Mac Mini Refresh, New Low-Cost Notebook, Apple Watches With Larger Displays and More Coming This Fall

[827538]

There is no point anymore...I never owned MacBook Air, but I think it will be remembered as one of the Top 5 Macs in Apple History. However, I think it’s time has passed as all things do.

I am not a fan of the 12” MacBook, but that is entirely my opinion, because I know there are people who love it. However, I think replacing the 12” with a more standard 13.3” display and a slightly larger chassis should help in reducing costs, give it a larger battery and a less cramped keyboard.

I agree that Apple should streamline its lineup, I hope this is the first step and I also hope that Apple considers a 15” MacBook at some point as well for those who don’t want a Pro, but do want a larger screen. I think there is an opportunity there to make the lineup look a bit more differentiated and coherent.

What don’t you like about the 12” macbook? I’ve had my macbook for 2 years now and I really like it. There’s a few things I’d like changed which would probably make you happy too.

If they really shrunk the bezels they could probably include a 13.3” screen without majorly changing the size of the laptop.

The keyboard is fine, I don’t find it cramped at all. I don’t mean to be rude but it really sounds like someone who hasn’t lived with one not really getting to know it outside of demoing one in a store. The whole point is it’s meant to be a smal ultra portable laptop, increasing its size diminishes that.

I used to have a 15” Retina MacBook Pro and I am happy to now have switched to something small light and silent. Also battery life is pretty fantastic.

 

[MoreRumors?]

Do we really need another low cost notebook? There is macbook and macbook air. They should merge those and leave it as it is. Just give more ports for crying out loud. Who wants a notebook with just one port that can't even be charged at the same time when using another peripheral
All we need is macbook, macbook pro line when it comes to notebook line. No need for mess

Not everyone can afford to spend $1k plus but still wants to own a Mac. In the current lineup, there is no Mac that is well below $1k and don't forget it does not include tax and any other accessories one may need to buy to go along with it.

 

[mlody]

I cant wait for the new products. I currently have 2010 27" iMac and I like it (especially the fact that I can use it as an external monitor). I will buy mac mini in a heartbeat if a new model is released vs new iMac since I would rather go with the external monitor that I can use with my MacBook as the chances of Apple allowing to use new iMac's in the target display mode are slim to none.

 

[geromi912]

[doublepost=1531393573][/doublepost]Mac mini should use m.2 hard drive and external only making it even smaller and if they support external gpu it could be the best gaming mac yet

Lol even smaller, so 15w cpu only? 4.5w? “Best gaming machine” with a 15w U series cpu or 4.5w Y series cpu? Don’t make me laugh

 

[MoreRumors?]

The information is vague on MBP, does that mean Apple still haven't decided what to do with it? For those MBP that have only 2 ports, they should make it 4 ports too. Why should one have to buy their top line just to get an additional 2 ports?

 

[timber]

The A-series chips are getting so good I don't doubt they can run OS X at acceptable speeds for a low-end Mac in an ultra-compact and cheap form-factor. Apple should really be aiming for a Mac Mini that looks like an AppleTV, something almost pocketable. How good would that be? It could fulfil its its original purpose of being the gateway drug to OS X, especially for those interested in developing apps. It should come with a version preloaded with Xcode even -- the developer special!

They then need something like a headless iMac, i.e. a mid-level Mac targetted to consumers. Finally, they need the new Mac Pro for professionals.

On the laptop side, the MacBooks really need to come down in price and become the entry-level laptop. I can't understand how they're priced as high as they are for what they are. Add a 14" MacBook model for those that want something a bit more but still ultra-portable. Problems with the MacBook Pros have been discussed endlessly but they occupy their niche pretty well. Of course I'd like to see an even larger 16-17" model for those that want the ultimate mobile workstation. I honestly don't know why any of this isn't possible and many of them have been commonly requested for aeons. They used to make 14" MacBooks and 17" MacBook Pros yet despite the significant thinning and reduction in weights and bezels over the past decade they now think that's too big?

