It must have been in development for much longer than that.

I remember at the time people were saying how un-Apple-like it was to admit that there was an issue at all. I think it was because at that point they figured the iMac Pro was still six months out and they felt they had to at least do *something* to show them that they still cared about pro users, though in truth I think in hindsight it's become evident that it isn't really a market segment that they're particularly interested in.

Really? The volume may not be there, but I think Apple has always cherished the prestige associated with being the platform of choice for studio mixing rooms, cinema production, etc. People argued that that's why those ridiculous $20k+ configurations of the Mac Pro even exist— as something for auteurs to demand as a status signal.

With that being said, I've noticed a startling increase in Linux use among pro workflows. The other day I visited a mixing studio that was entirely driven by Arch and Reaper if you could believe it, a really neat setup to say the least.

If they think they've got a castle in the sky, they'll find out why it's there if they start burning the pillars as firewood.

Edit: Clarity

Serving the professional creative market is the core of their marketing.

Are they selling a majority of MacBook Pro’s to film studios? Of course not, but they need that prestige to compel Greg the aspiring film student to buy one so he can feel like he has “arrived”.

Makes no sense to have a 20*50*50 box if the only part inside it is a tiny 8*8 PCB.