iMac Redesign for 2018?

[klatox]

- 50 % more CPU! (thanks Coffee Lake)
- 25 % more GPU! (a man can dream)
- redesigned cooling system (making above possible)
- even faster flash storage, 256 GB as standard (same price as the Fusion drive)
- Face ID included
- newest Wi-Fi standard
- Thunderbolt 4
- available in Space Grey and rose gold

Such things would quickly add up, without a grand aesthetics redesign. Internally, I guess no one would be opposed to a better cooling system or Face ID in the iMac. Let‘s wait for WWDC, and then some more I mean, it‘s the 20th birthday of iMac - something‘s up for us!
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I‘d sign that statement in a heartbeat. Tried some AIOs from HP and Dell over the years - nothing comes close to the overall build quality of iMac. Superb screen, no creakiness, no wobbliness, and boy, is it quiet.

I think a lot of these wishes are a bit of a pipe dream, unfortunately.

• 50% more CPU; Intel just announced that 10nm is delayed. CoffeeLake sure isn't 50% better than previous gen.
• 25% more GPU; Vegas went to the iMac Pro and AMD has nothing else that's new at the moment. Maybe a gimped Vega for the regular iMac?
• 802.11ax; devices were just demoed at CES 2018, so probably unlikely. (edit: not due until 2019)
  
• Thunderbolt 4; not a chance, I think it would depend on PCIe 4, which isn't out yet.
• Rose Gold iMac? Come on dude...

 

[gusping]

I think a lot of these wishes are a bit of a pipe dream, unfortunately.

• 50% more CPU; Intel just announced that 10nm is delayed. CoffeeLake sure isn't 50% better than previous gen.
• 25% more GPU; Vegas went to the iMac Pro and AMD has nothing else that's new at the moment. Maybe a gimped Vega for the regular iMac?
• 802.11ax; devices were just demoed at CES 2018, so probably unlikely. (edit: not due until 2019)
  
• Thunderbolt 4; not a chance, I think it would depend on PCIe 4, which isn't out yet.
• Rose Gold iMac? Come on dude...

Agreed, but something like the 8700K is a huge step up over the 7700K and is sufficient, it's just impossible to cool it in the current (and terrible) iMac design. The GPU is the weak factor in an iMac imo, it needs to go at least to Vega, but definitely won't due to the iMac Pro having it.

It's more likely they will show an update Mac Mini than a completely new/seriously updated iMac i think. The tempting to switch back to horrible Windows increases....

 

[MandiMac]

I think a lot of these wishes are a bit of a pipe dream, unfortunately.

• 50% more CPU; Intel just announced that 10nm is delayed. CoffeeLake sure isn't 50% better than previous gen.
• 25% more GPU; Vegas went to the iMac Pro and AMD has nothing else that's new at the moment. Maybe a gimped Vega for the regular iMac?
• 802.11ax; devices were just demoed at CES 2018, so probably unlikely. (edit: not due until 2019)
  
• Thunderbolt 4; not a chance, I think it would depend on PCIe 4, which isn't out yet.
• Rose Gold iMac? Come on dude...

CPU: Coffee Lake has 2 more cores, so marketing speak will get at that 50 %
GPU: I always heard that the 580 Pro was a little undervolted when compared to the "true" 580. With a better cooling system, it could be that these 20 percent of throttling (or whatever, is that even true?) can be stated as gains compared to the last model. Or we'd see Vega 32 in the top-end iMac 5K.
As for Wi-Fi and TB: You're far more involved than me, so I take your word that is ain't possible just yet

But still, my point was that seemingly small advances in different areas amount to a huge update overall. I guess this could be the case if there is an update for the 20 year anniversary.

 

[klatox]

CPU: Coffee Lake has 2 more cores, so marketing speak will get at that 50 %
GPU: I always heard that the 580 Pro was a little undervolted when compared to the "true" 580. With a better cooling system, it could be that these 20 percent of throttling (or whatever, is that even true?) can be stated as gains compared to the last model. Or we'd see Vega 32 in the top-end iMac 5K.
As for Wi-Fi and TB: You're far more involved than me, so I take your word that is ain't possible just yet

But still, my point was that seemingly small advances in different areas amount to a huge update overall. I guess this could be the case if there is an update for the 20 year anniversary.

