What will the forthcoming 27in. iMac replacement be like?

[Warped9]

There was a lot of speculation leading up to the reveal of the new 24in. iMac, and apparently a great deal of certainty as to what form it would take. Now there is a fair amount of disappointment the new design did not meet speculation and expectations.

There also seems to be a belief the still forthcoming larger iMac redesign will be distinctly different than the 24in. because it was not introduced at the same time. Many seem to believe the larger iMac could well be called the iMac Pro as a (relatively) less costly replacement for the previous discontinued iMac Pro and to distinguish it from the 24in.

A spec’d out 27in. iMac made the old Pro largely redundant and it was less ridiculously priced. I think this is the direction Apple will go with the new big iMac.

I also don’t think it will be radically different in form and function from the 24in., much to the disappointment of some. I also doubt it will be called Pro.


I could be completely wrong, but that is what I strongly suspect.

Anyone else’s thoughts?

 

[Silmakhor]

This is the millions of dollars question.

I can't imagine them NOT offering something with a 27-30 screen and a moderately improved CPU/GPU in the $1800-$2600 range. This is an important part of the product line up.

I honestly could not care less about white bezels, the chin, logo, or the "pro" branding.

 

[JMacHack]

Short answer: Macrumors will hate it.

Long answer: I believe there are two possibilities, the first more likely imo.

1. It looks like the pro display xdr but with the iMac chin. Get your pitchforks ready now. Maybe 6k mini led display, similar speaker setup to the 24 inch. The rear has the distinctive lattice design. There will be four thunderbolt ports, an audio jack out the side like the 24 inch, an and possibly an hdmi port, and 10 gb ethernet. The power supply will be external, and might adopt the same connector as the 24 (though I hope not) M2 is a given

2. bigger iMac 24, with four tb ports and space gray option.

Either way there will be moaning and gnashing of teeth for awhile, then the people who buy them will love them and in 5 years people will like the design.

 

[Warped9]

I suspect you’ll be able to configure the big iMac beyond what you can do with the 24in. I suspect you‘ll be able to get more than 16GB RAM and more than 2TB SSD. I’m not sure it will have any more ports than the 24in.

The 24in. simplified the entry level lineup by eliminating the lowest tier iMac and pricing the new one accordingly. Essentially you are getting more for a bit less. I think the big iMac will follow this path and be priced basically where the 24in. leaves off. I’m thinking the big iMac could start with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD although starting with 16 and 512 would be better. Of course, they could easily go cheap and start with 8 and 256.

 

[blairh]

There was a lot of speculation leading up to the reveal of the new 24in. iMac, and apparently a great deal of certainty as to what form it would take. Now there is a fair amount of disappointment the new design did not meet speculation and expectations.

There also seems to be a belief the still forthcoming larger iMac redesign will be distinctly different than the 24in. because it was not introduced at the same time. Many seem to believe the larger iMac could well be called the iMac Pro as a (relatively) less costly replacement for the previous discontinued iMac Pro and to distinguish it from the 24in.

A spec’d out 27in. iMac made the old Pro largely redundant and it was less ridiculously priced. I think this is the direction Apple will go with the new big iMac.

I also don’t think it will be radically different in form and function from the 24in., much to the disappointment of some. I also doubt it will be called Pro.


I could be completely wrong, but that is what I strongly suspect.

Anyone else’s thoughts?

32" and 6K. Chin with no logo like the 24" model. Darker colors. No white bezels and pastels. It will just be a larger iMac. Not labeled a 'Pro'.

 

[ElectronGuru]

The new 24 is a good starting point.

21 > 27 is a separation of 6. 24 > 30 is a separation of 6

24 maxes out in low $2000. The 30 will start around/below $2500

24 has one M1. 30 will have multiple M1 or improved single variation. Calling it M2 makes upgrading the M1 later difficult so I’m expecting a new letter like P1. Probably with more expensive features but still electrically and thermally efficient.

It should have it’s own name. A black framed iMac Pro would sell well and explain why none of the 24 feature black anywhere.

 

[dugbug]

prob 30" screen, M1X, 32GB ram max. Bezel color that will make half the world happy and the other half unhappy.

 

[Warped9]

I agree 30 inches is the most likely size of the bigger iMac. I still don’t believe they will retain black bezels. The new design with black bezels would make the new design almost indistinguishable (to the casual observer) from the old design—I don’t see this happening. I think it more likely they will want the new big iMac to be near immediately identifiable from the old. A freshened look also makes the statement something genuinely new is at hand going forward.

I would be surprised if the big iMac isn’t offered in multiple colours beyond Silver and maybe Space Grey.

One particular thing I would like to see with the big iMac (and something ridiculously still missing from the 24in.) is a keyboard with numeric keypad as standard in the box. It’s damned absurd at this price point to make people pay for an upgrade keyboard—it’s insulting. But they probably won’t do it.

