All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Apple has made a surprise announcement that it intends to update its Mac Pro range. The California-based company, known for impeccable design, told BuzzFeed that as well as a new iMac model, it also plans to bring out a completely rethought Mac Pro in the future.
**
While Apple has released no specifics as to the designs of the products in development, it's clear that they're focusing on creating a machine that stays true to Apple's core premise, whilst offering users the chance to upgrade their computers as and when they wish.
After the 2013 update of the Mac Pro, it’s easy to see why the focus on upgradeability has become so essential. What was lauded as another example of Apple’s innovation is now, a mere four years later, a paragon of out-dated tech. The machine’s design restricted its ability to be upgraded – the circular formation of the chassis and interior heat disk meant it was inflexible to further developments. In 2017, it looks more like the monolith from 2001: Space Odyssey than an example of cutting-edge tech. As a result, the company is taking an entirely different approach to their future machines.
“We are completely rethinking the Mac Pro,” Phil Schiller, Apple’s SVP of worldwide marketing, told BuzzFeed. “There’s a team working hard on it right now.”
However, don’t expect a new Mac Pro any time soon. Schiller adds that “You won’t see any of these products this year,” and has asked the team in question to take its time with the design process. The re-design is one that will most likely be an arduous process, given the meticulous detail Apple prides itself on - especially in light of the inflexible nature of the 2013 Mac Pro.
“We made something bold that we thought would be great … and what we discovered is that it was great for some and not others — enough so, that we realized we had to take another path ... and look for the next answer,” Schiller said.
In the meantime, customers can look forward to the release of a new iMac later this year. The evolution of the iMac has reached a point of maturation – with optional 4 or 5k retina displays, a 1TB fusion drive and 3.5GHz quad-core processors. With the promise of an upgrade in the future, one can only wait and see what Apple's plans are for such a pivotal redesign.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