Good point, the 580 Pro is indeed a bit worse than a true 580. Perhaps they could get it more in line with the desktop variant with improved cooling, as you said. I do also recall hearing whispers of Vega 28/32 a long while back, but it didn't come to fruition in the end and they ended up releasing the Intel/Vega baby instead.
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Agreed, but something like the 8700K is a huge step up over the 7700K and is sufficient, it's just impossible to cool it in the current (and terrible) iMac design. The GPU is the weak factor in an iMac imo, it needs to go at least to Vega, but definitely won't due to the iMac Pro having it.

It's more likely they will show an update Mac Mini than a completely new/seriously updated iMac i think. The tempting to switch back to horrible Windows increases....

Yeah, the GPU is the real bummer. The 580 Pro seemed like a decent upgrade over the previous high-end M395X, and I think that came out in last year's model, so I'm cautiously optimistic about something new coming out. Although they traditionally bump up both the CPU and GPU with their refreshes, right?

I don't know that I could jump ship to building my own machine unless the display were just as good as the iMac 5K.

 

[xgman]

Apple "mac" development and marketing remains an enigma.

 

[gusping]

Good point, the 580 Pro is indeed a bit worse than a true 580. Perhaps they could get it more in line with the desktop variant with improved cooling, as you said. I do also recall hearing whispers of Vega 28/32 a long while back, but it didn't come to fruition in the end and they ended up releasing the Intel/Vega baby instead.
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Yeah, the GPU is the real bummer. The 580 Pro seemed like a decent upgrade over the previous high-end M395X, and I think that came out in last year's model, so I'm cautiously optimistic about something new coming out. Although they traditionally bump up both the CPU and GPU with their refreshes, right?

I don't know that I could jump ship to building my own machine unless the display were just as good as the iMac 5K.

I bought a 4K monitor for my PS4 Pro and Xbox One X which is nice, so i'm happy with that, but the 5K screen is definitely a beauty. I could happily make do with a rig considering I could get an 8700K (overclocked to 5Ghz) and a 1080 Ti for under £2k. I still would need a Mac for non-gaming/intensive tasks though, as it's just so much more fluid and nicer to use imo.

 

[MandiMac]

The 580 Pro seemed like a decent upgrade over the previous high-end M395X, and I think that came out in last year's model, so I'm cautiously optimistic about something new coming out. Although they traditionally bump up both the CPU and GPU with their refreshes, right?

Right. And as nobody else on the market has a 580 Pro, maybe we get something else exclusive this time - but a bit overpowered, not undervolted The M395X (late 2015) was such an example IIRC, a regular one was weaker than the one found in iMac. A few weeks to go until WWDC

 

[fokmik]

Wow, yes, a rose gold imac will be something bold

 

[MandiMac]

Wow, yes, a rose gold imac will be something bold

Again, it would only add to the „new n‘ fresh“ factor expected with the 20th anniversary of iMac.

 

[Glmnet1]

Again, it would only add to the „new n‘ fresh“ factor expected with the 20th anniversary of iMac.

A gold iMac would be hilarious! Why not rose gold while were at it. I’m sure those would be replaced sooner than the grey and space grey options because the owner or a family member gets sick of the color.

It’d be like buying a golden fridge

 

[afir93]

A gold iMac would be hilarious! Why not rose gold while were at it. I’m sure those would be replaced sooner than the grey and space grey options because the owner or a family member gets sick of the color.

It’d be like buying a golden fridge

Honestly I wouldn't be opposed to it. The iPhones have these colors, the MacBooks have these colors, why not throw them into the mix for the iMac aswell? I'm tired of silver being the only color the iMac is available in, and it would fit nicely with the whole 20th anniversary thing. Also, while it might not be the main deciding factor, some more choice in the color department might push people who can't stand silver anymore to upgrade rather a year sooner than later, especially if they are on the edge anyway.

Plus if we get a gold and rose gold iMac, then it would be a given that we also get the Magic accessories in that color. Which would be pretty nice.

 

[craigrusse11]

Honestly I wouldn't be opposed to it. The iPhones have these colors, the MacBooks have these colors, why not throw them into the mix for the iMac aswell? I'm tired of silver being the only color the iMac is available in, and it would fit nicely with the whole 20th anniversary thing. Also, while it might not be the main deciding factor, some more choice in the color department might push people who can't stand silver anymore to upgrade rather a year sooner than later, especially if they are on the edge anyway.

