The recent introduction of the new Macbook is a very interesting move from Apple. It’s also a bit confusing. Why would Apple introduce this vague new line of laptops?
True, it’s not really that impressive compared to what Apple claims, the specs are remarkably low and unsatisfying. However, it might trigger an interesting (and very strong) comeback for a certain type of apps; Native Desktop Apps.
With a record in iPhone sales and almost securing the most important - not necessarily highest - share in mobile market, it seems that Apple is aiming for the desktop again.
I’ve always believed that Apple is the only software company that kept native desktop applications relevant and important, at a time where everyone started jumping over web and mobile. With the ongoing progress of OS X and the fascinating quality control on the MacApp Store.
Even in the age of responsive web, Apple updated its solid environment (Xcode) to apply responsive concepts on native desktop applications through AutoLayout. The introduction of Swift and Xcode 6 made native app development a lot easier than before.
If you focus on some small OS X Yosemite features, you’ll find that Apple is trying to make the web experience as native as possible.
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While tablets are going through a decline, a somehow broken developer community (since everyone is developing for relatively large phones) desktop applications might be relevant again.
The new Macbook is not the best notebook out there and is not a real innovation for sure, but the sales will be definitely high (it is also expected that apple will eventually drop the price and probably update it in the future.) A combination of clever marketing, very friendly Apple Store environment and the design of this Macbook will make it very appealing to the masses. People who just want a proper, reasonably fast, computer to do some work on. It’s also gorgeous: Retina Display, incredible design, new keyboard and trackpad, super light and a good battery life.
Apple is remarkably good at creating an emotional attachment to its products. The new design is a major factor in developing user-intimacy, more than a clunky tablet with a keyboard. This intimacy will make the Macbook like a phone, with the user wherever he/she goes.
With the latest updates on OS X (Yosemite and what’s coming next) Apple truly made an unbeatable operating system with a set of preinstalled applications that can do everything for the average user. Someone who just wants to write, present, surf and do basic stuff.
But, there’s a catch…
There’s always a space for a small nifty productivity or a utility app. MacApp store is full of them ( App for Trello & BetterSnapTool for example) and the nature of desktop environment will keep opportunities open. There’s no screen competition like phones and true multitasking is still a big asset.
This will make desktop apps important again. A retroactive effect that will extend to Macbook Pro, iMac and all other models.
Let’s take a quick look at Google for example, a firm believer of its Chromebook experiment. A device growing slowly but steadily and gaining some respect. It’s a proof that laptops still matter. Google is pushing Chrome and web apps more than anyone else.
Not sure how long web apps will need to reach the native apps level but I think Apple is more interested introducing something that actually solid and just works for now.
My personal experience with the Chromebook Pixel (the premium model) wasn’t really that impressive. It’s a nice device but the software is not there yet (way far actually.)
The business model of web apps is still broken as well. They’re a fantastic idea, but until someone comes with something other than ads (which I think why Google is pushing so hard for web apps in general) or money draining subscription. One time payment for an ever-green app is still more rational.
Why not iPhone Apps though?
Well, the medium is still strong and growing. However, it’s becoming more challenging than ever these days. Competition for original ideas, user’s attention, the fear of being buried with other apps. It’s becoming a real challenge that was even brought by Hartmut Esslinger (legendary designer and founder of Frog Design) once
“…..but now my iPhone is so full I am deleting apps because I want to keep it simple.”
The current mobile landscape is so competitive that companies are forgetting about the software in favor for the hardware (bigger screen, better processor, etc.) Even Apple had a lot of bugs and stability issues with iOS 8. Android on the other hand was somehow better at this since the platform is flexible enough to allow custom launchers which helped a bit. It is still however suffering from major issues like fragmentation and developers’ interest due to low app revenue.
Back to desktop and native OS X apps now. It’s known that Apple users in general are more willing to pay for apps more than any other platform. Add this to a rapidly growing user base of Mac, a strong & safe App Store environment and you’ll get a good market and a fantastic opportunity as a developer.
As I’m personally going through learning more about developing Mac OS X Cocoa apps, I’ve noticed that the amount of information like tutorials, discussions and resources is significantly lower than what’s available for iOS for example. It is true that we’re living in a phone app mania but chances are, specially for those who want to do real productive work on their machines, higher to look for a decent desktop app and pay for it. (@Zoltán Hosszú has a very good piece on this topic)
Also, the MacApp Store experience is still not that great. Installs and updates, and the whole exploration experience are relatively slow/ clunky . Apple needs to spend more time on it. It’s something that goes along with the iTunes experience in general actually. iTunes (with its massive store) and MacApp store are still lagging and might be a future issue compared to the nifty Play Store/ Chrome App Store for example.
One last thing,
I think, and ignoring the current struggles, Microsoft is trying to do the same thing with Windows 10. Apart from the mobile element and the UI struggle/ experimentation in Windows 8, Windows 10 is trying to do something similar when it comes to app code-base unification for example. Will be something interesting to observe in the future.
It is true that other manufacturers have already made lighter or thinner laptops, but the device is that last thing to consider in this age. It’s about the community and the ecosystem. That’s what really matters.
