32-Inch iMac With Mini-LED Display Rumored to Launch in 2025

[Gudi]

I love Mac OS, easily Apple's best product [...] Apart from that, Apple's pretty scummy company with unethical tactics that noone should support, it's culture stems from Steve Jobs who was a GIGANTIC *******, so there's really very little redeeming qualities about the company, ...

So apart from the fact that Steve Jobs was a giant ******* (mostly to his employees) in order to make them build the OS you happen to love, there are "no" redeeming qualities? Just great products millions of customers are happy to use every day and all those high-payed jobs, taxes and investments, which made California a larger economy than France. Apart from making a dent in the universe and advancing the development of mankind, apart from all that, it's really a scummy company.

Personally, I hate Microsoft and all of their products as well as every individual involved with the company. Let|s talk about their business tactics and how they align with the interest of the users.

 

[tenthousandthings]

It's beyond me how people can think $1500 for a computer without peripherals is cheaper? As if 4K displays are free, if you bring your own and keep it. With a build in display an iMac retains excellent utility and resale value. The Mini with an M2 Pro looses half of its value as soon as the M3 Mini with an RTX engine is released. You literally pay a premium for the most perishable part of the entire setup and forgo on what makes using a Mac so enjoyable, display and audio quality, clicky keys and precision trackpad.

There is room for both. Maybe Apple thought they could split the difference between the 21" (4K) and the 27" (5K) with the 24" (4.5K), but I think people just like having a choice. The original iMac back in the day saw the iMac DV/SE just over a year later (not a size difference, but rather a sort of "Pro" iMac option).

Retina (218 ppi) is the minimum: 30" (5.8K, 5760x3240) is a natural sweet spot. I would think Apple could persuade LG to make that panel.

I think the reason Kuo is guessing 32" for this hypothetical larger iMac+ is because that 30" doesn't pair well with the standard 27" 5K Studio Display while a 32" 6K Studio Display does. And there is no doubt that Apple would release a corresponding Thunderbolt 5 Retina Studio Display at the same time as the iMac+.

 

[smulji]

So apart from the fact that Steve Jobs was a giant ******* (mostly to his employees)

There were major periods in Steve Jobs' with respect to his career;

1. When he started Apple and then was ousted right after the introduction of the initial Mac
2. When he started NeXT and then came back to lead Apple

The way he treated his employees during the 2nd stage of his career was opposite compared to the 1st stage. After Jobs returned to Apple, Apple had the lowest executive turnover rate for a company of its stage. People genuinely liked working for and respected Steve. Sure, it was high pressure, but employees got an opportunity to do their best work and work on great projects. Ask @mdriftmeyer , he worked under Steve while at NeXT.

 

[Gudi]

Maybe Apple thought they could split the difference between the 21" (4K) and the 27" (5K) with the 24" (4.5K), but I think people just like having a choice. The original iMac back in the day saw the iMac DV/SE just over a year later (not a size difference, but rather a sort of "Pro" iMac option).

The Studio Display innards reveal that Apple tried going flat with the 27" iMac while keeping the power supply inside and they had to abandon this plan likely because of heat issues. The 24" iMac is the best they could do with the M1 and it's not a replacement for the large iMac, neither in size nor in performance.

 

[DavidSchaub]

The Studio Display innards reveal that Apple tried going flat with the 27" iMac while keeping the power supply inside and they had to abandon this plan likely because of heat issues. The 24" iMac is the best they could do with the M1 and it's not a replacement for the large iMac, neither in size nor in performance.

Slightly off topic, but I certainly hope Apple moves away from internal power supplies.

The Studio Display's internal power supply is as much of an engineering marvel as it is over-engineered silliness.

For the vast majority of devices, USB-C can be the new power cable.

As a plus, Apple can move away from the bizarre 24" iMac hack (running ethernet wires in the power cable to the external brick), and just move to USB power bricks that are also USB-C docks.

 

[Gudi]

As a plus, Apple can move away from the bizarre 24" iMac hack (running ethernet wires in the power cable to the external brick), and just move to USB power bricks that are also USB-C docks.

USB-C power delivery is limited to up to 100 watts. A large iMac at peak brightness and max CPU&GPU performance could require more power. That’s why the new 24" iMac power adapter is rated for 143W. Also you need to keep in mind that the iMac has no battery. Every loss of power during operation will result in catastrophic data loss or worse. That’s why a firm plug secured by strong magnets is required. Friction alone wouldn’t keep the plug in place reliably enough. Ethernet in the power brick is then just a nifty add-on to this design.