Overall it's a common belief on MacRumors and I believe more generally that Apple are focusing far too much on iOS and their devices and not enough on Macs. Sadly, I think the 2018 Mac releases will be too little too late because Apple's heart isn't in it anymore. They're too addicted to the money from iOS.

Now, can I run Apple please?

The Mac Mini has became so irrelevant, expensive and useless that strangely that really makes it an ideal platform to try the ARM MacOS X machine.

 

[aevan]

The 5K iMac's display resolution is fine, but the MacBook Pro does need a resolution bump. Plenty of PC manufacturers have been selling laptops with 2160p displays for years now, while the MacBook Pro is still stuck at 1800p and needing a non-native resolution to achieve the same amount of screen space.

The resolution is fine, and any increase would come with a performance hit. I guess the ‘native’ resolution for current scaling would be nice though, but not the usual PC laptop resolution.

The reason PCs come with 4K screens is because they buy off the shelf screens that without custom resolutions. There’s a reason why Apple and Microsoft don’t offer 4K screens on their laptops. There are diminishing returns when you go above 250ppi on a laptop, and performance cost is there. But yeah, current scaling, but at native panel resolution would be nice.

 

[mmmmMac]

Did i just read Mac Mini ?

I hope so! There is a giant hole in the Apple lineup where people want to buy a mac desktop. I want a Mac Desktop that doesn't force me to buy a monitor (sorry iMac), or cost $5,000 and come with server level CPUs. It shouldn't be so difficult to get a quad core i7 mac with a 4-8 GB video card.

 

[bluecoast]

These new products really will be Apple’s ‘make or break’ moment as far as the Mac goes:

• Will they listen and start making more of their computers upgradeable (SSD & RAM)?

If they don’t - and I suspect with the non pro macs that they won’t - they need to pass this onto the customer as a price reduction.

i.e. if this is the case with the MM and new 13 inch MB, these products need to be as cheap as possible so that the sell can be ‘it’s never been easier to be a Mac owner’.

You’d hope that the 13 MBP and the 21.5 iMac will ship with a revised motherboard allowing for RAM and SSD upgrades but I doubt there’s the space to do this. Let’s see a price reduction on at point of purchase upgrades to apologise for this.

And let’s hope that the 27 inch & 15 inch MBP allows for both SSD and RAM upgrades - even if they are by a service provider only. I’m not saying I’m a systems designer but this should be possible.

Talking of which...

• Will they stop with the constant obsession with making products thinner?

I strongly suspect that people are not asking for their machines to be thermally throttled and non upgradable - and with MacBooks to have issues with their keyboards and with the MBP, too small battery capacity - because Apple is obsessed with making their machines thinner.

Having said this, I don’t expect a major redesign for the iMac and MBP.

The mini I suspect will end up looking a lot like the Apple TV. That’s ok as long as it’s price isn’t too far off the Apple TV.

With the new MB 13, you’ve got to hope that they will balance performance, size, weight and price and deliver an affordable laptop. $899 seems a good starting point with the $999 one being the one that the majority will get.

In summary, this is going to be a make or break for Apple & will be a sign to see if they’re listening to their customers or if they are prioritising design and simpler motherboards over speed & upgradeability - instead of balancing these requirements like they used to.

 

[enc0re]

For me the dream would be:

1. Mac Mini with higher TDP allowing the option of a beefy Core i7/i9. No need for discrete graphics.
2. eGPU. I'll buy my own since Apple insists on always having terrible GPU choices.
3. New Apple Pro display.
4. TB3 RAID enclosure for the hard drives.

Get all the good stuff Apple does (software, monitors) but surgically cut out the weak spot (GPU, hard drives). Yeah, TB3 isn't ideal as a GPU interconnect; but who cares. I can deal with a 15% performance penalty. The whole setup would be like an Apple blessed hackintosh and modularly upgradable.