Plus if we get a gold and rose gold iMac, then it would be a given that we also get the Magic accessories in that color. Which would be pretty nice.

The macbooks have this option, so why not give it to the consumer desktop.

But, it would only make any sense if the chin is retained in a new model, otherwise the colour options are always looking away at the wall!

 

[Lammers]

The macbooks have this option, so why not give it to the consumer desktop.

I suspect that Apple’s decision making over whether or not to offer multiple color options on the iMac is more sophisticated than just “we should do it on the iMac because we do it on the MacBook”.
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Again, it would only add to the „new n‘ fresh“ factor expected with the 20th anniversary of iMac.

I’m not sure that’s a good expectation to have. Apple doesn’t really do product launches that recognise anniversaries. I’d say that the celebration of the 20th anniversary of iMac has happened already and won’t be mentioned again.

 

[xgman]

I'd say have zero expectations and then maybe something might possibly come along. or not..

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Playing devil's advocate, I wouldn't be completely surprised if there would be a re-design that would 'justify' using lesser CPUs with lower TDPs. The real reason being to make a difference between iMac and iMac Pro and leaving a gap that could be filled.

There already exists a very large differential between an even a fully configured iMac 27" and iMac Pro except for the entry level model. As a consumer, I'd never consider an iMac Pro -- overkill and too much $ for my hobbyist desires. iMac Pro is a niche machine bought by people that need that setup to be profitably productive. It's not a competitor to the iMac anymore a Corvette is a competitor to a Camaro. And the entry iMac 21" can be had for $950, so it's already affordable (for a Mac). I don't see why Apple would want an even less powerful model.

Desktops are truly a dying breed in the consumer space so I can't see Apple worrying about it's design. It's fine for it's purpose. A redesign will not appreciably create new sales. Consumers largely prefer and buy laptops. Business, different story, but they are buying for specific tasks and usually not looking for the bottom of the barrel with integrated graphics but don't give a flip about design. Apple has already lost Mac in Edu so no point hunting that market anymore.

 

[mreg376]

I agree that desktops have become a smaller segment of the market, but I disagree that they are a dying breed. Most people I know have a desktop in their home, although the days of multiple desktops (like one for each kid) are probably over.

 

[afir93]

I’m not sure that’s a good expectation to have. Apple doesn’t really do product launches that recognise anniversaries. I’d say that the celebration of the 20th anniversary of iMac has happened already and won’t be mentioned again.

I mean they did do it with the iPhone X? They talked quite a bit about how it is the anniversary of the iPhone and how this phone is "the product of ten years of iPhone engineering and lays the groundwork for the next 10 years" (rephrasing).

Not saying that they'll do this to all their products, but I wouldn't dismiss the possibility just yet that they use this opportunity for the iMacs as a throwback to how much that device has evolved in the last 20 years. And if they really do introduce more color options for the iMac, a 20th-anniversary throwback would also be very fitting because the very first iMacs were famous for their color options back in the days, so they could market the new colors as a "return-to-the-roots" kind of thing.

 

[MacGizmo]

WWDC will likely be Services and OS related, with the possibility of laptop updates on the hardware front. I could be wrong, but I HIGHLY doubt any iMac changes will arrive at WWDC—and a re-design of the entire iMac is certainly not coming any time soon.*

*In no way do I have any information that would lead me to say that, and reserve the right to pretend like I never said that.

 

[Glmnet1]

WWDC will likely be Services and OS related, with the possibility of laptop updates on the hardware front. I could be wrong, but I HIGHLY doubt any iMac changes will arrive at WWDC—and a re-design of the entire iMac is certainly not coming any time soon.*

*In no way do I have any information that would lead me to say that, and reserve the right to pretend like I never said that.

They mentioned that OS updates for this year would be mostly about stability and performance so not much to talk about there. That leaves services and hardware, IMO if they plan to have a 2h keynote they have to announce a whole lot of hardware or it's going to be very boring

What is there to discuss about Services that would concern the devs attending the event? Do they usually talk a lot about them? (Not sarcastic or anything, seriously asking)

We'll have to wait and see!

