Tim Cook Says Apple is 'Very Committed' to the Mac and to 'Stay Tuned'

[symphara]

There is no way Apple will be canceling either the MacBook Pro or the iMac.

In the long run the MacBook Air and Retina MacBook will merge. With Apple's recent track record I could see them discontinuing both the Mac Mini and the Mac Pro. My hunch is they will update both. I suspect we will see major updates to the MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro. The iMac, Mini, MacBook Air will all see minor updates.

I didn't say anything about the iMac, as this is a product I definitely don't need. However they don't have to cancel the MBP line per se, all that's required is that they no longer update it, on one hand, and bring a new super-slim MB similar to the rMB - but larger - on the other hand.

That will satisfy Cook's alleged assertion that he loves Macs.

Not saying this will happen, but it's a possibility. Given how the MBP updates have slowed down to a crawl, particularly for the high-end 15" model, it could be in the pipeline. It's suspicious to me that one of the richest companies on earth has a flat Macrumors "don't buy" across the laptop model range, apart from the rMB.

 

[obiwan]

I'm just waiting with baited breath to see if it will still be possible to charge the new MacBook Pro, and listen to music at the same time. I hear it's overrated...

 

[symphara]

what, exactly, are 'some of the apps'... when you feed them more cores and ram, what are you physically doing and what state are the computers in? are you personally working faster or finishing your day quicker with more cores in a computer?

Can only speak for myself here, but 'make' and the compiler fall into that exact category. A full build of the project I'm working now takes 18 minutes on my 8-core Opteron. More cores, more parallel make I can do. So while I might not finish my day quicker, I can get more stuff done when fixing bugs, which is my most time consuming activity these days, being highly iterative.

 

[dylin]

That was just a pinnacle of the discrepancy, up until more recently. But, it wasn't really based on a guess (like the press, Wall Street, and a lot of 'industry experts,' etc.)

Maybe apply for a job as an analyst like Kuo?
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- At least 32GiB RAM, perhaps upgradeable to 64GiB in the future (bare minimum, 4 DDR4 slots really wanted)
- 2.5" bay
- Thunderbolt 3
- 10Gbase-T
- DisplayPort 1.4
- ExpressCard
- Unlocked LTE-A with SIM card
- RX460 graphics minimum
- 17"
- BDXL burner
- Removable battery

Still poor without at least 6-core i7-level CPU.

Not saying your argument isn't valid, but I don't normally see a lot Mac users complain about their MBPs. They usually just hold onto it for as long as they can. Most people aren't tech savvy enough to understand the new hardware expect for handful of us on these forums.

For those that have seriously had problems with the lack of advancement just ended up switching to Windows equivalents or better.

Either way, Apple will lose customers looking for better hardware.

 

[SteveW928]

And go where? To Windows where the manufacturers sail on the brink of bankruptcy!

That's the big problem, the alternatives still aren't all that great. And... they've gotten much better in the last few years. Just goes to show how huge the gap once was.

Here's the point... if current trends continue, we'll have to eventually switch, or deal with Apple's new vision (i.e.: get used to iPad Pros or really anemic 'Macs' if we're lucky) and put up with much of frustration we came to the Mac to escape.

If Apple can build a quad-core A10 Fusion chip for a phone, it can build an ARM chip suitable for Macs.

Yes, this is potentially doable. And, I suppose they could put tons of cores in them. It would be a huge problem for power-hungry single-thread applications though. But, I suppose eventually, they'll get there (if that's the goal).

I want two things. 1) a renewed committment to "it just works"... I value seamless, reliable cloud based device integration and its not perfected yet. 2) extreme longevity regarding os and application compatibility with my ageing hardware.

That's the problem, Apple has moved away from both counts there. The quality, especially software, has dropped. While it might never have 'just worked' it now 'just works' a lot less. And, Macs don't last nearly as long as they used to, due to forced obsolescence (from hardware and software).

Apple is going to dump Intel for ARM.

Possibly, I'm just not sure I see why. I guess it gives them a bit more control over the features and roadmap, etc. But, it seems Intel or some other company would be making them anyway, so it isn't like it's totally in-house. Intel seems to be doing what they can. I suppose it could be argued ARM is a better architecture in some ways... but poses one of the big problems the transition to Intel solved (unless direct compatibility with the rest of the PC world is no longer a concern).

