Munro Stewart

I wonder if our personal and work technology future will consist solely of using wearable devices including headsets, glasses, watches, and other future devices. These wearable devices would completely replace all the "screens" we now use including PCs, TVs, phones, and tablets.

Wearables

• I envision Headsets replacing all computers, laptops, and televisions
• We will use these devices while at home or work for everything
• I envision Glasses replacing all phones, tablets, and readers
• We will wear these devices constantly, both inside and mobile outside
• Headsets will be powerful and display any screens or environments
• Glasses will be less powerful and display information differently

Devices

• Headset, Glasses, and Watch wearables will be all most people need or use
• In that sense, we almost merge with technology as it is always present
• Desktop or Laptop will be reserved for power users and old computers
• Even then, a wireless or wired Headset will usually be used as your monitor
• We wouldn't need a Watch, but it makes sense to track our health metrics
• Other wearable devices in the future will make us even more like a cyborg

I wonder if XR headsets will be to the TV set what a laptop is to the desktop. Some people will still use televisions in the future, but some people will transition to use a portable, smaller, and battery powered XR headset instead of a TV.

Notes

• Headsets make the TV portable and smaller, just like a laptop
• Headsets are battery powered unlike a TV, just like a laptop
• They use nearly as powerful of a processor as a console, just like a laptop
• They are fully self-contained and functional on their own, just like a laptop
• Unlike a laptop, the screen will actually appear bigger than a TV
• Unlike a laptop, a Micro OLED screen would appear better than a TV

I wonder if Apple may end up with a MacBook lineup which mirrors the current iPad lineup, with a 12" MacBook mini and 5 total devices including a super budget device. There would be no 15" MacBook, which goes against some currently suggested rumors.

iPad

• iPad Pro - Large and Small - 12.9" and 11"
• iPad Air - Large - 10.9"
• iPad mini - Small - 8.3"
• "iPad" - Cheap - 10.2": Older design with newish internals

MacBook?

• MacBook Pro - Large and Small - 16.2" and 14.2"
• MacBook Air - Large - 13.6"
• MacBook mini - Small - ~12.2"
• "MacBook" - Cheap - 13.3": Older design with newish internals

Why

• So there are only 2 size choices of the mainstream SKU, Air and mini
• So there is an ultraportable mainstream 12" MacBook with good performance
• So there is a super budget device, but not way too many different choices
• "MacBook" could be old design with updated internals at budget price
• MacBook Air and mini reach main customers who want very portable Mac
• Budget "MacBook" SE would reach budget customers who just want Mac

I wonder if TextExpander should offer both a single full purchase that includes all features offline, and a separate but optional subscription purchase, that includes an online account with cloud syncing.

What

• Single purchase for all main features
• Subscription purchase for cloud sync features
• Single purchase includes all features without account
• Subscription includes saving and syncing settings with account

Why

• Have more happy users and positive reviews
• Get many more users for network effect
• Still have recurring revenue from power users
• Make versions 2, 3, etc. for single purchase upgrade strategy

Previously:

@gruber I wonder if Apple could make their next iMac and consumer oriented display to each have a design with a 30 inch 6K screen, a resolution of 5760 x 3240 with 220 PPI, and a 60Hz IPS screen without Mini-LED and likely without 120Hz ProMotion. [Link]

They could. But why would they? I don’t see them making standalone displays that aren’t technically excellent, and that means ProMotion and probably Mini LED. - John Gruber

TLDR

• What size would you choose to make the larger iMac?
• I somewhat agree with your point about Pro displays
• Why would they? Larger than 27", consumer price, etc.
• Should they? Yes, according to me it's the best option
• Will they? Probably not
• Who's on first? Yes

Why 30" iMac?

• Larger than previous 27" size started in 2009
• Proportionally larger as new 24" is over 22"
• Wider horizontal resolution at 1620 over 1440
• Keeps the same 220 PPI retina resolution
• Creates 6K 5760 x 3240 standard
• Created 2K 2560 x 1440 standard

Continued... >

I wonder if Apple should make their next large-size iMac and consumer oriented display to each have a design with a 30 inch 6K screen, a resolution of 5760 x 3240 with 220 PPI, and a 60Hz IPS screen without Mini-LED and likely without 120Hz ProMotion.

Devices

• 30" iMac
• 30" Apple Display

Specs

• 30 inches
• 6K display
• 5760 x 3240
• 220 PPI
• IPS - No Mini-LED
• 60Hz - No 120Hz - Maybe though

Notes

• 2000:1 Contrast - LG's new "IPS Black" technology
• 60Hz IPS - No Mini-LED and likely no 120Hz ProMotion
• Regular iMac only at 30", not an iMac Pro
• Space Gray or Black color option unlike earlier 24" iMac
• No iMac Pro with higher cost and pro features
• No Mini-LED and likely no 120Hz ProMotion

Whys

• Larger than 27" similar to new 24" being larger than old 22"
• Get larger screen but still smaller than 32" Pro XDR Display
• Targets approximate retina 220 PPI just like 24" and 27" iMacs
• Lower cost without Mini-LED and 120 Hz "Pro" features
• iMac Pro isn't needed because Mac Pro box and 32" XDR Display
• Matching 30" iMac and display at reasonable consumer prices

Lineup - Added February 24th

• Suggested consumer and pro lineup of Macs and Displays
• Larger sizes for both iMacs and possible consumer displays
• iMac - 24" and 30" - Same display tech as Apple Display
• Apple Display - 24" and 30" - 60Hz IPS LED for now
• Mac Pro - Mac Pro and Mac Pro Max - Mac Pro "mini"?
• Apple Display Pro - 27" and 32" - 120Hz Mini-LED for now

Reply To: John Gruber “But Why Would they?”