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When do you expect an iMac redesign?

  • 4rd quarter 2019

    Votes: 34 4.1%
  • 1st quarter 2020

    Votes: 23 2.8%
  • 2nd quarter 2020

    Votes: 119 14.5%
  • 3rd quarter 2020

    Votes: 131 15.9%
  • 4rd quarter 2020

    Votes: 172 20.9%
  • 2021 or later

    Votes: 343 41.7%

  • Total voters
    822
  • Poll closed .

Voyageur

macrumors 6502
Mar 22, 2019
262
243
Moscow, Russia
TFLOPS is not everything but the rumored 128-core GPU would be crazy fast. It would be faster than any GPU on the market, including GF 3090!!

M1 8 GPU cores 2.6 TFLOPS
M? 16 GPU cores 5.2 TFLOPS
M? 32 GPU cores 10.4 TFLOPS
M? 64 GPU cores 20.8 TFLOPS
M? 128 GPU cores 41.6 TFLOPS

Radeon Pro 5700 6.2 TFLOPS
Radeon Pro 5700 XT 7.7 TFLOPS
Radeon Pro Vega II 14.06 TFLOPS
Radeon Pro Vega II Duo 2x14.06 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3060 14.2 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3060 Ti 16.2 TFLOPS
Radeon RX 6800 16.2 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3070 20.3 TFLOPS
Radeon RX 6800 XT 20.7 TFLOPS
Radeon RX 6900 XT 23 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3080 29.8 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3090 35.6 TFLOPS
If these data are confirmed in the future, then 10.4 TFLOPS by 32 cores as the top solution for the iMac 27/32" is not such a big increase compared to its predecessor.
 

iPadified

macrumors 68020
Apr 25, 2017
2,014
2,257
TFLOPS is not everything but the rumored 128-core GPU would be crazy fast. It would be faster than any GPU on the market, including GF 3090!!

M1 8 GPU cores 2.6 TFLOPS
M? 16 GPU cores 5.2 TFLOPS
M? 32 GPU cores 10.4 TFLOPS
M? 64 GPU cores 20.8 TFLOPS
M? 128 GPU cores 41.6 TFLOPS

Radeon Pro 5700 6.2 TFLOPS
Radeon Pro 5700 XT 7.7 TFLOPS
Radeon Pro Vega II 14.06 TFLOPS
Radeon Pro Vega II Duo 2x14.06 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3060 14.2 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3060 Ti 16.2 TFLOPS
Radeon RX 6800 16.2 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3070 20.3 TFLOPS
Radeon RX 6800 XT 20.7 TFLOPS
Radeon RX 6900 XT 23 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3080 29.8 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3090 35.6 TFLOPS
Yes, but at what TDP? 128 core might operate at 160-200W. 3090 at 350W. Seems it is possible to nearly squeeze in 2X M 128 in the same tdp as one 3090. Interesting if true. Performance per watt is king and it is nice that there is some focus on that now instead of just performance. Reminds me of the car industry and fuel consumption...
 
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Freida

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Oct 22, 2010
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Although these numbers are good I doubt Apple will give us 128GPU next year. They are quite stingy when it comes to GPU and I feel that trend will continue for a bit. I also doubt that they would give us 3090 performance so soon.
To me, I think we will be lucky to get the 32GPU at first which would be followed by 64GPU in 2022 and then 2023 we could see 128GPU. Unless they go 32GPU iMac and 64GPU Mac Pro in 2021 and 2022 would be 64GPU (M2) and 128 GPU (M2) in 2022.
Honestly though, I think they will separate it and we will get some mid range for iMac that will be again behind the market but the Mac Pro will get something crazy fast. I don't know, I'm getting lost in my thoughts :)))))

32GPU iMac in spring would be nice, 64GPU would be a great surprise.

TFLOPS is not everything but the rumored 128-core GPU would be crazy fast. It would be faster than any GPU on the market, including GF 3090!!

M1 8 GPU cores 2.6 TFLOPS
M? 16 GPU cores 5.2 TFLOPS
M? 32 GPU cores 10.4 TFLOPS
M? 64 GPU cores 20.8 TFLOPS
M? 128 GPU cores 41.6 TFLOPS

Radeon Pro 5700 6.2 TFLOPS
Radeon Pro 5700 XT 7.7 TFLOPS
Radeon Pro Vega II 14.06 TFLOPS
Radeon Pro Vega II Duo 2x14.06 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3060 14.2 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3060 Ti 16.2 TFLOPS
Radeon RX 6800 16.2 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3070 20.3 TFLOPS
Radeon RX 6800 XT 20.7 TFLOPS
Radeon RX 6900 XT 23 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3080 29.8 TFLOPS
GF RTX 3090 35.6 TFLOPS
 

CWallace

macrumors G5
Aug 17, 2007
12,528
11,543
Seattle, WA
If these data are confirmed in the future, then 10.4 TFLOPS by 32 cores as the top solution for the iMac 27/32" is not such a big increase compared to its predecessor.