 

[JimmyG]

I don't blame them. It isn't in their background to know such things even when I provide all the citations in the world.

If I'm understanding your comment correctly, I'll offer...tech is complicated stuff and understanding it and trying to fathom where its going and "what's coming next" is subject to countless viewpoints, discussions and subject-matter expertise. FWIW, newbies or folks with more-limited understanding than others arrive everyday on forums, choosing to share one's knowledge and/or experience and/or expertise is never a one-off expenditure. Also, FWIW, I try to merely enjoy today's conversations and learn where I can from others and share where I can...something new is always coming around the corner and tomorrow is another day. Peace, Jimbo

 

[gugy]

Does half the price, at about $3000, cover "cheaper" sufficiently?

Well, I would rather pay that than a $7k XDR (stand/nano) option.

 

[DavidSchaub]

USB-C power delivery is limited to up to 100 watts. A large iMac at peak brightness and max CPU&GPU performance could require more power. That’s why the new 24" iMac power adapter is rated for 143W. Also you need to keep in mind that the iMac has no battery. Every loss of power during operation will result in catastrophic data loss or worse. That’s why a firm plug secured by strong magnets is required. Friction alone wouldn’t keep the plug in place reliably enough. Ethernet in the power brick is then just a nifty add-on to this design.

USB Power Delivery is now up to 240W

... and Apple is absolutely welcome to add to a USB-C plug to make it more securely MagSafe (in the hard to remove sense of the term)

 

[Gudi]

USB Power Delivery is now up to 240W

... and Apple is absolutely welcome to add to a USB-C plug to make it more securely MagSafe (in the hard to remove sense of the term)

The iMac power supply works, why mess with it? There’s no EU mandate on powering desktop computers with USB-C. 🤷

PS: Also, it isn’t USB-C anymore, if you require strong magnets within the plug. For the size alone, you would end up with something very similar to what Apple has designed.

 

[Doctor Q]

I used to have a 30" Cinema Display, but I'm currently down to a measly 27" display. In between work, volunteer work, hobbies, and online activities, my screen always has a lot going on, so real estate is valuable. I'd love to have this rumored model as my next upgrade. I'll put it on my birthday suggestion list.

 

[Apple_Gabe]

I had an older regular iMac a few years and really loved it. It's a totally different experience compared to using a MacBook. I've been waiting for an iMac Pro for a few years now, but since 2025 is a while's away I might just get the Mac Studio in the meantime.

 

[DavidSchaub]

I had an older regular iMac a few years and really loved it. It's a totally different experience compared to using a MacBook. I've been waiting for an iMac Pro for a few years now, but since 2025 is a while's away I might just get the Mac Studio in the meantime.

M2 Mac Studio is now on the US & Canada Refurb store. Seems like quite the deal.

 

[bobcomer]

M2 Mac Studio is now on the US & Canada Refurb store. Seems like quite the deal.
View attachment 2299791

32G of RAM, and 512SSD. Not that great a deal.

 

[PhunkyBuc]

+1 for just wanting a 27" iMac with apple silicon. I don't even need it be 30" or 32".

What I find downright infuriating, if not insulting, about the Studio Display is that it's essentially the same effin screen they've been putting in iMacs since the 5k 27" came out back in 2015. It's way too expensive for such old technology.

I've still got my late 2015 5k iMac running strong, but I think every day I continue to use this as my main driver I am tempting fate. But I just can't wrap my head around paying so much for the same screen I already have. And yet, it doesn't seem like any of the other 5k options out there come close to the quality of the apple display.

:: gnashes teeth ::

 

[anshuvorty]

+1 for just wanting a 27" iMac with apple silicon. I don't even need it be 30" or 32".

What I find downright infuriating, if not insulting, about the Studio Display is that it's essentially the same effin screen they've been putting in iMacs since the 5k 27" came out back in 2015. It's way too expensive for such old technology.

I've still got my late 2015 5k iMac running strong, but I think every day I continue to use this as my main driver I am tempting fate. But I just can't wrap my head around paying so much for the same screen I already have. And yet, it doesn't seem like any of the other 5k options out there come close to the quality of the apple display.

:: gnashes teeth ::

Well, that is how Apple gets you:

• Apple is able to charge you $1500 because
  • there is no significant competition in the 27-inch 5K display market
  • only Apple sells a 27-inch 5K display that has both a glossy and matte finishes
  • includes Apple Silicon technology and other Apple-centric tech that makes it work more cohesively with other Apple products in their ecosystem.

