Apple WWDC 2017: Eight things you probably missed
#1: The Mac Pro is dead
The iMac Pro that was announced is a total beast, with 18-cores, up to 128-gigabytes of RAM, and four terabytes of storage. It's hard to see where a Mac Pro would fit into this line up. Yes, I know that we've been promised one, but I think Apple "rethinked" the Mac Pro into the iMac Pro.
#2: The MacBook Air is also dead, and likely the Mac mini
Neither of these aging devices got a mention. While neither can be considered to be "pro" hardware, it;s odd that neither was mentioned. Maybe there will be a quiet upgrade before the holidays, but right now it doesn't look good.
#3: The 2016 MacBook Pro was a panic release
Six months on from releasing the 2016 MacBook pro, Apple is updating it again, adding Intel Kaby Lake processors and more RAM. Kinda makes the initial release look rushed and more a response to the fact that the lineup looked so crusty.
#4: The iPhone will likely be the last final launch event for 2017
We've already had the launch event for the HomePod and the iMac Pro, as well as a new iPad Pro and a refreshed iMac and MacBook line. Looks like the iPhone might be the final launch event of 2017, with the tech press being recruited to fill the void for other releases.
What else explains Apple offering a sneak peek at stuff that's not going to be out for months?
Seems the iMac Pro and HomeHub aren't worthy of a separate launch event, maybe because both are niche devices.
#5: iOS on the Pad Pro is transforming into iPadOS
Features such as drag-and-drop, a macOS-like dock, and a redesigned app switcher seem to be forking iOS off into iPhoneOS and iPadOS, perhaps so Apple can better compete against the likes of Microsoft's Surface Pro.
#6: Apple is recommitting to Thunderbolt
After seemingly ditching the Thunderbolt for the MacBook Pro, Apple recommits to the port with the iMac and iMac Pro, which will reassure professionals.
#7: Apple clearly has plans for a HoloLens competitor
I really can't see Apple's AR vision being people awkwardly holding iPads. While the demos looked interesting, it's clear that Apple is working on some sort of Microsoft HoloLens competitor. Whether that will be a totally new device, or some sort of holder for the iPhone remains to be seen, but there has to be more to AR than inelegantly waving around tablets and smartphones.
#8: The Chinese market didn't get anywhere near as much stage time as it did last year
Back in WWDC 2016 keynote I lost count of the number of times China and the Chinese market was mentioned. This time around the market barely got a mention, which is interesting since it is Apple's second-biggest market, and soon to become its biggest. And doubly so given that iPhone sales seem to be getting a hammering over in that market.