My macbook air 2011 has recently started to struggle with simple tasks, like finder operations. It is also runnig more hot, which means more fan noise.

Second machine is a Mac Mini server 2011. I have upgraded it to 8GB ram and swapped drives to SSD. ... But even if a 2014 mac mini will outperform the 2011 server ...

That seems a bit odd for the MBA, but maybe you're doing something in particular or something is going wrong with it. I'd avoid Chrome (and Flash) and Adobe products as that's what seems to drive my wife's MBA most nuts.

Is that mini server a quad-core? If so, the current ones will be slower. Hang on to it. I was actually considering a mini for a home media (and extra processing) server, but the new ones are kind of lame. I'd actually buy a used quad-core at this point, but I'm nervous about how long until Apple cuts support.

Personally I am not interested in the kind of ARM laptop you're describing. I might as well buy a tablet to do all that. ...

In my opinion, as I explained before, ARM will never overtake x86 in any real desktop and laptop environment in the foreseeable future. It's not only the straight speed, where currently there's a world of difference. It's peripherals and buses, which are essential for storage and networking, where the difference is even bigger.

Note, there's a big difference in terms of UX/UI between a laptop and tablet that would have a huge impact on workflow. It's not as easy as Cook makes it sounds unless what you do is limited to browsing, email, and a few other simple tasks (which, is what many do with their computers).

Good points, though, on x86 vs ARM. That's not a simple move.

Just curious - those saying that they're tired of waiting and are jumping ship, what are you moving to? Windows?

I guess, yes, that's where we'd have to move at the moment. Not a pretty picture either, but at some point, it might be worth it. I'm not there yet, but need to be considering these things down the road, while hopefully waking Apple up so they can move the rudder and avoid the iceberg.

Not saying that it's not completely valid, but Apple is likely to shoot for the sweet spot where the vast majority of users live.

Exactly, which is part of the problem. The old Apple recognized the importance of some of the niches, and the impact they have on the whole eco-system. But, besides that, they are also slipping in UX, quality control, and making some other rather daft decisions. And, those, will eventually even impact those sweet-spot customers.

you're only saying what you believe to be true instead of discussing what you know to be true.. such as your own exact experience when using and/or working with a computer.

Ok, I'm not sure where you're trying to go with this. I've worked in IS/IT for over 25 years now, part of that in a Fortune 100. I spent a good bit of that time working with an industrial design firm, where I did all their CAD and 3D rendering. So, I know a thing or two about it from both perspectives.

pro apps vs non pro apps has nothing to do with it.. the process determines if it's suitable for multiple core usages.. not the pro-ness of the application.

Yes, but it's usually the 'pro' apps and the 'pro' users who care most about this and spend the money on the high-end equipment.

problem is, you can count the number of processes which can do this in a noticeable manner on your fingers... very few processes can break down into individual little equations that calculate independently of each other then rejoin at the end..

Yes, but that's the stuff a lot of people who want powerful computers do... whether that's 3D folks or video editors, or home users encoding their Blu-ray library. Even many games now take advantage of multiple cores (I just wanted a YouTube video the other day where a guy was seeing if he could make a high-end single-core work well with modern games, and it didn't do all that well).

'stuff' ?
what do you mean 'stuff'...

Well, for example, I'm a contributor to Folding@home. Unless I'm doing something really mission critical, I usually have it running in the background at about 50%. I don't even notice it's there, yet I'm contributing to the research. Or, if I'm encoding a Blu-ray, with more cores, that wouldn't impact my other work, yet still get done quickly. Or, I could run a render job and assign that to several of the cores, while the rest are available to use in the CAD app to do some modeling, or I could be working in the on setting up the next scene while I wait for the render results.

i don't know how to get you to stop and say to yourself "ok, i don't actually know what i'm typing to be true.. i'm not a professional doing 3D rendering so maybe i should quit using it for my examples"

Ok, you caught me. I haven't done any rendering for a couple of years now as I've been focused on other things and my animation software is incompatible with El Cap. That's pretty easily resolvable should a job come along, or my focus change.

