Mac hardware 3-yr cycle be the new normal?

[satchmo]

Given the low percentage of revenue that the Mac division brings in, are we deluded in hoping for annual Mac updates in the future?

While we'd all love cutting edge specs, current Macs serve the majority of users just fine. We (I), love to nitpick on a lack of this or that, but it's partly because we hold Apple to such a high standard. Plus, we pay a premium so perhaps we're entitled to complain.

That said, do we think Apple will move to a 2-3 year cycle and like the MacPro, unveil something powerful, and not revisit it again for another couple of years?

 

[maflynn]

That said, do we think Apple will move to a 2-3 year cycle and like the MacPro, unveil something powerful, and not revisit it again for another couple of years?

Sales of MBPs were cratering that past few quarters for the very reason that it wasn't updated. With competitors designing some really nice machines, it behooves apple to keep updating its macs.

As for the Mac Pro (and mini), I don't get it. They basically letting those market sectors whither on the vine

 

[satchmo]

As for the Mac Pro (and mini), I don't get it. They basically letting those market sectors whither on the vine

Yeah, why leave money on the table? Just simple upgrades would generate millions.

Sure they have bigger fish to fry in the iPhone, so resources are moved to those divisions. But the wealthiest company in the world can't hire more engineers?

No one at shareholder meetings ever calls Apple out on it either. Though, it's hard to criticize when the stock is at record levels.

 

[loby]

Yeah, why leave money on the table? Just simple upgrades would generate millions.

Sure they have bigger fish to fry in the iPhone, so resources are moved to those divisions. But the wealthiest company in the world can't hire more engineers?

No one at shareholder meetings ever calls Apple out on it either. Though, it's hard to criticize when the stock is at record levels.

Exactly, no need to put too much effort when your stock is at a high. The world see's and defines a business as successful if their stackholders are happy and the stock prices are high. Tim Cook by business standards is considered a very very successful CEO. No need to change the direction, they are doing well....

There is no need for macs really anymore as far as Apple is concerned. They are considered "low fruit" as far as revenue generators. Probably a liability now because a segment of the world relies on MacOS instead of Windows and I would not be surprised if in the future, Tim licenses out macOS to generate more $. Then they would not have to hassel with creating macs anymore and just become a revenue generating iphone and watch band company. Hey, times change and we have to except it.