What to Expect From Apple in 2017: iPhone 8, 10-Inch iPad Pro, Refreshed iMacs, and More

[Abazigal]

Well, you should certainly consider listening to experts like them before trying to dismiss us simpletons here on this forum.

You say you're a teacher, you're busy. We all are, and their podcasts are long ... but how much time have you spent on this forum arguing against us, (and by proxy) against them? Probably more than the 45 minutes it would take to listen to the section where they discuss the state of apple and the mac.

With all due respect, what makes you think I have not done any reading or research of my own? I follow multiple Apple-related podcasts and blogs of my own. I am subscribed to Aboveavalon. I have thought long and hard about this as well and my conclusion is that in the greater scheme of things, neglecting the Mac might be an acceptable tradeoff. Perhaps necessary even.

Not to boast, but my point is that I too do my due diligence and I take the time to craft my responses before I dare to post here. And I don't reply by linking to other blogs and expecting posters to read the whole article themselves. What is it about the the podcast that I have to listen to for myself rather than have you or someone else summarise the key points for me? Am I supposed to be cowled by the presence of these 3 strongmen of the Apple community?

I don't think the people here are simpletons, but if the posters know more than they are letting on, it's certainly not showing from the quality of their responses (or more specifically, the clear lack thereof).

Just look to Ars Technica and Reddit for examples of how similar discussions can be carried out without half the comments calling for Tim Cook's dismissal.

 

[Kabeyun]

That, and Apple turning it's back on the Mac.

But I'm sure Apple turning it's back on the Mac has NOTHING to do with any of this, right?

Nope. You'd be right if the only trolly, snarky comments were about the Mac, but they're not. You're thinking too narrowly. Human nature uses two ingredients, the anonymity of the internet and the delightfulness of provocative statements, to decay all-access forums into pits of nastiness. People with different opinions are morons. Even replies to honest questions are often snide and nasty, as if the inquirer is an idiot for not knowing. Trolls either are these kinds of people or make a hobby of stirring them up. This isn't about the bloody Mac or lack thereof. I'm talking about a permeative lack of civility, and so was the person to whom I replied.

 

[Count Blah]

See my point below with regards to most people not bothering to crack their laptops open to upgrade the internals. The points you raised are a benefit, but it's a benefit which will apply to only a very small demographic of users.

That's why my family got me to do it. 4 iMacs, a couple Mac minis, several pre retina MacBooks and MBPs. Throw in my technical savvy friends who own Macs, and that is 100% of all upgradeable macs I know of, having been upgraded.

I call 100% a pretty significant number. But you can continue claiming this doesn't exist in real life.

BTW - guess who is telling their family members to move on from Macs, unless they want to spend huge $$$ upfront, unlike the past 15+ years?

 

[radiology]

"Apple Computers" doesn't exist - its Apple Inc
People will bitch and moan about the "pro audience", but why spend any time on a minuscule piece of the market?.

Keep in mind that it was that "minuscule piece of the market" that made this company great. And don't forget that a lot of the stuff that you consume on a daily basis is also created by that "minuscule piece of market".

You indeed sound like the typical consumer that Apple has in mind. Good for you if a web browser and emojis are enough for your needs and you don't mind paying a fortune for that.

 

[DG82016]

Love this comment.

Oddly enough, it's kind of like an old Mac in a way - simplistically perfect, entirely true and purposeful with no fat to trim.

I'll admit it, I hate Apple. I hate them down to their Apple Core and it's the same seething hatred you feel for a girlfriend who's cheated on you. So deeply rooted in love that it becomes unbridled, passionate hatred. I feel cheated on, and yeah, I hate them for it. I've been devoted and grateful for decades, this company was 50% responsible for my love of graphic design. It felt like a privilege to work on Macs all day. Today... I want to jump ship but my devotion has gotten me into a bind, I'm all Mac since 1986. I don't want a different OS, I've invested so much into Mac OS, OS X, and now macOS that I just keep sticking it out even though emotionally I'm long gone. I can't fathom learning a new OS from scratch to the extent I know the Mac OSs. It's classic behavior: underdog makes it to the "big time", turns their back on their friends and family that supported them unconditionally for decades. That's how it feels to me anyway.

Your comment illustrates why so many on this forum seem like "trolls" for constantly mocking the emoji, Apple's obsessions with thinness, etc: They are bitterly disappointed by Apple, and rightfully so.

Regarding Tim Cook:
I think there are four kinds of CEOs.

• Totally incompetent
• Genius
• Milkers: Those who can run a company efficiently as a cash cow, and milk it for all it is worth. The company does well in the short term, but lack of vision and long-term strategy ultimately do terrible damage
• Visionaries who may be short of being genius but do know how to move a company into the future for long-term health

There is no need to illustrate the first category. But Tim Cook is not totally incompetent.