But, I do follow the industry, and do some CAD from time to time. I'm pretty sure the 3D industry hasn't changed that much. If your software can't use multiple cores and RAM, I can recommend some other apps for you.

what, exactly, are 'some of the apps'... when you feed them more cores and ram, what are you physically doing and what state are the computers in? are you personally working faster or finishing your day quicker with more cores in a computer?

Absolutely. I've been using Renderama on multiple computers since before there were even multi-core machines. It will use AS MANY cores and nearly as much RAM (and as many computers) as I can feed it, and yes, IT WILL get the job done more quickly if I do. Fortunately, there are now cloud services like Amazon Cloud computing where I could rent whatever computing capacity I'd like, if I wanted to.

And, absolutely, I can continue working on other projects/software while using local cores and RAM for rendering. Again, if you can't, I'd recommend checking some other software out.

let's say i'm a pro and do 3D rendering.. and let's say you're not a pro and don't do 3D rendering.

You can say whatever makes you feel better.

i am a professional computer user and i do 3D modeling and renderings.. for money. for my livelihood.. for my passion.

Well, then you realize the importance of cores and RAM, or you need some IT/software advice.

Well, my iBook G4 just died yesterday so I am in need of a new computer. As "outdated" as the Mac mini is, it is still faster than my 933MHz PowerPC G4...

Oh, it's not so much that the mini is a bad machine... it's more that it went backwards from where it was a few years ago. I'd recommend an iMac, though in terms of price/performance if you're going desktop. The mini is insanely expensive for what it is, now.

Also, I might be a bit paranoid, but I really do not want my computer "listening" to me. While I am thinking about it, how hard is it to disable the computer from automatically sending things to iCloud, or any cloud for that matter? I do not want the computer sending anything, to anywhere, at anytime unless I specifically command it to. The same goes for things being received on my computer.

Yea, not really, but welcome to modern computing. Some of security holes being plugged recently would allow those with knowledge of the holes to watch/listen to you, for example. You'd have to physically disable the mic/cameras to be truly safe.

I guess if you do want the functionality of Siri, I'd trust Apple as far as any other such service. But, yea, I just don't need such a feature. As for the cloud, it's hard if you want to use the computer with other devices. The whole OS is setup to talk to Apple these days. There's constantly 'phone home' type stuff going on. You'd almost have to just disconnect from the Internet if you don't want that. (i.e.: It is NOT at all like it was 5-10 years ago when you knew when you were dealing with online vs local.)

 

[Tech198]

That's the big problem, the alternatives still aren't all that great. And... they've gotten much better in the last few years. Just goes to show how huge the gap once was.

Yes, this is potentially doable. And, I suppose they could put tons of cores in them. It would be a huge problem for power-hungry single-thread applications though. But, I suppose eventually, they'll get there (if that's the goal).


Note, there's a big difference in terms of UX/UI between a laptop and tablet that would have a huge impact on workflow. It's not as easy as Cook makes it sounds unless what you do is limited to browsing, email, and a few other simple tasks (which, is what many do with their computers).

There is only a big difference in UI and what can be done with a tablet because Apple favors security more than anything else.

Plus, if u keep adding more cores to the Pro machines it will no longer be 'affordable' for consumers. (based on price range) Look at the Mac Pro... (cylinder) 6-Core

 

[SteveW928]

I didn't say anything about the iMac, as this is a product I definitely don't need. However they don't have to cancel the MBP line per se, all that's required is that they no longer update it, on one hand, and bring a new super-slim MB similar to the rMB - but larger - on the other hand.

That will satisfy Cook's alleged assertion that he loves Macs.

No, I think they'll do some updates to the Mac over the next year or two... it's beyond that where I'm worried. If anyone actually thinks Apple won't do anymore more Mac updates, that's just silly. And, you're right, they'll release some updates later this year or early next, and no matter what those updates look like, that will fulfill Cooks assertion.

It will take a LOT more than that, though, to show he truly loves Macs. Sorry, but I don't believe him.

Maybe apply for a job as an analyst like Kuo?

