Worldwide Developers Conference 2008 Rumor Roundup

[Chupa Chupa]

Define "cauterized boards". I believe there is a possibility that Apple will release a redesign. The current MBP design is 6+ years old, and the MBA is stealing it's thunder.

What kind of "thunder?" The MBP isn't an attention hogging product, it's a workhorse. You buy a MBP for very different reasons than a MBA. The two are not interchangeable. You either want a minimalist, but ultra-lightweight notebook or you can't sacrifice any functionality and you buy a MBP. Anyone who buys the MBA solely because it's cute or sleek, even if it doesn't fit their needs, isn't too bright IMHO.

Moreover, since there are no stats on specific model sales you can't really say the MBA is stealing anything from the MBP with any authority unless you are counting ad runs. Then again it's a brand new product and you would expect that.

As for the current MBP, sure it's similar to the original TiBook, but it has been updated through the years just like the Porsche Carrera. The overall design and shape though are classic and do not need "overhauling." Maybe a little thinner and lighter as technology permits but a whole redo is unnecessary.

 

[Stridder44]

Seem like everyone forget that Cinema Display is long over due?

Oh God, let's not even get started on how badly those things need updating. Honestly I don't even know why Apple sells them, or who keeps buying them because you can get a much better monitor (or at least as good as) for way less $$$. Paying that Apple premium wouldn't even be that big of a deal if it didn't take them so long to update them.

The iPhone's awesome and all, but it kinda sucks there's no Mac related changes. Still, "Snow-Leopard" sounds very exciting.

 

[Peace]

Some list you have there.

Unfortunately you are going to be bitterly disappointed.

na. I'm never disappointed.

 

[brisweeney]

is anyone really thinking the 3g iphone is gonna go onslane on the 9th? that would be insane,their not gonna announce it,then tell everyone to run out and buy it!! i say their gonna announce it,do a 2 week or so PR blitz then put it onsale around the 20th. it'll hit o2 in the uk and ireland similtanious id say. seeing as o2 carry it in both countries, and o2 ireland only recently upgraded to nearly full 3g coverage.

im glad i waited and didnt get an iphone, ive only used 3g phones since they first hit the market here, and i dont like taking steps backwards!!!

with regards to MB/MBP updates? i dont realy care as ive only just gotten a MB! and it'll do me for at least a year!

ill prob watch the key note tomorrow, wheres a good place to get a stream? also what time will it be in san fran? so i can see what time in the afternoon it'll be here!!!

 

[jsbarone]

What kind of "thunder?" The MBP isn't an attention hogging product, it's a workhorse. You buy a MBP for very different reasons than a MBA. The two are not interchangeable. You either want a minimalist, but ultra-lightweight notebook or you can't sacrifice any functionality and you buy a MBP. Anyone who buys the MBA solely because it's cute or sleek, even if it doesn't fit their needs, isn't too bright IMHO.

Moreover, since there are no stats on specific model sales you can't really say the MBA is stealing anything from the MBP with any authority unless you are counting ad runs. Then again it's a brand new product and you would expect that.

As for the current MBP, sure it's similar to the original TiBook, but it has been updated through the years just like the Porsche Carrera. The overall design and shape though are classic and do not need "overhauling." Maybe a little thinner and lighter as technology permits but a whole redo is unnecessary.

my point is that Apple isn't a "timeless" company. They like to keep things looking fresh and cutting edge, and the current MBPs design doesn't reflect those qualities. I am not complaining about the current design---I just don't think that Apple would have designed the MBA (a cheaper notebook) to be visually superior unless they had similar plans for the MBP. They don't want the consumers out there to go with the cheaper MBA based on looks alone (people ARE that vain).

Summarizing...Apple doesn't like to stand still in regards to design, and the Mini and MBP are significantly overdue. I'm expecting a redesign by Macworld, hopefully sooner.

 

[MacinDoc]

is anyone really thinking the 3g iphone is gonna go onslane on the 9th? that would be insane,their not gonna announce it,then tell everyone to run out and buy it!! i say their gonna announce it,do a 2 week or so PR blitz then put it onsale around the 20th. it'll hit o2 in the uk and ireland similtanious id say. seeing as o2 carry it in both countries, and o2 ireland only recently upgraded to nearly full 3g coverage.

im glad i waited and didnt get an iphone, ive only used 3g phones since they first hit the market here, and i dont like taking steps backwards!!!

with regards to MB/MBP updates? i dont realy care as ive only just gotten a MB! and it'll do me for at least a year!

ill prob watch the key note tomorrow, wheres a good place to get a stream? also what time will it be in san fran? so i can see what time in the afternoon it'll be here!!!

The problem with waiting for 2 weeks is that the current model has been sold out for some time now, representing a significant revenue loss for Apple.

I say it goes on sale this Friday at the latest.

 

[brisweeney]

The problem with waiting for 2 weeks is that the current model has been sold out for some time now, representing a significant revenue loss for Apple.

