No 2018 iMac?!

[Internet Enzyme]

[June 4, after WWDC 2018] It did seem fairly unlikely that the Mac team would release an iMac half a year after the iMac Pro at the same time as they worked on the Mac Pro and Mac Mini, but I figured that maybe they could’ve just done a cpu refresh and thrown a touchbar keyboard with touch id into the box and called it a day. But since there were few rumors indicating as such, I am not too shocked that they didnt release one today, I just wonder: will they hold off mac mini, mac pro, and imac all for one event next spring? I feel like they’d wanna release some new macs before Mojave releases. Perhaps we could see some macs at a september event? Although that seems strange as the september event will definitely have the new iphone and perhaps even a new ipad pro. So I’m beginning to feel as if the spring event or wwdc next year is very likely to be the next refesh.

[October 30, after 'There's More in the Making' event] There is still a possibility of an iMac refresh this year: I still have some hope. The 2018 MacBook Pro refresh was out of the blue. It could happen in November. But my best bet is now WWDC. An iMac, Mac Pro, and Cinema Display redesign for WWDC would be pretty killer.

 

[redheeler]

I am expecting an event with new iMacs and MacBook Pros in October, as Apple has done before. That would make sense given the recent rumor which seems to be pretty reliable (accurately predicted no new Macs at WWDC).

Still, it's frustrating to see the iMacs and MacBook Pros languish with previous-generation chips for four more months. Apple should've had a refresh ready for WWDC.

 

[Internet Enzyme]

I am expecting an event with new iMacs and MacBook Pros in October, as Apple has done before. That would make sense given the recent rumor which seems to be pretty reliable (accurately predicted no new Macs at WWDC).

Still, it's frustrating to see the iMacs and MacBook Pros languish with previous-generation chips for four more months. Apple should've had a refresh ready for WWDC.

I feel like October kind of is suboptimal due to the fact that it misses the release of Mojave and the back to school sale. But neither of those things necessary disqualifies the theory. I’d agree, October does seem fairly likely. It’s very interesting, the state Apple is in. Being a fan of this company is just an endless tease. Like, just take my ****ing money apple good god just give me a damn computer I’m begging you 4 more months come on f that

 

[fathergll]

All along the monkey wrench for me was the Dec 2017 iMac Pros. That means there are 2 iMacs out as we speak that are between 6 months and 1 year old. My gut the entire time was Apple is not going to release a new iMac anytime soon because of the iMac Pro and they were going to go with a redesigned iMac in 2019 thats slimmer and dumbed down a bit while keeping the iMac Pro as is.

 

[padams35]

The last time Apple did a CPU only upgrade was for the 2007->2008 iMacs, and from what I understand that was essentially a drop-in replacement with a bluetooth update on the side.

The newest intel chips on the other hand appear to require new sockets/logic boards. I would be pleasantly surprised if Apple released a new iMac before a GPU upgrade was also available, which would be AMD Navi 2019.

 

[jorgito gamer]

Apple just doesn't seem to care much about their hardware being trash compared to the rest of the companies. I was planning on buying an iMac if they refreshed them today, and since they didn't, I will spend my money on a Windows desktop. Like c'mon, the iMacs are stuck with quad core processors while there are laptops out there with six core processors. Totally makes sense. And releasing new hardware in October when Coffee Lake will have been out for like a year and the new chips will soon be available? Great job Apple. I'm simply tired of this company being so lazy with their refreshes, as if something that wasn't super flashy or couldn't make for a headline wasn't worth it to make. Going from 4-core to 6-core is worth it, at least to me.

The only "updated" computer Apple has is the iMac Pro, the rest are, at least, 1 year old hardware. If you are not willing to spend 5,000$ on a computer, you are a "second-class customer" for them, and you don't need updated hardware.

"This is something only Apple can do..."

 

[Marty80]

I have a gut feeling we will not see a redesigned iMac in 2018, rather Apple will just bump the existing setup and make some cosmetic changes addition of colors, inline to its anniversary. I sure hope we will see some rumours surface to prove me wrong.

