user base, this might is their lifesaver. Memories kicks in, better stop before I start crying for Softimage(looks angry at Autodesk)
I think Autodesk is not making any profit with AutoCAD/Maya for Mac.
I think it's more just something to just complete the software landscape and pet a few users.
Maya is really bad on macOS, no joke, I had to abort the usage because of crashes and graphic issues.
Apple Silicon will make them competitive in many markets for the first time in a long time. I expect to see Macintosh systems in more areas moving forward, rather than fewer.
Yes, I think Apples Mac market share will more or less remain the same, but generally push the ARM platform forward. They will make more profit for sure, due to less licensing costs.
Anyway, Intel is here to stay, just like AMD and NVIDIA.
These new M[n] Macs won't harm these companies... they are all too big and widely being used in many areas.
www.cio.com
www.computerworld.com