I say it goes on sale this Friday at the latest.

yeah good point there....i mean we all know apple are pr geniuses, a 1 week or 2 week rush of tv,net,and print/billboard ads would be enough to create a huge hype for the new iphone, for the general public, not just die hard apple fans!

i mean, say tomorrow morning, average joe wakes up and says "hey i want an iphone" he goes to the shop to be told,"sorry its out of stock, but wait a week/2 weeks and theres this amazing new 3g one with loads of cool stuff on it!"

is average joe gonna go elsewhere for a bog standard phone, or wait a while for the new iphone?

edit: also for that week/2 weeks all he see's is ads for the new iphone!!! im betting he waits!

 

[mAc-warrior]

Summarizing...Apple doesn't like to stand still in regards to design, and the Mini and MBP are significantly overdue. I'm expecting a redesign by Macworld, hopefully sooner.

I'm with you here jsbarone. I have been hoping for a MBP refresh as well.

I don't believe that there is nothing that can be done for the MBPs. Currently they are way too close spec-wise to the MBs. Clockspeed overlap is something that Apple has historically tried to minimize between their notebook lines. Right now the two lines are overlapping at that 2.4Ghz speed. Assuming that there are no issues with the processors included in the Montevina chipset, there is no reason why Apple could not simply implement those processors in their own custom boards (they currently design their own boards), bumping the MBP to 2.6Ghz and 2.8Ghz (possibly 3.06 as BTO). The graphics chipset in the MBP is also now 2 (or 3, I can't remember) revisions old. Further, I see bargain-basement PCs in flyers at my door all the time including 320GB HDs in them, at 5400RPM. There is no reason why Apple can't bump the HD capacity as well, to 250GB standard with a 320GB (maybe even 500GB???) as BTO. Many say the 15" screen could see a bump in resolution as well to 1680x1050. Case redesigns could compliment all of this quite nicely.

To recap, Apple can upgrade:

Processors (and DDR3 RAM that goes with them)
Graphics
HD capacity
Screen (15")
Cases

What am I missing? This looks like a pretty well completely upgraded machine. I don't understand where people are getting the idea that there is nothing to upgrade, especially when the Macbook is so close spec-wise. Why would anyone (even Pros) buy a MBP over the current MB right now? Hence the need for a MBP upgrade ASAP. The parts to upgrade are there too.

--mAc

 

[hawaiianapple]

Parallel Bridges

Has anyone not noticed the announcment image?

Apple always gives clues with it's announcements... And there have been rumors of OSX for non-apple hardware...

A landmark event in more ways than one...

i.e. while eveyone is focused on 3G iPhone it seems that this very subtle clue is being overlooked...

Why are there parallel bridges? Parallels? i.e. PC on a mac or how about OSX on a PC? Landmark event? What would be more landmark than OSX being able to be installed on PC hardware?

I hardly think that 3G iPhone is a landmark event, although landmarking could be a referral to GPS encoding photo images, but then why the double Golden Gate bridges?

Why are the bridges not in absolute parallel but are divergent? What does that mean?

What is the significance of the bridge? Bridging divides? Possible clue to the Mac/PC divide?

Not to be all conspiracy theory but Apple's clues always hint at what is coming, how can two bridges that are slightly divergent have anything to do with the iPhone?

"In more ways than one", i.e. not only will the iPhone be featured, but clearly *something else* is being hinted at here...

They're hiding the truth in plain sight but what is the truth they are revealing in the imagery they're using... There are big clues there, but what do they mean...?

Analysing the clues further, it's obvious something major is up with OSX, the two are the iPhone and OSX so what is new with OSX? What would make it so landmark?

 

[tba03]

two bridges going to two different places....


think "SURPRISE!"

oh yeah, one last thing, we are splitting the company in 2 parts, one will be named apple computers inc and the other iApple inc
thank you

 

[Chundles]

Has anyone not noticed the announcment image?

Apple always gives clues with it's announcements... And there have been rumors of OSX for non-apple hardware...

You're looking too far into it. The two bridges are for the two OS X platforms, Mac and iPhone.

 

[queshy]

I predict about 1 hr 15 minutes will be for demoing 2.0 - all iPhone stuff. Very little will be said about the Mac.

 

[mneblett]

I think we're going to have to wait until later this month before we can get our hands on the new phone(s).

I suspect the release date is closely tied to the "no vacation" period for the store employees -- I can't remember the start date, but IIRC, it was about a week later.

 

[SchneiderMan]

those two bridges represent the two versions of the new iphones..
some apple store mabager said that there will be 2 version of the iphone

 

[Analog Kid]

I haven't followed all of the iPhone case threads, so sorry if this has been gone over, but I'd kinda like to see an iPhone with an enclosure more similar to the MBA. Solid, brushed metal, tapered to the sides.

If they're going plastic though, it's gotta be because of RF reception needs, what with up to 4 antennas in there.

I predict about 1 hr 15 minutes will be for demoing 2.0 - all iPhone stuff. Very little will be said about the Mac.

Depends on how you spin 1:15 of talking about OS X now running two distinct platforms. Personally, I would see that as being about the Mac. It's an impressive mainstreaming of the Mac OS.

It also gives all those Mac developers in the audience more opportunities to make a living without being forced to dirty themselves with C#.