 

[mreg376]

I am expecting an event with new iMacs and MacBook Pros in October, as Apple has done before. That would make sense given the recent rumor which seems to be pretty reliable (accurately predicted no new Macs at WWDC).

Still, it's frustrating to see the iMacs and MacBook Pros languish with previous-generation chips for four more months. Apple should've had a refresh ready for WWDC.

I don't think you can characterize the iMac line as "languishing," what with new iMacs a year ago and the iMac Pro six months ago. If you count all the stock configurations you have a good half-dozen new iMacs since last year. Now the Mac Pro, on the other hand, THAT is languishing, and it's certainly possible we'll see a new Mac Pro before any new iMacs.

 

[redheeler]

I don't think you can characterize the iMac line as "languishing," what with new iMacs a year ago and the iMac Pro six months ago. If you count all the stock configurations you have a good half-dozen new iMacs since last year. Now the Mac Pro, on the other hand, THAT is languishing, and it's certainly possible we'll see a new Mac Pro before any new iMacs.

I'm referring to the consumer Core i5 / i7 iMac, not the iMac Pro. I say languishing because PC manufactures are already using this year's hex-core Coffee Lake chips, and two more cores is a pretty big deal when it comes to performance; yet the iMacs have fallen behind as they continue to use last year's quad-core Kaby Lake chips.

 

[mreg376]

Yea

I'm referring to the consumer Core i5 / i7 iMac, not the iMac Pro. I say languishing because PC manufactures are already using this year's hex-core Coffee Lake chips, and two more cores is a pretty big deal when it comes to performance; yet the iMacs have fallen behind as they continue to use last year's quad-core Kaby Lake chips.

Yeah, I get that. But the iMacs never have cutting edge components. That's the province of Windows PC's, where the manufacturers can basically just slap together parts and throw Windows on it. I think Apple uses a more deliberative process as it tries to integrate hardware and software, so when iMacs are released, they're pretty much quickly behind the eight ball because the release will generally last at least a year or two without significant changes. For those who want to always buy a computer with components that are cutting edge on the day of purchase, they have to stick with Windows. I did Windows for a long time, and I'll pass on that.

 

[Cajun_Mike]

Well, i need a new desktop and can't wait until 2019. I'm expecting the Dell XPS 27 to be updated this summer with 8th generation Intel and either 1050, 1060 or 1080 graphics. Plus it has the SD card slot in the right spot. I just hope they move the webcam to the top in a popup module like the new inspirons that just arrived a few weeks ago.
[doublepost=1528173622][/doublepost]just posted tonight. Asus new Zen aio 27

ASUS Zen AiO 27 is a premium 27-inch 4K UHD all-in-one PC that is designed for superior performance with an 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 T-series processor, 32GB of DDR4 RAM and NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 discrete graphics card that provides more than enough power to tackle even the most graphics-intensive tasks. Perfect for designers, ZenAiO 27 features a display with built-in ASUS Calibration Technology that provides a ∆E (Delta-E) color difference of less than 3.0, while color-accuracy tuning compensation makes it easy to recalibrate display brightness and color consistency. Featuring an ergonomic stand with tilt, swivel and height adjustments to provide a comfortable viewing angle. The stand also features a built-in Qi-certified wireless charger for convenient charging of compatible devices.

 

[redheeler]

Yeah, I get that. But the iMacs never have cutting edge components. That's the province of Windows PC's, where the manufacturers can basically can slap together parts and throw Windows on it. I think Apple uses a more deliberative process as it tries to integrate hardware and software, so when iMacs are released, they're pretty much quickly behind the eight ball because the release will generally last at least a year or two without significant changes. For those who want to always buy a computer with components that are cutting edge on the day of purchase, they have to stick with Windows. I did Windows for a long time, and I'll pass on that.

You do have a point here, going over Apple's past iMac releases it seems consistent to adopt a new chip 4 to 6 months after release. The suitable Coffee Lake chips were released 2 months ago.