Steve Jobs was genius, like Henry Ford and Walt Disney. This is very rare.

Tim Cook, like Steve Ballmer, is in the third category. Apple made a boatload of money in the first 5 years of his tenure, but I think Apple's future is grim if he stays at the helm.

I think Satya Nadella of Microsoft is in the fourth category. He is probably not a genius-class CEO, but he is moving the company in the right direction for a solid future.

 

[blackcrayon]

All-in-one (AIO) computers like iMac are a huge aggression to planet Earth. Computers may last for seven years or less, whereas displays may last for more than 20 years.

But laptops are also "all in one" computers, and they make up a far larger % of the market. The iMac is barely a blip on the radar compared to the millions of laptops with "non upgradable" screens... Now that we have the TB 3 / Displayport display tech, the best Apple can do is return (and improve) Target Display Mode to the next round of iMacs.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Tim Cook, like Steve Ballmer, is in the third category. Apple made a boatload of money in the first 5 years of his tenure, but I think Apple's future is grim if he stays at the helm.

I think Satya Nadella of Microsoft is in the fourth category. He is probably not a genius-class CEO, but he is moving the company in the right direction for a solid future.

Your assessment is spot on. Tim Cook has tried, but is unable to really move the company forward. 2016 has shown this has caught up with him. Apple revenue and sales do not portray a company firing with all cylinders and Apple stock growth for the year is well below the avg Dow stock. But for Apple's good dividend I shudder to think where AAPL would have performed this year.

Nadella took an broken cruiser that was Ballmers MS and transformed it into a steady super yacht. Apple needs that now or Campus II will be a circle of confusion.

Let Cook run the Lakers instead. He can charge patrons $15 for a magical near-beer.

 

[emjaymert]

I am in the market for a newer iMac.If the next one is not at a minimum as good as the upcoming all in one Surface..I may not end up with an iMac

 

[Labeno]

If you keep in mind (my opinion) that most of those negativity comes from people who used to be loyal Apple fans and have difficulty with the direction Apple is going now. Lack of new products while the competition is firing on all cilinders. Also the quality of software and services are lagging compared to others. Don't get me wrong, I still like Apple products but I'm not blindly following or trusting the pipeline anymore. Apple always was a bit more expensive but you could trust that it performed well and enjoyed a great experience. Today I'm not so sure anymore and that with price increases makes me sad. I do hope when others experience the same and express themselves, Apple listens. Strength by numbers. If that noice comes over as negativity or trolling, I apologize. I want to be a proud Apple user from the time not so long ago.

I agree. Plus one thing to add... Apple make more profit than any other publicly owned company, and it doesn't show. If they had actually put some money into making the the new MPB a "Pro" device and not a "Fashion" device, it wouldn't have been statistically noticeable in their profit margin. There companies give up all of their profit to make a great product. Tesla for example.

 

[Schizoid]

I predict the gap between what Apple customers need and what we actually get will be wider than ever.

 

[Mr. Donahue]

Don't forget, we'll get MORE emoji, and LESS ports.
But everything will be thinner and lighter.

Did you notice they got rid of the "GUN" emoji and replaced it with a toy one?

 

[righteye]

Software and Hardware probably not a lot to get excited about, a few dongles perhaps so one can get your stuff connected.
Its good to have slim but the plastic surgery thing is getting stupid its about time we had a "Pro" that actually meant something. If Microsoft can make some iCandy (things look promising) i think the migration could be quite marked. My 2010 MP is still doing good service but if i was changing i would be looking at the MS Surface Studio that actually made me think WOW something that hasn't happened with Apple for a long time.
2017 needs be the year Apple show what they are made of because mediocre at very un-mediocre prices isn't going to work forever.

 

[Mr. Donahue]

Did you notice they got rid of the "GUN" emoji and replaced it with a toy one?

Yet they still keep the "You!" Finger? How is a gun more offensive than the middle finger? Honestly?!
[doublepost=1483195910][/doublepost]

Yet they still keep the "You!" Finger? How is a gun more offensive than the middle finger? Honestly?!

Oh my goodness you see! Even macrumours edited out my middle finger emoji. Because clearly it's offensive!

 

[merkinmuffley]

Who cares? My Windows 10 laptop works fine and my Google Pixel phone does everything I expect a smart phone to do. Time to move on from what looks like a ship of fools.
https://www.engadget.com/2016/12/29/2016-apple-fans-lose/

 

[righteye]

Did you notice they got rid of the "GUN" emoji and replaced it with a toy one?

