MacRumors posts that Apple is getting rid of boxed software in its stores this morning.
They quote this line from a previous 9to5mac post:
Sure, you may ask about software that can’t be put in the App Store. Like Apple’s OSes for instance. Or Hard Drive utilities. Or Creative Suite. Or any software that doesn’t fit in the App Store for one reason or another.
That’s a good question because those products are on Apple’s store shelves now and there doesn’t appear to be a quick replacement. Perhaps we’re seeing a move to USB software installers (Which still need a physical container). With 8GB USB sticks at around $10, it may make more sense to install off of USB rather than DL-DVD, especially for the expensive stuff. Apple included an 8GB USB software reinstall stick with its Air for instance.
Either way, with USB installers or without, the change may also signal a move away from optical in Apple products…. We’ve been harping on and on about the Air growing a 15-inch screen and some more battery life to compete with the Pros in the same area. If you don’t have boxed software/USB sticks and Apple delivers movies and music via the interwebs/iTunes, you don’t need optical drives anymore, do you?