 

[tomscott1988]

Well, i need a new desktop and can't wait until 2019. I'm expecting the Dell XPS 27 to be updated this summer with 8th generation Intel and either 1050, 1060 or 1080 graphics. Plus it has the SD card slot in the right spot. I just hope they move the webcam to the top in a popup module like the new inspirons that just arrived a few weeks ago.
[doublepost=1528173622][/doublepost]just posted tonight. Asus new Zen aio 27

ASUS Zen AiO 27 is a premium 27-inch 4K UHD all-in-one PC that is designed for superior performance with an 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 T-series processor, 32GB of DDR4 RAM and NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 discrete graphics card that provides more than enough power to tackle even the most graphics-intensive tasks. Perfect for designers, ZenAiO 27 features a display with built-in ASUS Calibration Technology that provides a ∆E (Delta-E) color difference of less than 3.0, while color-accuracy tuning compensation makes it easy to recalibrate display brightness and color consistency. Featuring an ergonomic stand with tilt, swivel and height adjustments to provide a comfortable viewing angle. The stand also features a built-in Qi-certified wireless charger for convenient charging of compatible devices.

No offence, seen you flying the flag for windows AIOs.

Why bother? Why not buy a decent set up and put it in a mini ATX case? Lets be fair windows all in ones are miles behind apple in looks and in usability. Although the macs are older specs the useage of the iMac is far better.

The only reason we are talking about AIOs in the mac space is because the iMac is Apples flagship consumer device and its the only desktop mac you can buy. This comes with so many compromises but because its apple you have to go along with those and put up or shut up.

The windows realm is so much more flexible and diverse so why would you corner yourself when you can build or even buy a far better machine with non compromise components that really arent that expensive. You could upgrade later down the line... Like screens, graphics cards, PCI etc and not be stuck with the AIO problems.

Even if they have the 10 series chips its inevitable that the newer version will be out in 6 months same with the processors.

Plus the windows AIOs are so ugly, like was the guy that designed the XPS 27 blind? Its an interesting product with more functionality but misses the simplicity of an AIO. Those speakers look awful and lets be fair anyone interested in sound is going to buy high end speakers to add to the set up. Rather than be greeted by those alien eye holes at the bottom of the display, such a distraction from the display.

It looks like an geek engineer designed it not a designer. If I have to sit in front of something all day everyday and its in an area that other people frequent it better look good and not be distracting.

 

[majestice]

I feel like October kind of is suboptimal due to the fact that it misses the release of Mojave and the back to school sale.

It would make sense to sell old stock on "sale" before announcing new models. So I would bet is more likely to see new computers after back to school since beginning of the school is sort of "forced sale" for those who have no computer and start their studies. You simply put need a computer, you can't wait until next release.

 

[Glmnet1]

It would make sense to sell old stock on "sale" before announcing new models. So I would bet is more likely to see new computers after back to school since beginning of the school is sort of "forced sale" for those who have no computer and start their studies. You simply put need a computer, you can't wait until next release.

Also a good way to lose a ton sales on students who realize they'd pay extra for older hardware if they went with Apple. They don't even need to be tech-savvy, just look at the core count right there in the product description and they'll wonder why they can't get those 2 extra cores found in similar products.

 

[tomscott1988]

Yep, people arent stupid to product upgrade cycles. My GF is not techie and is desperate for a new iPhone. She said to me yesterday why would I buy an iPhone now... the new ones will be out soon...

Regardless of whether she knows when the fact is product cycles are a way of life now.

Also interesting just googling "old apple hardware" stumbled across this article

https://www.zdnet.com/article/its-not-just-macs-almost-everything-apple-sells-is-old-and-stale/

Cant help but feel we are in the same boat.

I think apple is stretching itself. The amount of products it needs to update every year because of product expansion. It's like its got to the point where they think... why bother, Apple fans are sheep and will buy regardless.