If OEMs really wanted to compete with Apple in this space, then you would see that Apple would have to reduce its price or use better display panels in this display to compete. But because OEMs aren't serious about competing in this space, Apple is able to charge whatever it wants for this display.

 

[PhunkyBuc]

Oh I understand the "why", but that doesn't make it any less frustrating to pay that much for essentially the same screen tech from 9 years ago that I have sitting right in front of me already.

And I would push back a bit on "includes Apple Silicon technology and other Apple-centric tech that makes it work more cohesively with other Apple products in their ecosystem"... Yes it has a chip in it that enables Center Stage, but considering all the bigger issues the webcam has had, this is a very minor feature at best IMO.

Oh, you want the screen to be the same height as your imac screen was? That'll be another $400 good sir. LOFL

That said, I am curious to hear the audio quality differences between the two.

 

[ambientdaw]

You're saying the standard setup is a different height than the 27" iMac? How so?

 

[PhunkyBuc]

You're saying the standard setup is a different height than the 27" iMac? How so?

Yes, it sits about an inch or so lower. You can kind of see it in this video:

(Obviously it could be propped up on something too vs. spending the extra money on the height adjustable version)

 

[ambientdaw]

thanks that was useful. He did not cover connectivity: pluggin' **** in. I am hoping for a larger iMac in early '25! Otherwise I am stuck with this overpriced and more unsightly package.

 

[theorist9]

+1 for just wanting a 27" iMac with apple silicon. I don't even need it be 30" or 32".

What I find downright infuriating, if not insulting, about the Studio Display is that it's essentially the same effin screen they've been putting in iMacs since the 5k 27" came out back in 2015. It's way too expensive for such old technology.

I've still got my late 2015 5k iMac running strong, but I think every day I continue to use this as my main driver I am tempting fate. But I just can't wrap my head around paying so much for the same screen I already have. And yet, it doesn't seem like any of the other 5k options out there come close to the quality of the apple display.

:: gnashes teeth ::

Yeah, the 2020 27" iMac started at $1800--just $200 more than the ASD, and it includes an entire freaking computer.

I think the real problem is that MacOS renders text differently from Windows, such that a Retina display really is needed for it to look good. And I say that as someone who is looking at a 27" Retina (218 ppi) side-by-side with a 27" 4k (163 ppi) and 24" WUXGA (94 ppi). The differences are clear. Yet while Apple offers consumer-priced PC's, they don't offer consumer-priced glossy Retina displays (something with a BOM and quality comparable to that in the 24" iMac). And no one else does either.

Asking a consumer who's spent, say, $800 on a 16GB/256GB Mini, or $1,200 on a 16GB/256GB M1 Air, to shell out $1,600 for an external display is a lot. And remember the number of consumers that buy machines in this price range is a lot more than the number that buy the higher-end devices, so this impacts a lot of their customers.

Thus Apple has created an OS that requires a Retina display to look its best, without providing a cost-reasonable (for Apple--I'm still thinking >=$800 ) way for consumer (as opposed to prosumer) purchasers to acquire a glossy Retina external montior.

 

[ninecows]

It’s really annoying that it’s so hard to mod and hack the iMac 2020, 27” to work as a monitor. I have seen it done, but it’s super ugly and risky

I mean: It’s a really really nice display with a resolution that works very well with MacOS. But it’s stuck with a CPU and tech that will soon be outdated

 

[Rychiar]

It’s really annoying that it’s so hard to mod and hack the iMac 2020, 27” to work as a monitor. I have seen it done, but it’s super ugly and risky

I mean: It’s a really really nice display with a resolution that works very well with MacOS. But it’s stuck with a CPU and tech that will soon be outdated

I just sold my 2017 iMac for a grand and bought a studio display for $1100

 

[ninecows]

I just sold my 2017 iMac for a grand and bought a studio display for $1100

Second hand? Here in Denmark I haven’t seen it cheaper than $1700 as new (but that includes VAT&taxes which is ridiculous here).

They are rarely (if ever) available as second hand. But that’s the downside of such a small country 🤷‍♂️

 

[Rychiar]

Second hand? Here in Denmark I haven’t seen it cheaper than $1700 as new (but that includes VAT&taxes which is ridiculous here).

They are rarely (if ever) available as second hand. But that’s the downside of such a small country 🤷‍♂️

The studio display new int he US was regularly $1299 for much of last year on amazon. For some reason its the highest it ever was again lately. I got mine for 11 using an employees discount