Does Apple really sell more iPad Pros than MacBooks to make it worthwhile? I was under the impression that the iPad Pro is a somewhat niche product and the Air is far more popular.
I think this is one of those things that only enthusiasts care about, and if you care that much about performance you’re probably one of the people who buys a new one every year or two anyways so they aren’t really missing out on your revenue.
Most people just need or want a new laptop and order whatever one is currently available.
People who buy MacBooks aren't suddenly going to stop or switch to Windows because of some Osborne effect. The entry-level M3 MBA is still extremely hard to beat at the same price point.
Like how long? M4 MacBook Pros could in theory launch in a month (i.e. WWDC). That's worthwhile.
Most believed that M4 was not coming either until a last minute rumor. So who knows.
Related rumors: - M3 process is expensive so it's getting dropped ASAP - M4 needed for AI so the whole line is getting refreshed - There's competition from Nuvia etc and M4 is needed to get ahead
I think it's more likely that current owners of m3 macbooks will be enticed to buy m4 ipads and thus apple makes more money.
And owners of older macbooks would buy both the m3 macbook and the m4 ipad
It sounds backwards, but that's how the apple ecosystem works.