Anyone Else Over Apple's Keynote Culture?

[mashinhead]

Sorry for posting this here, but we don't really have an overall forum for just general Mac/Apple at least not that I saw.

I was wondering if anyone else was over Apple's Keynote culture. I kinda wish they would just drop the product instead of 2 hours of intro, a week of waiting for pre-orders, a week of delivery. Apple used to sometimes just, update the store with a surprise new spec bump or something. But the keynote's are always the exact same format, and the exact same language. They seem to be actually getting longer, and they don't have much to add that's interesting or necessary. Most of that stuff could just be a paragraph of copy on a website.

I'm not saying they should get rid of them all together, but rather use them when they make sense. When they have totally new product or product category that requires more education and explanation, like the M1 transition, intro of Apple TV+, Apple Glass or an Apple Car.

But to just say hey, we put an A15 chip in it, it faster than the last one, and here's a new color, and new watch bands. You can order them now and get them in October... I'm kinda like, just update the website and store and ship 'em already, we got it.

 

[3Rock]

I agree 100%. Leave out the “good morning” “i’m super excited” stuff and just released the product on their website at the same moment they have the Keynote. Remove the fluff and just give us the facts ma’am.

 

[retta283]

I agree with this. In the Mac world, they only do keynotes when a product gets redesigned, which is fair. Refreshes have always been done on the website or a footnote in WWDC. There's something about their mobile device culture that's all about these events and keynotes though and it's kind of old to me as well. I liked WWDC in the past but to tune into these events just to hear the same approximate numbers and see the ads is old.

 

[SirAnthonyHopkins]

Of course, but for a relatively minimal investment it gets them a hell of a lot of free marketing in both the trade and mainstream press, way more than a basic announcement would. You can't underestimate the value of making every iPhone an "event" that requires a huge launch, and while those of us who follow the company are inevitably bored of watching them, it still cuts through with casual observers who don't tune in for keynotes or read MacRumors, but might check the Verge or the technology pages of a newspaper who are covering them, for instance.

They're not going away any time soon.

 

[cardfan]

I agree with this. In the Mac world, they only do keynotes when a product gets redesigned, which is fair. Refreshes have always been done on the website or a footnote in WWDC. There's something about their mobile device culture that's all about these events and keynotes though and it's kind of old to me as well. I liked WWDC in the past but to tune into these events just to hear the same approximate numbers and see the ads is old.

They’re geared toward the media. Always have been. Most in media, especially tech reviewers, are pretty stupid so apple knows they have to spoon feed them the message they want to send.

 

[doolar]

You can very easily solve this for yourself. Just wait two hours longer until the keynote is over, and read up on everything released here on Macrumors.

There, solved. Next problem of magnitude please. 😇

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

The keynotes since Covid started have been significantly shorter (and higher quality, in my opinion) than the in-person events held before Covid.

 

[tarsins]

They're primarily aimed at the media. You don't have to watch it.

 

[now i see it]

It's not like anyone has to watch it. It's just a way too long infomercial anyway. Every year I try to watch them, but not a year has gone by where I don't get so bored that I turn it off part way through and do something else. I've never had the patience to sit through one of these to the end.
The last WWDC reveal that was fun for me was when the Trashcan MacPro was unveiled. That was exciting. Kinda a rabbit out of the hat moment.

 

[maerz001]

It's not like anyone has to watch it. It's just a way too long infomercial anyway. Every year I try to watch them, but not a year has gone by where I don't get so bored that I turn it off part way through and do something else. I've never had the patience to sit through one of these to the end.
The last WWDC reveal that was fun for me was when the Trashcan MacPro was unveiled. That was exciting. Kinda a rabbit out of the hat moment.