 

[Silmakhor]

On particular thing I would like to see with the big iMac (and something ridiculously still missing from the 24in.) is a keyboard with numeric keypad as standard in the box. It’s damned absurd at this price point to make people for an upgrade keyboard—it’s insulting. But they probably won’t do it.

That's a personal preference thing based on ergonomics. Plenty of people don't need 10key. Ergonomically, wide keyboards are considered worse because you have to do more wrist contortions to reach your mouse. I have tendencies toward joint issues and greatly prefer a smaller keyboard.

I do wish you could order yours for a more reasonable upgrade price.

 

[Warped9]

Some years go I bought an Apple keyboard with numeric keypad (I do 3D modelling) only it was a plugin rather than wireless as they are now. A month or so after I bought it Apple introduced their wireless version. Oh, well, at least I don’t have to recharge it like the magic mouse (which I really like).

 

[dugbug]

I would be surprised if the big iMac isn’t offered in multiple colours beyond Silver and maybe Space Grey.

I would not be surprised to see a two-tone black/space grey as an option for the 30" as the new 'pro'.

 

[Johnf1285]

I'll throw my hat into the ring. My prediction is:

- 30" screen, probably exact specs/quality as the alleged affordable Apple monitor reportedly in development
- M1X (or some "tick" style successor to M1, call it what you will)
- More ram capacity, probably topping out at 32gb or maybe even 64gb
- More options on storage sizes
- Same exact design features as the 24", just larger and maybe *gasp* different colors
- Probably the same ports
- Available late December

I think people are going to have to live with the chin, bezel, fun colors, and all of those design choices by Apple for the "big iMac", whenever/whatever it may be 🤷‍♂️

 

[ignatius345]

Maybe I'm an outlier, but the specs on the 24" look totally sufficient for my uses -- but I just don't want to step down too much from the 27" size of the iMac 5K I'm using now. I do hope there's a non-insanely expensive large iMac in the picture somewhere.

 

[Warped9]

Maybe I'm an outlier, but the specs on the 24" look totally sufficient for my uses -- but I just don't want to step down too much from the 27" size of the iMac 5K I'm using now. I do hope there's a non-insanely expensive large iMac in the picture somewhere.

I might be in a similar position. 24in. is a step up from my 21.5. I currently have 32GB with an older i7 and 500GB SSD so I’m thinking an M1 24in. with 16GB and 512 SSD should be an upgrade. But I do want to see whether it’s worth going for the new big iMac without spending a lot more. 32GB with a 512 would work for me.

 

[Loyola]

I am concerned it will be really expensive. The 24in wasn't exactly what I was looking for in terms of processor.

 

[Warped9]

The M1 in the 24in. was not a surprise given it comes only some months after being introduced in the MacBooks. It’s entirely possible next year could see an upgrade in the 24’s processor. Whether that upgrade is previewed in the big iMac remains to be seen.

 

[Internet Enzyme]

There was a lot of speculation leading up to the reveal of the new 24in. iMac, and apparently a great deal of certainty as to what form it would take. Now there is a fair amount of disappointment the new design did not meet speculation and expectations.

There also seems to be a belief the still forthcoming larger iMac redesign will be distinctly different than the 24in. because it was not introduced at the same time. Many seem to believe the larger iMac could well be called the iMac Pro as a (relatively) less costly replacement for the previous discontinued iMac Pro and to distinguish it from the 24in.

A spec’d out 27in. iMac made the old Pro largely redundant and it was less ridiculously priced. I think this is the direction Apple will go with the new big iMac.

I also don’t think it will be radically different in form and function from the 24in., much to the disappointment of some. I also doubt it will be called Pro.


I could be completely wrong, but that is what I strongly suspect.

Anyone else’s thoughts?

I don't think that the new big iMac will be known as the iMac Pro, given that the brand got killed just a few weeks ago. However, if you think that the iMac Pro's discontinuation was related to issues with Intel Xeons (shortages and inadequate enough margins and sales volume to justify restocking), then there's certainly a good reason to believe they will revive the iMac Pro branding. So I see an argument to both effects.

Personally, I don't think that it matters if they call it a 30-inch iMac or a 30-inch iMac Pro—what does matter, however, is the starting price. I don't think that they can ask for a sum at all comparable to the Intel iMac Pro's $4999 starting price if they will put an M1X in it. Maybe models that come with those rumored custom Apple GPUs could be optioned up to such a price, but I feel like the new 30-inch iMac has to start at $1999. Apple silicon increases Apple's margin, so I see no reason for a marked price increase.

As for the colors, I am personally hoping that they let the 30-inch iMac have the same bold and vibrant selection as the 24-inch. If they choose to brand it as an iMac Pro, however, the color selection will be analogous to what we see in the "pro" iPhone line, that is: white, black, gold, and a more reserved wild card such as pacific blue or midnight green. Both scenarios would be fine by me. But, either way, I'd expect the larger iMac to keep the same design language as its sibling, if a bit thicker to accommodate things like an SD card slot and USB-A ports.