Eek, no way. I'm just warning folks to actually try and objectively look at what Apple is doing, the trends, etc. and try to ignore the media bias, Wall Street, and most 'industry analysts.' Most of those people haven't had a good track record. I've been pretty dead-on over the years, aside from incorrectly assuming the transition from Jobs to Cook wouldn't fundamentally ruin the company. It's taken me a while to finally admit it's a different Apple.

 

[djcgeez2189]

Let's hope they can make these new MacBook pros with acceptable graphics ya know because they have "courage" now. Enough with $2000+ laptops with integrated graphics and $2800 laptops with a gpu hardly better than integrated graphics trying to power a screen of that resolution when there are more powerful cheaper options.

I can't speak for everyone but most people I talk to don't want thinner, lighter, led bars, more battery life. We want power.

 

[SteveW928]

There is only a big difference in UI and what can be done with a tablet because Apple favors security more than anything else.

After the iPad 2 came out, I actually tried going w/o a laptop for a couple of years. It's a completely different workflow, which is only remotely efficient if you do a limited set of things. Beyond that, they are very much each their own platform with advantages and disadvantages. (And, I'd very much like it to stay that way instead of M$ kludge merge-attempt. But that means keeping both platforms w/ shared data, not dropping the Mac and pushing people to iPads.)

Plus, if u keep adding more cores to the Pro machines it will no longer be 'affordable' for consumers. (based on price range) Look at the Mac Pro... (cylinder) 6-Core

Marketing mostly. We're hitting a physics ceiling, so more cores is going to become less and less limited to the high-end. Most Macs have 4 cores already. Intel is moving towards more in upcoming chips, even on the lower end. Heck, your iPhone or Apple TV has 2-4 cores.

 

[Tech198]

and power usually means bigger... so back to bulky Mac's then

 

[SteveW928]

Let's hope they can make these new MacBook pros with acceptable graphics ya know because they have "courage" now. Enough with $2000+ laptops with integrated graphics and $2800 laptops with a gpu hardly better than integrated graphics trying to power a screen of that resolution when there are more powerful cheaper options.

I can't speak for everyone but most people I talk to don't want thinner, lighter, led bars, more battery life. We want power.

The problem is heat dissipation, battery life, etc. Have you ever seen one of the PC laptops with the 'real' graphics cards? Can you say boat-anchor?

I think the much better solution is now finally a reality with TB3 (even somewhat TB2) and eGPUs. When you're mobile, it can run all the apps and certainly drive the screen. But, when you're at your desk, you can plugin and get true work-station GPU.

BUT, IMO, to be a 'pro' it needs to have adequate cooling so the CPUs can be run hard w/o damage. That hasn't been the case with previous MBPs I've owned.

 

[symphara]

because Apple favors security more than anything else.

I doubt that very much. The "goto fail" bug (look it up) was one of the worst I've seen in the past few years, it affected both iOS and OSX, it took them too long to fix it, and it really made me wonder what kind of code reviews and testing they have in place, to leave this kind of super sloppy mistake through. Mind you, it wasn't something obscure but right in the middle of certificate validation, which is highly sensitive security code.

 

[Tech198]

There are bugs in all OS's ... Apple is not perfect, just pointing out this is why u cannot do everything on a tablet u can also do on a Mac...

 

[obiwan]

Let's hope they can make these new MacBook pros with acceptable graphics ya know because they have "courage" now. Enough with $2000+ laptops with integrated graphics and $2800 laptops with a gpu hardly better than integrated graphics trying to power a screen of that resolution when there are more powerful cheaper options.

I can't speak for everyone but most people I talk to don't want thinner, lighter, led bars, more battery life. We want power.

I'm in the market for a new MacBook Pro, when they are announced - but given Apple's current trend, I'm suspicious of what we'll end up with. If I don't like what they are offering - I'm seriously thinking of building a Hackintosh instead.

 

[symphara]

There are bugs in all OS's ... Apple is not perfect, just pointing out this is why u cannot do everything on a tablet u can also do on a Mac...

Yes of course, no argument here.

I was just pointing out that while Apple has very publicly and deliberately built for itself an image of a security-conscious company, it doesn't stand up to scrutiny if you look closer. The example I gave is one of many.

