Apple censors videos mocking $1400 computer stand

Apple demanded the removal of YouTube videos of an audience groaning at a $1400 computer stand.

Mark Bridge and Tom Knowles

People take pictures of the Mac Pro, including its $1400 monitor stand, at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose. Picture: AP

2 min read

9:48AMJune 07, 2019.

Updated 12:56PMJune 07, 2019

YouTube videos showing an audience groaning as Apple revealed a $1400 computer stand have been removed at the tech giant’s request.

Footage widely shared on the video platform showed an audience of Apple fans in San Jose greeting the announcement of a new computer starting at around $8,550 and monitor starting at $7000 with their customary applause.

The Apple worldwide developers conference went off-script, however, as the stand was revealed. It drew a ripple of gasps and groans, leaving the company’s spokesman stumbling over his words on stage.

The aluminium stand for the Mac Pro display cost more than many smartphones and laptops and was presented by Apple as a work of art and engineering. It was shown off under flattering lights for the admiration and photographs of attenders.

Apple’s description said: “The display magnetically attaches to a stand made from a single solid aluminium extrusion. A precise mechanism in the arm counterbalances the display making the height and angle adjustments feel almost weightless.”

Display stands from other makers are available for about $36 but these will not work with the Pro unless customers buy a “VESA” mount adaptor for $290.

Apple’s pricing was ridiculed on social media by viewers of the live-streamed event.

“There was an audible reaction in the whole audience when Apple announced that they are charging $US999 for the Mac Pro Display stand,” an audio engineer tweeted. “Like not including that for $US4,999 is just criminal.”

A vlogger tweeted: “Can’t tell if Apple is trolling people with the $US1000 monitor stand or are just flat out delusional.”

Apple’s lawyers promptly demanded, and secured, the removal of YouTube videos of the event that were appearing in irreverent news articles and tweets. The videos were taken down on “copyright grounds”.

Apple has not yet released Australian prices for the Mac Pro.

John Meyer, managing partner at Starship Capital, told the technology website The Register that the new Mac Pro appeared to be an impressive computer but the crowd’s reaction to the stand was particularly memorable.

“For the past few years Apple’s professional community has been dropping like flies due to the lack of customisation of the previous Mac Pro hardware,” he said. “This new Mac Pro solves this very large issue. As a side note, I walk away laughing at Apple’s $US1000 monitor stand.

“Given the outrageous price, it was the first time I ever heard audible disapproval in a worldwide developers conference crowd.”