A Post-Macworld Apple Event? History Would Seem to Suggest So
by John Paczkowski
Posted on January 12, 2009 at 8:28 AM PT
Macworld 2009 is over, but the rumors that prefaced it and were then left unaddressed, remain. Two in particular: an updated iMac and a redesigned Mac mini–both of which failed to make an appearance during Phil Schiller’s Macworld keynote, though it was widely believed they would. After all, both are long overdue for a refresh. And there’s some evidence that Apple has been planning one.
The refresh may happen yet, however. Apple (AAPL) has on many occasions uncrated new products on the heels of Macworld. In February of 2008, the company announced new iPhone & iPod touch models. In February of 2006 it debuted the Intel Mac mini and iPod Hi-Fi. In January 2005 it uncrated new PowerBooks and a month later, it announced a new iPod mini and an update to iPod photo.
Clearly there’s quite a precedent for post-Macworld announcements, and in all likelihood this year will see a few as well. Certainly, an Apple desktop event later this month or in early February would be an elegant way for the company to dovetail the official release of iLife ’09 with some new desktop hardware, celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Macintosh and prove once and for all that it doesn’t need Macworld to publicize new product releases.
Comments
I bet they’ll wait until Steve looks better. Hopefully he’ll be on the earnings conference call, then visibly healthier in time for a Spring event. Most writers have already twisted his “State of Steve” post into something that fits their own agenda.
Posted by neal doughty at January 12th, 2009 at 9:52 am@neal -
It’s hard to see products waiting in the wings for Steve to put on weight. That could take a while.
I agree, there will be an event before February is over.
Posted by Brendan Walsh at January 12th, 2009 at 10:02 am@brendan -
You’re probably right (I hope so), but they will need an amazing product to introduce; otherwise, the stock will take a hit. The rumor-as-fact mill will continue to make every Apple event all about Jobs. I couldn’t believe how quickly his health disclosure was torn apart by the press.
Posted by neal doughty at January 12th, 2009 at 11:19 amClearly Apple is in disarray.
Not setting a release date means your never late, lol.
Perhaps the announcement that iPhone was now available at Walmart was the telling sign that all is not well.
Posted by Jeff Stevens at January 12th, 2009 at 11:22 amWalmart sells the phone at nearly the full price. I think it’s more a signal that the iPhone is now considered a mainstream product.
Posted by neal doughty at January 12th, 2009 at 11:36 amTraditions die hard and I take them at their word that they simply don’t want to be tied to an artificial release cycle revolving around an event that puts money in other people’s pocket.
Better to release new products when they are ready (and especially not before they are ready as has seemed to be the case a few times).
I *do* think Apple may be in a new-product funk at the moment, but the un-coupling from Macworld stands on its own merits.
Posted by Mac Beach at January 12th, 2009 at 2:04 pm@Jeff Stevens
Take a look at a US Map displaying Apple Stores. Then look at one displaying Walmart. The country is wallpapered in Walmarts. Apple would be insane not to use that channel.
Posted by Brendan Walsh at January 14th, 2009 at 6:27 am