 

[Cole Slaw]

I'm just waiting with baited breath to see if it will still be possible to charge the new MacBook Pro, and listen to music at the same time. I hear it's overrated...

That's for people who don't have courage.

 

[Gorms]

Dear Impatient Mac People:

No new Mac products will be announced until Sierra is ready to ship. Duh.

They won't announce and release new Mac products and then ship them with the already-outdated El Capitan. Double-duh!

THIS!!!!

I'm beginning to wonder how dim people are. There will be no new Macs until Sierra. It's like Apple releasing iPhone 7 running iOS9

 

[9081094]

I don't understand. What do the current MacBooks lack? Really? What are they so bad at that we need this refresh so badly? My MBA 2013 does everything I need it to.

Well, as a potential buyer of a new computer you want state of the art tech and no tech from 2013 for a premium price. That's called a total rip off.

 

[Larry-K]

Steve gave the example that as an agrarian economy, the USA was a country that needed trucks. As the economic model changed, America started to produce different types of vehicles to suit different needs.

He used that example to explain why the iPad would be a replacement device for a lot of people who had previously driven PC "trucks".

Top Selling Vehicles in America: Trucks and SUVs.

 

[9081094]

THIS!!!!

I'm beginning to wonder how dim people are. There will be no new Macs until Sierra. It's like Apple releasing iPhone 7 running iOS9

Sorry, but it will run also faster on older OS. Every computer company is building new computers every year with better everything. The older ones gets price reduction. Don't start bragging that the other companies don't make as much money as Apple does. At least their customers get what they pay for. It's all same old, same old at Apple. I wonder how long this will last till also the ones with Apple glasses on will recognize that there beloved company is really taking it too far. Wake up!

 

[SteveW928]

Yes of course, no argument here. I was just pointing out that while Apple has very publicly and deliberately built for itself an image of a security-conscious company, it doesn't stand up to scrutiny if you look closer. The example I gave is one of many.

It's just better than the alternatives and has been a lesser target until more recently.

I'm beginning to wonder how dim people are. There will be no new Macs until Sierra. It's like Apple releasing iPhone 7 running iOS9

I don't think many of us here think they won't ever release any more Mac updates. It's more about what percentage of resources and effort Apple is putting into Macs, and what the longer-term outcome is for the platform. I think their actions speak volumes. I don't think Tim loves the Mac at all... empty words.

Top Selling Vehicles in America: Trucks and SUVs.

But, the bigger point is that there will always be BOTH. Steve wisely noticed a trend before it was a trend. Tim can't seem to focus on anything but the spreadsheet and pie-chart implications of that trend, to the detriment of the rest.

 

[9081094]

The thing is, what Cook thinks is exciting about Macs, and what I think is exciting, could be quite different. Plus, let's face it - the guy uses an iPad Pro as his main computer and travels with a phone. For the work I need to do - which often involves having two or three word documents open at once (something that isn't exactly taxing or that makes me a "pro") even an iPad Pro is useless....

I think when there will be coming new Macs, Tim will see an opportunity for a new price hike.

 

[xmonkey]

THIS!!!!

I'm beginning to wonder how dim people are. There will be no new Macs until Sierra. It's like Apple releasing iPhone 7 running iOS9

Hm, 15" Retina MacBook Pro was released prior to the upcoming OSX version (ML) being available...

 

[AxiomaticRubric]

Hope this means once the new Macbook Pros are out the current Macbook Pros will be cheaper.

By default they will be via the Apple Refurbished store
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How long should we "Stay Tuned"?

Seems like we're at the stage of watching lawyer infomercials in the wee hours of the morning.

I'm sure Tim didn't write that. Sounds like the original email was forwarded to Apple Public Relations and they responded using Tim's email address (the *address*, not necessarily his actual account)
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I think when there will be coming new Macs, Tim will see an opportunity for a new price hike.

How could there not be price hikes? They have to account for inflation.

 

[SteveW928]

Hm, 15" Retina MacBook Pro was released prior to the upcoming OSX version (ML) being available...

That's happened a bunch of times, if memory serves. That might be the reason this time, but historically hasn't been a concern. It's pretty easy to just run the update.