• rudibowie@alien.topB
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    11 months ago

    Why is Apple releasing a laptop in every conceivable segment? Are they trying to out-do Samsung by releasing a device of every permutation? I don’t follow the logic. They stop producing the iPhone 13 mini in spite of its respectable sales because figures didn’t match its flagship iPhone models. Yet, they look to produce another 12-inch Macbook which they only recently discontinued for poor sales. 🤌🏼

    • iMacmatician@alien.topB
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      11 months ago

      They stop producing the iPhone 13 mini in spite of its respectable sales because figures didn’t match its flagship iPhone models. Yet, they look to produce another 12-inch Macbook which they only recently discontinued for poor sales. 🤌🏼

      The iPhone has higher sales standards for a success.

      I expect the rumored 12"/13" ARM MacBook to sell better and make Apple more profit than the old 12" Intel MacBook for four reasons.

      1. No butterfly keyboard this time.
      2. I assume that the 12"/13" ARM MacBook will have at least one USB port plus MagSafe, which is a big improvement over the 12" Intel MacBook’s single USB port plus headphone jack.
      3. The 13" display size appears to be quite popular, which is another strike against the 12" Intel MacBook, whose base model was more expensive than the 13" MBA and equal to or more expensive than the 13" MBP. The upcoming 12"/13" ARM MacBook is expected to come in two sizes which is good for those who want 13" laptops and those who want smaller ones, and judging by the rumors I expect the 12" to be quite cheap (for Apple). I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of development work is shared across both sizes.
      4. The Intel Core M “-Y” series was kind of a failure and the 12" Intel MacBook was released just as enthusiast opinion began to turn against these chips. The same isn’t the case for Apple Silicon (so far)—they have great performance per Watt and are praised everywhere except at the server/workstation level. In the worst case scenario, the 12"/13" ARM MacBook would have an M1 or an A17 Pro. The first chip is still considered to be solid, and the second was disappointing to some but mainly in comparison to Apple’s previous generational improvements. Neither chip has the poor reputation of Intel’s Core M.
      • rudibowie@alien.topB
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        11 months ago

        Does Apple really expect to convert all those buyers in the ultra-light laptop sector into Mac customers purely down on the performance-efficiency of Apple Silicon? Again, I’d think there was more to play for by making smaller iPhones. (It’s all revenue. One thing we’ve learned about Tim Cook is that it’s not important care where the money comes from, so long as it gushes into Apple’s coffers.)