 

[ingenious]

GPS and 3G are good... what about 802.11n and video conferencing? I think iChat AV could spring to life with an iPhone counterpart...

 

[kitki83]

Has there rumors about updated Apple monitors? Just wondering since they are going green with other screens I would think they would do the same?

 

[bretm]

Well if you believe the images, its thinner and tapered exactly like the air. But it won't be brushed metal. Apple doesn't have any brushed metal products. Where'd you see a brushed metal product?

I haven't followed all of the iPhone case threads, so sorry if this has been gone over, but I'd kinda like to see an iPhone with an a more similar to the MBA. Solid, brushed metal, tapered to the sides.

If they're going plastic though, it's gotta be because of RF reception needs, what with up to 4 antennas in there.



Depends on how you spin 1:15 of talking about OS X now running two distinct platforms. Personally, I would see that as being about the Mac. It's an impressive mainstreaming of the Mac OS.

It also gives all those Mac developers in the audience more opportunities to make a living without being forced to dirty themselves with C#.

 

[Rocketman]

Don't forget that besides iPhone 2.0 software for both old and new iPhones, we are looking at MacOS 10.5.3 just released, iPhone 2 hardware announcements and notably a worldwide hardware and service rollout, an update to .Mac that Steve has been hyping for a year now, a likely iPhone nano or non-nano, depending on what rumor you like best, and the oft not discussed Apple TV that will now compete with Netflix streaming with as yet announced features and schemes.

Then there is the new iTunes App store for iPhone users, the iTunes movie and rental download for same and Macs too, and "Snow Leopard", which depending on how you view it is a Windows 7 replacement or simply a gross simplifcation of 10.5 rebranded as 10.6.

How many Golden Gate bridges?

Rocketman

 

[aafuss1]

Apple hasn't set up a redirect for me.com or mobileme.com-for me.com, it still says:
"The site you are trying to reach has moved.

This page can now be found at http://www.snappville.com

Please update your bookmarks. You can click on the link above to go to that site now."

And Multi-Edit and my company are the first to use "Mobile Me"-hopefully Apple will license the name.

New displays were launched at the 2004 WWDC-even though WWDC is developer focused, sometimes new hardware is launched (think the G5, Mac Pro).

What we won't see at WWDC:

Will the laptos be updated-no? Montevina has been delayed in shipments.

Mac mini and iLife/iWork '09-perhaps at a event like last year's August launch for the iMac.

Blu-ray-possible, but Apple still hasn't updated DVD Studio Pro to support that.

 

[stagi]

Great write up, I am really looking forward to monday. Who knows what it will being but I am sure something great that I will want to buy

 

[chickenninja]

way to downplay the tablet potential, ya know the ipod touch is a form of mobile tablet. no osx but still. so i wouldnt expect it to be too ridiculous to see a tablet surface, especially since ipod and macbooks are getting closer and closer to just that. when they merge it will be beautiful.

 

[chickenninja]

macbook pros have been stewing in their case design for an eternity and the apple displays have been surpassed by compettitors to the point that they are now in a medium-low performance bracket. i expect( and hope) to see some stirring in that department this wwdc. I put faith in apples secrecy, that the best of what is to come hasn't had so much as a rumor peep.

 

[chris.stone]

WWDC 2008 prediction

I expect WWDC will more than likely be this:

1. version 2.0 of the iPhone OS X released
2. iPhone SDK (Final version)
3. The App Store for iPhone and iPod Touch
4. .Mac revision
5. Sneak preview of OS X 10.6 (Intel only OS)
6. 3G iPhone (announcement and preview)

I'm guessing the Apple 3G iPhone will launch on June 27th (a year after the iPhone). It will be announced at WWDC and will appear on the Apple store to pre-order. WWDC will allow Developers and delegates to "play" with the iPhone and then start thinking about the possibilities of what can be done with the iPhone SDK.

The plainly obvious reason for this is the fact that there has been no stories about Apple stores or phone outlets receiving Apple iPhone's. Do we remember the stories that circulated with the iPhone launch about deliveries...

Think it through. If the 3G iPhone was to go on sale, Monday or Friday even, stores would of had deliveries by now and staff at them would be having training on them. There would already be pictures of the "un-boxing" online and pictures of the phone.

I will expect deliveries to stores will start tomorrow and it will be another two weeks so staff can have training and chance for a marketing blitz before the launch. WWDC 2008 makes a perfect cover for this as all eyes will be there and not any where else...

And please remember that WWDC is not about new hardware launches primarily. Its a developers conference for Apple software and exhibition for new technologies.

SO NO NEW MACBOOKS!

 

[Telp]

I expect WWDC will more than likely be this:

1. version 2.0 of the iPhone OS X released
2. iPhone SDK (Final version)
3. The App Store for iPhone and iPod Touch
4. .Mac revision
5. Sneak preview of OS X 10.6 (Intel only OS)
6. 3G iPhone (announcement and preview)

I heard 10.6 would work on PPC too. Perplexing, lookings like we should all just wait for WWDC tomorrow .