 

[bkkcanuck8]

MacBook Pro updated today.

6 core
32GB DDR4 option
4TB SSD
at the high end.

 

[bluecoast]

For me the dream would be:

1. Mac Mini with higher TDP allowing the option of a beefy Core i7/i9. No need for discrete graphics.
2. eGPU. I'll buy my own since Apple insists on always having terrible GPU choices.
3. New Apple Pro display.
4. TB3 RAID enclosure for the hard drives.

Get all the good stuff Apple does (software, monitors) but surgically cut out the weak spot (GPU, hard drives). Yeah, TB3 isn't ideal as a GPU interconnect; but who cares. I can deal with a 15% performance penalty. The whole setup would be like an Apple blessed hackintosh and modularly upgradable.

I strongly suspect that the new mini will be USB C only, because of price.

Although we can always hold out that there will be a budget entry level model with 2x USB C PLUS a dedicated and a more expensive ‘prosumer’ model with 2x TB3 and the ability to use a GPU.

I think if we look at the back of the Apple TV, that’s probably a big clue as to what ports we’ll have, with the base being slightly longer to fit in 2x USB C (and hopefully 2x TB3).

 

[harriska2]

Yeah, 27” 5K monitors can be expensive to repair, whether it’s an external monitor or inside an iMac. Not sure if that’s what you have (27” 5K)

2k lcd for what was a 3cyr old machine cost $550 just for the part without warranty. So that wasn’t going to happen. I’m hoping the mac mini uses standard 4k monitors which are a plenty.

 

[scoobs69]

People in this forum that complained Apple didn't update the Mac Mini are ALL going to buy it!

100% sure, you can bet on it.

Pretty sure, if it's not a worthy upgrade, ALL of us complaining about a lack of an update WON'T buy the Mac Mini.

 

[bkkcanuck8]

Pretty sure, if it's not a worthy upgrade, ALL of us complaining about a lack of an update WON'T buy the Mac Mini.

If they took the guts of the top of the line MacBook Pro (just released) and put it in a new Mac Mini (6-core, 32GB RAM, high-speed SSD)... I would be waiting for the doors to open to buy it.

 

[Macintoshrumors]

Did i just read Mac Mini ?

It’s safe to say there will be no Mac mini refresh. Every year it’s predicted and every year those who predicted it are wrong. Don’t get your hopes up boyo, this is not the 2000s and there really is no need for it. You can save your “i would buy one blah blah blah” those people are a small minority

 

[Freida]

Not everyone can afford to spend $1k plus but still wants to own a Mac. In the current lineup, there is no Mac that is well below $1k and don't forget it does not include tax and any other accessories one may need to buy to go along with it.

Don't wanna sound mean, but Apple positioned themselves to a higher class so not everyone can have Apple notebook. They are just very pricey. Good built (or at least used to be until they introduced the nonsensical touchbar and super useless keyboard) and last long but its quite expensive.
Lamborghini doesn't sell a car under $50k but I still want to own one, does that mean that it should be there?

I agree with you though, there should be an affordable option but knowing Apple, we won't get much for it anyway.
I kinda hope that the iPhone will soon fail to the point that it will no longer be their cash cow and they will need to adjust their business accordingly. The amount of tech they spend and fit into their phones would really be useful in Mac lineup too. 3 notebook products would be all we need. Light, Mid, Pro - it would cater all audiences pretty much and the light would be their entry level so it would also be reasonably priced. We don't need the jungle that they have now.

And for crying out loud, if they are making iPhones bigger that my small hands can't take, why can't they apply the same mentality to their computers? I'm sure bigger iMac would be appreciated 30-32" and please 17" notebook would be too.

Anyway, lets see what happens in 2 months time

 

[MoreRumors?]

Don't wanna sound mean, but Apple positioned themselves to a higher class so not everyone can have Apple notebook. They are just very pricey. Good built (or at least used to be until they introduced the nonsensical touchbar and super useless keyboard) and last long but its quite expensive.
Lamborghini doesn't sell a car under $50k but I still want to own one, does that mean that it should be there?

