[TheKarateKid]

I don't think so. Mac sales have only grown and the whole "you need a Mac for creative work" hasn't been a thing since the 00's.

I think this is more about having the team put advanced photo editing features into the native Photos app, and possibly contributing to AI image processing.

[dividedbyzero]

There are lots of amateur photographers out there that use Apple hardware yet so far Apple only monetizes storage. I wouldn't be surprised to see a subscription offering that includes pro tier features for Photos.app good enough to replace Lightroom for enthusiasts but not for actual professionals.

[matwood]

Exactly. I want a LR feature like editor that integrates fully with Apple Photos.

[agos]

That already existed, it was exactly the Photomator that got acquired. Let’s hope it stays alive

[TheKarateKid]

99% chance it will not stay alive for more than 1-2 years. Shazam is the only Apple acquisition I know of that still exists independently, and that's only because it promotes Apple Music on Android.

Most likely will be integrated into Photos or possibly even a new advanced photo editing app for macOS/iOS only.

[seec]

Since they were already Apple hardware only apps, there is a good chance not much will change about it (at least in the near term) and they will just use it as a tool to increase the desirability of their hardware, just like they do for their iWork suite.

I don't think it bodes well for the long term though, because Apple tend to not care much about stuff that don't make them a ton of money. It will probably become like their office apps, being updated at a glacial pace, used primarily as a marketing tool but never really reaching a level that would truly make them a worthwhile competitor.