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Apple’s Promise for the Future a Boost to Mac Business

By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
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By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
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April 8, 2017, 9:45 AM ET
<h1>Mac Pro</h1>
It had been a while since users of Apple's top-of-the-line desktops had something truly new to cheer. A very long while: the current "cheese grater" design dates back to before Apple made the switch to Intel-based CPUs in 2006. So it was a treat to meet an all-new design for the desktop line. "This product is so cool," said Apple's Phil Schiller, "I'm going to go over the top." Then the lights dimmed and a dramatic video introduced the radical new design.

Taking up one-eighth the volume of current Mac Pros, the new machines are black and cylindrical. They look like a cross between a trash can and a bear canister -- but much sleeker. "Can't innovate anymore my ass," Schiller said to raucous applause before unspooling an impressive list of technical specifications. He didn't reveal a price, but said the machines would be made in the USA and become available later this year.
<h1>Mac Pro</h1> It had been a while since users of Apple's top-of-the-line desktops had something truly new to cheer. A very long while: the current "cheese grater" design dates back to before Apple made the switch to Intel-based CPUs in 2006. So it was a treat to meet an all-new design for the desktop line. "This product is so cool," said Apple's Phil Schiller, "I'm going to go over the top." Then the lights dimmed and a dramatic video introduced the radical new design. Taking up one-eighth the volume of current Mac Pros, the new machines are black and cylindrical. They look like a cross between a trash can and a bear canister -- but much sleeker. "Can't innovate anymore my ass," Schiller said to raucous applause before unspooling an impressive list of technical specifications. He didn't reveal a price, but said the machines would be made in the USA and become available later this year.

It’s hard to believe, but Apple’s past week was dominated by a topic the company hasn’t discussed much in recent memory: Mac desktops.

In a possible bid to allay customer (and shareholder) fears this week, Apple executives made the unorthodox decision to take the wraps off the company’s plans for a new Mac Pro and new iMacs. The notoriously secretive Apple, which typically doesn’t announce new products until it holds a special press event, even acknowledged that it might have disappointed some customers with its high-end Mac Pro desktop.

This is Fortune’s weekly roundup of the biggest Apple news this week. To see last week’s roundup, click here.

Those announcements aside, Apple’s week was rather quiet with only a couple iPhone rumors and talk of the company possibly delivering a premium television bundle as part of a broader effort aimed at attracting cord-cutters who want to break away from television or satellite TV subscriptions.

Still, it was a notable week for Apple , and one that suggests big things are coming from the iPhone maker in the next couple of years.

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Read on for more:

  1. Apple executives told reporters in an interview this week that it’s working on a major Mac Pro update that could reach store shelves as early as next year. The Mac Pro could come with a modular design that lets users swap components in and out, as well as high-end components to help it keep pace with high-powered Windows desktops. Additionally, the Apple executives said that Apple has new iMacs planned for this year, including one that would target professional users.
  2. A report this week out of Korea suggests Apple has signed a two-year, $9 billion deal with Samsung Display, which will deliver up to 92 million display panels in a possible iPhone update. Samsung Display will reportedly deliver organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels that curve on the sides and deliver better picture quality than the liquid crystal display (LCD) technology Apple has traditionally used in its iPhones. The OLED panels could be offered as soon as this year in a rumored device believed to be known as the iPhone 8, iPhone X, or iPhone Edition.
  3. Apple is said to be working on a new smartwatch to be known as Apple Watch Series 3. While details on the device are unknown, a report this week said it’ll ship sometime in the second half of 2017. Apple could also keep the Apple Watch Series 2 on store shelves when the Series 3 launches.
  4. Apple is reportedly in talks with HBO, Showtime, and Starz to sell users access to the networks’ content in a premium bundle. Apple already sells access to the networks’ streaming services separately, but reportedly wants to offer them together as part of a broader push into television-related services.
  5. The iPhone maker was sued this week by Australia’s Competition and Consumer Commission over allegations that it used a software update to disable iPhones with cracked screens fixed by third-party repair shops. The lawsuit alleges Apple intentionally broke iPhones with a software update, forcing consumers into its stores to seek a repair. Apple would then reserve the right to charge customers for a repair, the lawsuit alleges. The agency is seeking fines, injunctions, and other remedies as part of the lawsuit. Apple has yet to respond to the allegations.
  6. Those hoping for a big iPhone update this year might need to wait a bit longer than anticipated. A report out of China’s Economic Daily News says that the rumored iPhone 8 has been delayed to October or November due to complications with the lamination process used to attach the curved OLED screens to the phone. Apple, however, has not confirmed that an iPhone is launching this year, let alone delayed.
  7. Apple’s iPad came in second place in a J.D. Power report on which tablets have the highest consumer satisfaction. Apple’s slate scored an 849 in the study, placing it behind Microsoft’s Surface tablets, which scored 855 out of a possible 1,000.

One more thing…Looking to trade in an iPhone? A new study from used gadget sales site Decluttr says Apple’s handsets lose the least amount of value after one month of use compared to all other smartphones. Still, an iPhone 7 loses 34% of its value after just one month.

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By Don Reisinger
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