Apple may show modular Mac Pro, new external 6K Pro display at WWDC 2019
Beyond new software, Apple may reportedly use this June's WWDC 2019 to showcase a promised modular Mac Pro and a new standalone monitor.
The 2013 Mac Pro doesn't have many upgrade options.
The monitor is codenamed "J290," and will support high dynamic range (HDR), Bloomberg said on Monday. Connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that the display could measure 31.6 inches, and incorporate mini LED backlighting.
Apple has only been "considering " premiering the new Mac Pro, said the report, the same one pointing to revamped Messages, Books, Health, and Reminders features in iOS 13.
A WWDC reveal was rumored earlier this year. The computer itself may only ship in 2020, and use a stacking system based on proprietary connectors. This would let people buy a "brain" module and only add what they need, such as GPUs or extra storage.
That would solve a common complaint about the Mac ecosystem, which is that Apple sometimes forces buyers into getting more than they need through its insistence on streamlined, all-in-one designs. It's often possible to build a speedier Windows machine for the same price, primarily because Apple often lets "pro" specifications trail behind -- the last major Mac Pro refresh was in 2013. Most Windows desktops can be upgraded at will, but how many "professional" users actually do so isn't clear.
The 2013 Mac Pro doesn't have many upgrade options.
The monitor is codenamed "J290," and will support high dynamic range (HDR), Bloomberg said on Monday. Connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that the display could measure 31.6 inches, and incorporate mini LED backlighting.
Apple has only been "considering " premiering the new Mac Pro, said the report, the same one pointing to revamped Messages, Books, Health, and Reminders features in iOS 13.
A WWDC reveal was rumored earlier this year. The computer itself may only ship in 2020, and use a stacking system based on proprietary connectors. This would let people buy a "brain" module and only add what they need, such as GPUs or extra storage.
That would solve a common complaint about the Mac ecosystem, which is that Apple sometimes forces buyers into getting more than they need through its insistence on streamlined, all-in-one designs. It's often possible to build a speedier Windows machine for the same price, primarily because Apple often lets "pro" specifications trail behind -- the last major Mac Pro refresh was in 2013. Most Windows desktops can be upgraded at will, but how many "professional" users actually do so isn't clear.
Comments
That is the design AppleInsider has been focusing on. Other Apple rumor sites have different theories. Either way, they need to say SOMETHING about the MP7,1 soon.
But, no doubt, Apple will rely on "proprietary connectors" and glued shut modules to ensure that whatever you want to do with your new "modular Mac", you'll have to get it at the Apple Store at 3-4X the cost of a standard part.
Think RAM will come in glued shut module banks?
“Need more RAM?... trade in your 32gig module for 5% of its value and get the 64gig for only $2699... but it’s special Apple Approved ram and we chipped it for your security from the RAM goblins. We talked with Pro’s and this was their biggest request... “
I have no intention of ever looking inside this machine, but I want it to be bristling with SCSI ports and USB A to X. I want to be able to pick up an untested Gobsmak 800 1TB Graphics Card from Honest Don's Hardware Shack and stick it in the case because I read somewhere that's what real pros do.
Apple's real pro customer:
I want this machine to do stuff I need it do, and then do more stuff when I need it to do more stuff. I'm too busy to care how you do it, just as long as you do it.
Name 1 company or individual that fits your profile of this ‘real pro customer’...
I anticipate another iMac Pro: too spendy for prosumers, a bit of a reach for working pros, too small for practical heavy use (heat issues/throttling), and questionable modularity (the more proprietary, the more likely to be a failure).
The large metal-cased Mac Pro of last decade was pretty much what they should be making today. It can be made a little smaller, a bit quieter, not stupidly overpriced, and lots of Mac Pro people would be happy.