In case someone held it at their head and said "go forth and make something PRO"
[doublepost=1483196211][/doublepost]

Who cares? My Windows 10 laptop works fine and my Google Pixel phone does everything I expect a smart phone to do. Time to move on from what looks like a ship of fools.
https://www.engadget.com/2016/12/29/2016-apple-fans-lose/

Imagine working in that Apple store, "Well we have this slim thing with two ports or that slim thing one port and thats for plugging it in the choice is yours"

 

[robeddie]

With all due respect, what makes you think I have not done any reading or research of my own? I follow multiple Apple-related podcasts and blogs of my own. I am subscribed to Aboveavalon. I have thought long and hard about this as well and my conclusion is that in the greater scheme of things, neglecting the Mac might be an acceptable tradeoff. Perhaps necessary even.

Not to boast, but my point is that I too do my due diligence and I take the time to craft my responses before I dare to post here. And I don't reply by linking to other blogs and expecting posters to read the whole article themselves. What is it about the the podcast that I have to listen to for myself rather than have you or someone else summarise the key points for me? Am I supposed to be cowled by the presence of these 3 strongmen of the Apple community?

I don't think the people here are simpletons, but if the posters know more than they are letting on, it's certainly not showing from the quality of their responses (or more specifically, the clear lack thereof).

Just look to Ars Technica and Reddit for examples of how similar discussions can be carried out without half the comments calling for Tim Cook's dismissal.

You get all defemsive,
but the main issue they discuss is not only the wisdom, pro or con of neglecting the mac. But how apple has sent mixed signals between words ("we care very much about the mac") and actions.
The confusion and frustration with apple on this goes far beyond the walls of macrumors forums. And its created a legitimate PR problem.

Thats what they talk about - how apple has mismanaged this situation so badly and created all this ill-will.

So, youre long responses to everyones complaints here seem to ignore the fact that whether or not you want a different product from apple, theyve created a very negative vibe for themselves.

 

[Abazigal]

You get all defemsive,
but the main issue they discuss is not the wisdom, pro or con of neglecting the mac. But how they've sent mixed signals between words ("we care very much about the mac") and actions.
The confusion and frustration with apple on this goes far beyond the walls of macrumors forums. And its created a legitimate PR problem.

Thats what they talk about - how apple has mismanaged this situation so badly and created all this ill-will.

So, youre long responses to everyones complaints here seem to ignore the fact that whether or not you want a different product from apple, theyve created a very negative vibe for themselves.

Fair enough point.

Am listening to the podcast now. Let's see what they have to say.

 

[Bacillus]

I think there are four kinds of CEOs.

• Totally incompetent
• Genius
• Milkers: Those who can run a company efficiently as a cash cow, and milk it for all it is worth. The company does well in the short term, but lack of vision and long-term strategy ultimately do terrible damage
• Visionaries who may be short of being genius but do know how to move a company into the future for long-term health

Don't rule out the mere explosive combinations.
Sadly, 3 combines very well with self-image 2/4. And if nobody intervenes, the overall result is 1.
Now just add a tad of self-centrism and some (rhino sized) ingredient of greed & borderline and it pretty much describes the situation.

 

[Martyimac]

Do me a favor: Listen to Accidental Tech Podcast 202 - http://atp.fm/episodes/202

In it, well known - and highly respected - Apple and Mac enthusiasts Marco Armant, Casey Liss, and John Siracusa discuss the topic of how Apple is handling the Mac. It's very well thought out and yes, you'll hear a lot of what you continually try to argue against on this forum. But these are three very smart people, and they all agree that whatever Apple is doing with the mac, that "SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG" - the title of the podcast.

So I ask you to please give it an open-minded listen before trying to dismiss another person on here who's angry with Apple about the state of the Mac . Please?

Has anybody condensed this down to a manageable time? Or at least a synopsis? 2+hours for a podcast is way to much time to sit and listen to folks banter about any topic, and I'm retired, you would think I would have the time.

 

[navaira]

I don't think Tim Cook is the problem. If there's one particular person I would want to see fired it's Eddy Cue. Everything this man touches turns to poo_emoji.gif.

I was very concerned to hear there is no longer a dedicated Mac team. This is something I would like to see changed yesterday at the latest. When every company understands the need to expand the portfolio, Apple are cutting products (Airport, displays, Mac Pro, Mac Mini) and putting all their efforts into The Best iPhone Since The Last iPhone Which Was The Best iPhone Since The Previous One.

I am sort of sorry for people who are unhappy with rMBP 2016 but I can recommend buying a 2015. In the last months I've been using every single slot it offers except Thunderbolt. I don't notice it being slow in any way except when I tried to play Sims 4 on it. I connect it to a big screen, have a 128GB microSD card with flush enclosure as storage expansion, external Microsoft keyboard, additional charger and mouse. To change it from laptop to desktop all I need to do is connect HDMI and charger cable. After adding cDock, Bartender and Karabiner it works and looks exactly how I want it to. On El Capitan. Sierra and all its... let's be nice... quirks? I didn't know a day would come when I would consciously keep myself from updating and warn my husband not to do so either.