TBH there is truth to that, in 2006 when I got my first mac they were very scares in the UK. There we're barely any stores outside of London and it was a high end brand that was fairly niche. Now people buy Apple products because its popular in culture. To many it doesn't matter what its spec and every man and his dog contributes to this.

Why bother supporting such a range of phones. So many of the newer features wont work on the older hardware. Get all the tech on the same page! Instead of juggling old hardware especially i devices... the 5S is from 2012 for example.

It would be so much better to have one phone that gets the full attention of designers. It would get the newest tech and the OS is designed to run perfectly. Get rid of the old phones. Selling a 6s to people that cant afford newer products gives them an outdated experience so their phone wont last as long.

All of IOS 12 features targeted to the masses only run on the iPhone X because of the AR camera... nothing else... NOT one product. Otherwise the features are non existant and the 5 generations of previous products get nothing.

I dont see the X as an upsell. If you cant afford £1000 for a phone then that one feature isnt going to make you part with an extra 1/4 over the 'standard' 8 which is again a completely different design.

If they want to replace touch ID DO IT!!! across everything... The mac only got touch ID in 2016 yet now they have discontinued it in IOS. Surely face ID would have been perfect in the mac years ago or now.... while its fresh. Why do we have to wait for products to be worthy.

Same with the macs get them all on the same page. Ensure that the tech implemented is available across the board. One of the reasons touchbar hasn't been popular is because it was implemented only on high end macbook pros. Put it on the macbook it would have been a renowned success, kids on social media would love quick emoji rather than CTRL CMD spacebar to launch the emojies etc etc

If it were on all the products, developers would develop apps geared to use them. Its not a unique selling point to a pro but a consumer it probably is. With it only available on two products starting at £1600.. F keys are more suitable for those customers.

Out of all the lines macbook, macbook pro, imac, mac pro and mac mini one product has it... why? Why bother going to such effort.

What if you do get used to it? But have a desktop. There is 0 consistency.

There was a time, when new tech came out, old tech was retired. All the new products were only available. No option to buy old hardware. Its not only a slap in the face for people buying hardware that's 2-3 years old for a similar price to when it launched, no reductions. It means adoption rates are slower, newer tech doesn't get traction as quickly.

Why arent Apple all in with new products anymore?

Why keep old stuff in the line if they dont plan to update? People would be happier knowing its discontinued, rather than the constant disappointment of waiting... seemingly for no reason like the mac mini. Surely production lines are snails with the Mac Pro, Mac mini, iPad mini... It must cost more to keep the lines running for the numbers sold. Especially with the Mac Pro.

The only thing I can think of is Apple has masses of stock and will discontinue when its depleted.

Completely backward.

I look back fondly on a time when you walked into an Apple store and everything was new, shiney and you didnt mind spending the extra because you knew it was good and of generation. There were clear product separation and the store wasnt full of tech released 4-5 years ago mixed with new tech.

Tim Cook needs a firm slap imo.

Never seen the forums so full of disappointed people.

 

[mreg376]

Also a good way to lose a ton sales on students who realize they'd pay extra for older hardware if they went with Apple. They don't even need to be tech-savvy, just look at the core count right there in the product description and they'll wonder why they can't get those 2 extra cores found in similar products.

Most students have no idea what a core is and aren't worrying about two extra ones. They want a great performing iMac or MacBook and there are plenty of choices of those right now.

 

[gusping]

The next iMac HAS to be a redesigned one, or the iMac non-pro line is dead to me, and most likely many others. It is already rocking a 10 year old design and urgently needs updating, as does the cooling so a real GPU can be used, and the CPU without dangerously high temperatures. Am I asking to much? For Apple, yes.

 

[Glmnet1]

The next iMac HAS to be a redesigned one, or the iMac non-pro line is dead to me, and most likely many others. It is already rocking a 10 year old design and urgently needs updating, as does the cooling so a real GPU can be used, and the CPU without dangerously high temperatures. Am I asking to much? For Apple, yes.

I think we'll get one OR the other of your wishes on the next refresh. If they improve the cooling it'll be with the iMac Pro's cooling system. If they redesign they'll probably dumb it down and reduce the cooling capabilities even more in order to make it smaller. Either way we're losing the upgradeable RAM.