 

[minik]

I only wish there are at least 6 Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.

 

[Internet Enzyme]

I agree 30 inches is the most likely size of the bigger iMac. I still don’t believe they will retain black bezels. The new design with black bezels would make the new design almost indistinguishable (to the casual observer) from the old design—I don’t see this happening. I think it more likely they will want the new big iMac to be near immediately identifiable from the old. A freshened look also makes the statement something genuinely new is at hand going forward.

I would be surprised if the big iMac isn’t offered in multiple colours beyond Silver and maybe Space Grey.

One particular thing I would like to see with the big iMac (and something ridiculously still missing from the 24in.) is a keyboard with numeric keypad as standard in the box. It’s damned absurd at this price point to make people pay for an upgrade keyboard—it’s insulting. But they probably won’t do it.

I think that a numeric keypad is not something that really should be standard. I actually paid extra for a numeric keypad with my 2017 iMac, and I find that I actually prefer the smaller keyboard, if only because it allows me more space to move my mouse. I don't think a numeric keypad should be the default.

 

[batmanofvietnam]

28inch screen with the thinner bezels, perhaps 30 -32inch but unlikely if they move to mini LED bc price.
8, 12, 16 core processor options, 8, 12, 16 core gpu options
16, 32, 64GB RAM options
1TB storage would be nice but prob 512GB for base model.
Slightly more expensive than you would like, not enough to scoff, but enough to hurt. Basically the same specs as the previous iMac options, why would it be any different?

 

[Warped9]

24in. iMac preorders are now available. Configurations max out at 16GB RAM and 2TB SSD which is plenty for most users. I imagine the big iMac will likely, or should, go beyond that. It should offer at least 32 and 64 RAM and up to at least 4TB storage. Will it offer 128 RAM and maybe up to 8TB?

Price wise I’m pleasantly surprised in terms of configuration. The 24 comes in a bit less than a 21.5 configured similarly. And the M1 should perform better than the recent Intels, and certainly better than my older i7. I don’t see myself needing more than 512 storage, but 1TB is something to consider.

So now we wait to see how the big iMac will differ. If the 24 can be used as a guide then the pricing of the big iMac shouldn’t be outrageous or shocking. Of course, thats based on the notion it won’t be radically different than the 24 except in size and more spec options.

 

[Johnf1285]

I can see 16, 32, and 64 being options for memory. But wouldn't be totally shocked if 64 and beyond is exclusive to whatever the future Mac Pro with Apple Silicon looks like. I really hope the colors remain the same on the larger sized iMac (and, that there actually is going to be a larger sized iMac!) I personally think the overall aesthetic is great on the new iMac. I guess I will hurry up and wait

 

[Warped9]

I can’t complain much about Apple’s pricing over recent years with rare exception. The iPad Pros are crazy prices in my book, particularly the 12.9, but then it’s almost a MacBook Air only even more portable. When the current MacBook Air design was released a few years ago it jumped ridiculously in price, made worse by having only USB-C ports, but then the price dropped when the older generation MacBook Air was no longer available.

I really like most Apple products, but even so sometimes I think they could offer more at their price points, particularly since the computers are not readily user upgradable. To that end I seriously doubt you’ll be able to upgrade the RAM yourself in the forthcoming big iMac the way you can in the current 27in. You will now be hostage to what Apple charges for ordering more RAM with your computer as opposed to affordable third party RAM you can buy and install yourself.

Given that no MacBook or iMac should come with less than 16 RAM and 512 storage. Yes, it’s a matter of perception to a degree—bigger numbers equate to more value in most people’s eyes. It doesn’t matter to many how well a machine performs with given specs when they still feel they’re being short changed. You hear often how someone can buy a PC with greater specs than a Mac for less money, and it’s true, setting aside the fact I think Windows 10 is garbage compared to Mac OS. To that end I never try to persuade someone of why I think Mac is better unless they’re already considering switching themselves. And there is no persuasion needed if they’re already sold on Apple.

 

[Fishrrman]

Question:
"What will the forthcoming 27in. iMac replacement be like?"

Answer:
Like the new 24" iMac, only bigger.
(perhaps with a few more ports and a newer CPU)

 

[colodane]

I think that a numeric keypad is not something that really should be standard. I actually paid extra for a numeric keypad with my 2017 iMac, and I find that I actually prefer the smaller keyboard, if only because it allows me more space to move my mouse. I don't think a numeric keypad should be the default.

I agree. And, I like the numeric keyboard (and am using one right now).

But it is very much a personal choice. Looking at many of the workspace photos of other contributors to this forum, desktop space is often at a premium. The smaller physical dimensions alone will make the standard keyboard desirable for most users. Therefore it should be the default. I give Apple credit for offering EITHER keyboard on new built-to-order systems at reasonable costs.

What I would have liked to see, however, is backlighting on the keyboard keys.