I replaced my iPhone with Android, same with iPad, a long time ago and never really felt the need to go back. My Hackintosh is doing very well, not to mention it's faster than anything Apple even offers. I'd be very happy to be able to replace hubby's near-dead 2011 iMac with a new one, but the current lineup is... unjustifiable. I'd love to imagine iMac 2017 will bring us the death of spinners, ADD the new USB next to current ones and allow for some sort of expandability, but I don't believe it will happen. It will come by default with (if we're lucky) a Fusion drive with 24 GB SSD portion, 4xUSB-C and headphone jack. Possibly touchbar keyboard. And a price hike.

I don't hate Apple. I don't hate companies. I guess I don't really hate anybody at all. Life's too short. I'm just kind of losing interest bit by bit. I post and read here because I've been loving Apple since I got my first Mac and then iPhone 3G, then second iPad, then kept on replacing their products with their newer products until things started going in a direction that didn't fit me. Siri? No interest. Watch? No interest. Pencil? No interest. Airpods? No interest. Butterfly keyboard? No interest. USB-C only computers? No interest. Apple Music? One day it will work correctly, possibly in 2017 but I wouldn't hold my breath, not while Cue is responsible for it. Their exclusive series about app developers or hip hop artists? Meh. Emojis? I never felt the need to progress past and . Touch Bar? No interest. I don't have a problem with any of those things. They just don't turn me on. What I do have a problem with are the prices.

I remember the first time I saw Macbook Air. I couldn't afford it but man, I wanted one SO BAD. Now, that was magic. iPod Shuffle? OMG I can seriously have my music with me on something SO SMALL??? How is that even possible? What do you mean I am getting the new Mac OS for FREE??? Praised be Gods!!! When I got an iMac – boy, which year was it, 2009 I think – I almost cried in happiness when I unpacked it and replaced my huge Windoze box that made noise like a helicopter with this gorgeous, gorgeous piece of beauty. I could barely afford it but oh boy was it worth its price. If you could count the hours I spent fixing Windows problems and multiplied that by, dunno, 5 euro I'd probably be able to say I got the iMac for free and possibly Apple paid me extra.

What do I expect from Apple in 2017? Not much. I used to count hours until the next keynote. Now I sort of watch it in the background. My rMBP 2015 is the best laptop I've ever used. I thought the 2016 would be so exciting I'd have to scramble for reasons to get it. I didn't. Mini and Pro will probably die. Everything else will be the mostest bestest amazingest [insert gizmo name] since the last one. I'd love to feel the way I did when I saw the first Macbook Air or the first iPhone or when I unpacked that iMac. But the closest I got to this feeling in 2016 was with Surface Studio and Lenovo Yoga Book.

 

[Bacillus]

I don't think Tim Cook is the problem. If there's one particular person I would want to see fired it's Eddy Cue. Everything this man touches turns to poo_emoji.gif.

Eddy Cue is not the problem.
He (and the whole rapping gang of plopping, streetdancing characters around him) is one of the symptoms.
"The" problem is Cook not appointing the right leadership, especially for innovation/design/production.
Exception: Graig Federighi

 

[Apple 26.2]

Really looking forward to 10th anniversary iPhone!

The original iPhone was what cemented my move to Apple in 2007 - here's to hoping for great things (split screen, etc.), for a tenth anniversary iPhone. I'm also hoping for an updated MBP.

 

[mac_in_tosh]

Steve Jobs was genius

When I think of "genius," I think of Einstein, Newton, Mozart, Da Vinci, etc. Steve Jobs does not fall in that category.

 

[navaira]

"The" problem is Cook not appointing the right leadership, especially for innovation/design/production.

That's correct. What I meant is that it's not like Tim Cook personally comes to the Mac design team (which doesn't exist) and says "make them thinner and remove all non USB-C slots", then goes to the Apple Music testers and tells them "take the rest of the decade off", then off he goes to Sierra dev team and says "hey do something really funky with Optimize Storage, people love surprises". <- emoji!!!

Replacing Tim Cook isn't going to change Apple to an amazing and exciting company overnight. The entire structure of the company would need to be changed. And I don't see that happening. That's it. On the plus side, the Campus looks very, uh, it's their best campus since their previous campus and has no headphone jack I guess.

 

[MacBH928]

I don't understand why Apple is quitting the hardware market. Maybe because Tim just don't understand computers.

Computers business is so big it used to be the only business of Apple, and it was a mega company. Other computer manufacturers has computer hardware as a mains source of income like Dell and Lenovo. And here we have a guy that has a customer base that is willing to pay like 100% more for his product over the competition but he just doesn't feel the market is there so much as to not update in 3 years.