 

[Lammers]

I mean they did do it with the iPhone X? They talked quite a bit about how it is the anniversary of the iPhone and how this phone is "the product of ten years of iPhone engineering and lays the groundwork for the next 10 years" (rephrasing).

Not saying that they'll do this to all their products, but I wouldn't dismiss the possibility just yet that they use this opportunity for the iMacs as a throwback to how much that device has evolved in the last 20 years. And if they really do introduce more color options for the iMac, a 20th-anniversary throwback would also be very fitting because the very first iMacs were famous for their color options back in the days, so they could market the new colors as a "return-to-the-roots" kind of thing.

I’m afraid that just isn’t the case. Go watch the launch event again - the word “anniversary” isn’t mentioned once in the launch event, nor is it featured in any of the launch videos or other marketing material, nor is there any suggestion that the iPhone X is a celebration of the ten-year anniversary of the iPhone. In fact, Tim Cook specifically says that the team has been working on the iPhone X for years and suggests that it’s actually a coincidence (albeit a fitting one) that it’s ready a decade in to the life of the iPhone. But even that is a passing mention a few seconds in to the launch and is never mentioned again.

Apple’s standard modus operandi is to drive forward, not celebrate the past. My view is that the only celebration of the 20th anniversary of the iMac we are going to get has already happened - a short simple Twitter post from Tim Cook.

 

[Lammers]

I agree that desktops have become a smaller segment of the market, but I disagree that they are a dying breed. Most people I know have a desktop in their home, although the days of multiple desktops (like one for each kid) are probably over.

Desktop shipments are shrinking year after year and have been for many years. Whilst it may be true that most people you know have a desktop at home, that’s certainly not the case more broadly. I know very few people that have desktops at home.

Even in businesses desktops are under threat, from the same trend towards mobile, plus virtual desktops (although the latter applies to Windows rather than Mac).

 

[Spinnetti]

I agree that desktops have become a smaller segment of the market, but I disagree that they are a dying breed. Most people I know have a desktop in their home, although the days of multiple desktops (like one for each kid) are probably over.

Except at my house lol... Hoping we get a new iMac announced as one of my kids is due for a refresh (on top of their phones, laptop etc lol). Given that the iMac pro just came out in the same shell, its highly unlikely that there will be any form factor change. I'm still going to wait until WWDC before I pull the trigger, but I expect minimal spec changes or nothing at all this year in reality. I'd like to see ssd as standard on the top of the line models at least.

 

[mreg376]

Well what I decided to do today was order a BTO fully decked out 27" i7 (except for RAM -- that will come from anywhere other than Apple). It will take 10 days to two weeks to be built and get to me, and the 14-day return period will last through WWDC. If they announce an update to the iMac line with a fairly quick release date I'll have time to return, if they announce a Fall release I was not going to wait that long anyway so I'll keep it, and if they announce nothing I'll keep it. One thing I'll bet dollars-to-donuts on (what does that mean anyway?) is that when there's a new physical design for the 27" that user-upgradable RAM will be gone, which will effectively increase actual costs a ton even if the official prices stay the same.

 

[gusping]

Well what I decided to do today was order a BTO fully decked out 27" i7 (except for RAM -- that will come from anywhere other than Apple). It will take 10 days to two weeks to be built and get to me, and the 14-day return period will last through WWDC. If they announce an update to the iMac line with a fairly quick release date I'll have time to return, if they announce a Fall release I was not going to wait that long anyway so I'll keep it, and if they announce nothing I'll keep it. One thing I'll bet dollars-to-donuts on (what does that mean anyway?) is that when there's a new physical design for the 27" that user-upgradable RAM will be gone, which will effectively increase actual costs a ton even if the official prices stay the same.

Definitely worth the non-upgradable ram if they give it a complete redesign (not just cooling like the iMac Pro). The iMac looks horrible compared to every other screen on the market. Inch plus bezels are a joke in 2018.

 

[Rebel Heart]

Definitely worth the non-upgradable ram if they give it a complete redesign (not just cooling like the iMac Pro). The iMac looks horrible compared to every other screen on the market. Inch plus bezels are a joke in 2018.

What's wrong with bezels? Seriously.
The iMac is an iconic design that still looks better than most AIOs made by other brands.The bezels may be thick, but they add to the design and they assure your focus on what's being displayed.