Yes it like the first hour they waste with videos about the apple experience, games and social media.
The hardware related info they could pack in a half hour and i would be good

 

[BigMcGuire]

My wife and I really enjoy these keynotes. We've made a habit of watching them together. Granted, we're big Apple fans so ... I may not be the target audience you're asking here. Today on Macrumors, if you're not shaking your head at Apple, condemning it, laughing at it, belittling it, talking about how its glory days are over, how you're leaving it for any other company, you're obviously not someone of intelligence or character.

Is there a lot of wasted time in the keynote? Oh yeah, I'm more of a spec guy myself but it is what it is. lol.

These keynotes are dangerous. Before watching one, I am resolute on keeping my <product> for another year only to ... pre-order soon as I'm done watching.

 

[Joniz]

I don’t mind them, but I really don’t miss Tim Cook saying, “Thank you. Thank you.” twenty times, with all that clapping.

They’re mostly your own employees, guy! We’re not idiots!

 

[BugeyeSTI]

I enjoy having a couple of cups of coffee and watching the keynotes even if I'm not planning on purchasing a new device.. Nice to see the latest offerings even if they turn out un appealing.

 

[BeefCake 15]

Honestly they've been getting better since they did them virtual, condensed and to the point without Jony Ive telling us about the Aluminum used in making of the product.

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

Honestly they've been getting better since they did them virtual, condensed and to the point without Jony Ive telling us about the Aluminum used in making of the product.

Aluminium.

 

[RRC]

I enjoy watching them live… they’re fun and easy to watch/listen to.

Although these days there’s not much left to be surprised about as most of the info gets leaked out beforehand anyway.

 

[siddavis]

There are some parts about them that for me are rather boring, but for others, they might be the most interesting parts. I get who the target audience is - the media - to get that free and widespread advertisement. I also rather enjoy the production of them, whether live in-person, or pre-recorded. I think they typically do a great job. Like others have said, they ain't goin anywhere soon because of the publicity they generate.

 

[Bash310]

Especially when he says "Our products changes peoples lives" it does not even come off genuine anymore.
I used to get so excited for them, maybe I'm getting older also haha.

 

[usagora]

They wouldn't spend all that time and money on them if they weren't effective.

 

[GrumpyCoder]

What else should they do?

"Welcome to the keynote, today we'll show the same old crap as last year and the year before with minor spec bumps... [shows 5 pics]... thank you for coming have a good day!"?

 

[Feyl]

I'm definitely over it. I miss intimate keynotes with very few presenters or even a single person like Steve Jobs to present it basically alone with a little fanfare, basic slides and carefully selected passionate words. I don't like these bombastic and cringe keynotes with a ton of production value for not that interesting products.

 

[satchmo]

These keynotes go a long way in marketing the latest products. Everyone from your local news, to tech sites, Youtubers, Twitter and many others use snippets from the keynote for their story.
I highly doubt they're going away anytime soon. In fact, I can see more of them in the future.

 

[cheesygrin]

I used to find Apple events so exciting, but increasingly became frustrated. They still release good products, but they're not revolutionary anymore - and therefore don't need a grandiose announcement. Most of Apple's markets have matured so much now - there's just no need for the hype.

Having said that, I get that it's all about the media/advertising hype to drive sales, I just think think it's a shame that they're no longer actually enjoyable to watch as well. Maybe less would be more.

 

[HiVolt]

I agree, and I especially disliked the format of these "digital" presentations around Apple Campus, pre-recorded and full of special effects - Yes I understand they are a product of COVID.

But even prior to COVID, for a number of years they've had WAY too many presenters. Yes, I will always cherish the Steve Jobs presentations, but even for a while after they had Schiller, Federighi. I liked those guys on stage... However I do not miss the cringe worthy videos of Jony Ive.

Tim Cook's persona never fit these presentations, the way we were used to. His tone of voice especially makes me want to kill a kitten.

 

[jazz1]

I do miss the old style. But I wonder if it will ever come back, even if COVID gets under control.

I feel sorry for those that could not attend the old MacWorlds! That was fun. I attended in Boston and San Francisco. I wish I would have gotten to the NY ones.