 

[tomscott1988]

Pretty much a win loose with all new product updates. New design, less functionality higher prices and cooling issues.

The iMac doesn't need to be thinner, and the 27" has about 40% empty space for cooling yet one tiny fan. Probably for backward compatibility.

You have to bare in mind this is although expensive a mid range product and the GPU is a mid range GPU you cant expect it to have a better card than the iMac pro.

Apple dont see an issue with the cooling system atm.

You have to be careful what you wish for, look at the 2016 macbook pro.

 

[fathergll]

I think we'll get one OR the other of your wishes on the next refresh. If they improve the cooling it'll be with the iMac Pro's cooling system. If they redesign they'll probably dumb it down and reduce the cooling capabilities even more in order to make it smaller. Either way we're losing the upgradeable RAM.

I could see the next version being like a giant beefy Macbook Pro on a stand.

 

[cgdrummer]

It looks to me, ever since Steve Jobs went back to Apple around 20 years ago, they have been designing under the axiom of "people don't know what they want in a computer, so we'll make it for them". These days, that axiom is null, yet Apple still operates under it in many respects.

Why not "give the customers what they want?" Make an Imac that the user is able to upgrade RAM and storage. No Mac user ever pays for MacOS updates anymore, apparently software is one of those things that is "free" and it should all be a hardware specs game. Bigger numbers is better. Make the Imac truly desktop grade, with desktop not laptop components.

This is apparently what users want, far less the software/hardware integration experience. What would it gain except a few more customers?

 

[ThisBougieLife]

I thought maybe they would at least release the non-Pro iMacs with a space gray color, given the availability of the peripherals.

I would bet on end of the year. Either October or possibly December. It'll probably be a silent update. I don't know that they would have an event for it unless the iMac were getting a redesign, which doesn't seem too likely.

 

[EugW]

It would make sense to sell old stock on "sale" before announcing new models. So I would bet is more likely to see new computers after back to school since beginning of the school is sort of "forced sale" for those who have no computer and start their studies. You simply put need a computer, you can't wait until next release.

I bought my 2017 iMac in summer 2017 with the 2017 back to school sale. If anything, that makes more sense.

Apple’s Mac release timing appears to be scheduled independently from the back to school sales. They release their Macs when they think they’re ready to be released.

Sometimes that’s after the back to school sale, sometimes before, and sometimes even during so they have to change the sale to include the new models.

Remember, Apple can simply sell old stock on their refurb store. Also, Tim Cook cut his teeth as a supply chain guru. The goal is to keep as little stock as possible.

 

[fathergll]

Well, i need a new desktop and can't wait until 2019. I'm expecting the Dell XPS 27 to be updated this summer with 8th generation Intel and either 1050, 1060 or 1080 graphics. Plus it has the SD card slot in the right spot. I just hope they move the webcam to the top in a popup module like the new inspirons that just arrived a few weeks ago.
[doublepost=1528173622][/doublepost]just posted tonight. Asus new Zen aio 27

ASUS Zen AiO 27 is a premium 27-inch 4K UHD all-in-one PC that is designed for superior performance with an 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 T-series processor, 32GB of DDR4 RAM and NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 discrete graphics card that provides more than enough power to tackle even the most graphics-intensive tasks. Perfect for designers, ZenAiO 27 features a display with built-in ASUS Calibration Technology that provides a ∆E (Delta-E) color difference of less than 3.0, while color-accuracy tuning compensation makes it easy to recalibrate display brightness and color consistency. Featuring an ergonomic stand with tilt, swivel and height adjustments to provide a comfortable viewing angle. The stand also features a built-in Qi-certified wireless charger for convenient charging of compatible devices.

The Windows AIOs still seem very lackluster. They have some things going for them but as an entire package they seem to be no where near what Apple is putting out. The Windows AIO market is so weak that it's tempting just to buy an iMac to bootcamp Windows on it.