I agree with you though, there should be an affordable option but knowing Apple, we won't get much for it anyway.
I kinda hope that the iPhone will soon fail to the point that it will no longer be their cash cow and they will need to adjust their business accordingly. The amount of tech they spend and fit into their phones would really be useful in Mac lineup too. 3 notebook products would be all we need. Light, Mid, Pro - it would cater all audiences pretty much and the light would be their entry level so it would also be reasonably priced. We don't need the jungle that they have now.

And for crying out loud, if they are making iPhones bigger that my small hands can't take, why can't they apply the same mentality to their computers? I'm sure bigger iMac would be appreciated 30-32" and please 17" notebook would be too.

Anyway, lets see what happens in 2 months time

Don't worry about sounding mean but you are right how Apple position itself or how owners may feel they are in the upper class just owning these products. Apple does sell Macs at different levels for each individual's needs. I understand your use of Lamborghini analogy but I think such as Lexus would be a better analogy. Lexus are considered "luxury" vehicles, however, they have different models sold at different price range. If Apple wants to make more (like they already do now), expanding and including affordable products for those who are in the lower income bracket. With that said, if Apple wants to position themselves as higher class product charging at a higher premium prices, then the hardware and software should produce little to no issues, i.e., hearing no complaints from fellow MR members here about what issues they've experienced.

 

[cullenl87]

Curious, do you have AirPods?

I've found that it was the earbud/EarPod wire itself that causes them to fall out. The pull and tug of the wire was causing torsion on the stem and dislodging them from the ear. The wire had weight, then add motion plus gravity, and the tiny little things would come out easily.

I've had my AirPods for about 6 months, and not once have they fallen out. Running, walking, stairs, jumping, ... never fallen out. There's no weighty tug that encourages them to be pulled.

It's the shape of my ears I think. I run a lot and I had to buy plastic tips to slide onto them.

 

[ChrisChaval]

We might see the first ARM based Mac with the Mini

The A12 will be ready by fall and should have the horsepower needed to drive Mac OS for ARM

Same could happen with the entry level MacBook

 

[cwkoller5]

Did i just read Mac Mini ?

I think Apple saw the Mini as cannibalizing would-be Trash Can buyers. Now that it's being replaced with a real Mac Pro (will an announcement arrive before Halloween and the Great Pumpkin?) here's hoping the Mini comes back. Many users will cheer.

 

[MrUNIMOG]

so they will put 8 gen cpus in the fall of 2018 and within a few months gen 9 cpus will be out ... pathetic.

You know what's pathetic? Such comments from PC fanboys.

Those 8th gen CPUs appropriate for the MBP (4+6 core mobile Coffee Lake) have now been available for like 2 months. Corresponding 9th gen CPUs might take another year... So think before you write.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Apparently 9700k will be 8 core but I’m not sure

Recently the 9700K is said to be a 6C/12T 200MHz overclock if the 8700K. Reminds me of 6700K vs. 7700K, who could forget that 18 month wait for 200MHz improvement

The 8-core CPU that was earlier rumored to be the i7/8700K is supposedly the i9-9900K.

If the Generation 9 CPUs (Coffee Lake refresh, another 14nm++) do actually ship this fall, it’s possible Apple might end up skipping the 8 gen chips altogether and go straight to 9400 - 9700K, hmmm maybe that i9-9900K

 

[geromi912]

It's the shape of my ears I think. I run a lot and I had to buy plastic tips to slide onto them.

Interesting way to phrase “killing any third party support for OS X”.

 

[SJ Burnett]

Yes, with absolutely no ports. Wireless charging, Bluetooth mouse, and keyboard via Handoff.

And a case that's sealed for life, with all components - including HDD/SSD - solidly bonded to the board. How dare we attempt to upgrade!!!