But it may not be as important if there are accelerators handling processes normally being handled by the discrete GPU in Intel machines.

Jason Snell noted the M1 in his MacBook Air can export 4K video much faster than the Vega GPU on his iMac Pro and I expect this is because of the accelerators on the M1 that are custom-designed for that task. And John Gruber noted his M1 MacBook Air exported an 8K video so fast it only used 3% of the battery where his 16" MBP's dGPU could not do it before the battery died.
 
Last edited:

iPadified

macrumors 68020
Apr 25, 2017
2,014
2,257
But it may not be as important if there are accelerators handling processes normally being handled by the discrete GPU in Intel machines.

Jason Snell noted the M1 in his MacBook Air can export 4K video much faster than the Vega GPU on his iMac Pro and I expect this is because of the accelerators on the M1 that are custom-designed for that task. And John Gruber noted his M1 MacBook Air exported an 8K video so fast it only used 3% of the battery where his 16" MBP's dGPU could not do it before the battery died.
True, I believe we need to stop using traditional metrics of the GPU with all these accelerators. The iPhone 12 workflow for taking and processing a picture used some part CPU some part GPU and some part neural engine before the photo was displayed. It makes so much sense to use specific accelerators for the most demanding and common tasks like video/photo editing. Shared RAM probably makes the usage of different accelerators extremely efficient as no data need to be copied.
 

Freida

Suspended
Oct 22, 2010
4,077
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I wonder if they just merge it and have 24" iMac and 27-30+- iMac Pro.
That would simplify the line and I think it would make sense. iMac Pro was with XEONs etc. so if that is no longer the case and it just gets beefed up M chip then we will just have one iMac with the big screen and it will be called Pro.

I guess WWDC might be the perfect candidate even though I would love to see it sooner. :)

Exciting

In a NikkeiAsia report on Apple Supply Chain plans, they noted that Apple is planning to launch a new iMac Pro in 2021. No details, but it implies it will use Apple Silicon and not Intel.

So now I wait. :)
 

CWallace

macrumors G5
Aug 17, 2007
12,528
11,543
Seattle, WA
WWDC makes the most sense to me. They are also evidently working on new high-end MacBook Pros with ASi so we could see a combined product announcement.

My guess is the iMac Pro will be 27" or larger with MiniLED and a more powerful CPU and GPU and possibly more RAM. Supposedly you can go up to 128GB on the package with current memory densities so that would match the current iMac and I believe that is enough since we known an ASi Mac Pro is coming and that can be the "big dog" with more than 128GB using off-package RAM.
 

Freida

Suspended
Oct 22, 2010
4,077
5,874
Alright, lets get the ball rolling on predictions :)

Are we hoping for spring event reveal or WWDC?

I guess WWDC is probably most likely as spring will be all about iPads.

M1 is out of question for the iMac and seeing that even Tesla cars will have Navi 23 in their infotainment system next month I really hope we get a computer with GPU performance we deserve.
5700 is great but its so old that it simply won't do. In fact, thats probably the bare minimum they need to match.
Give us 6800+ Apple and we will forget all those years where you neglected GPUs. :)
 
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Moonjumper

macrumors 68030
Jun 20, 2009
2,746
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Lincoln, UK
Alright, lets get the ball rolling on predictions :)

Are we hoping for spring event reveal or WWDC?

I guess WWDC is probably most likely as spring will be all about iPads.

M1 is out of question for the iMac and seeing that even Tesla cars will have Navi 23 in their infotainment system next month I really hope we get a computer with GPU performance we deserve.
5700 is great but its so old that it simply won't do. In fact, thats probably the bare minimum they need to match.
Give us 6800+ Apple and we will forget all those years where you neglected GPUs. :)
I think it is likely to be spring if it is just the smaller model (there have been lots of rumours about a 24" design to replace the 21", but nothing similar about a larger size), WWDC if both models.

It will almost certainly be Apple Silicon. Possibly 8 performance CPU cores for the small model, 16 for the larger. There will be the Apple Lifuka GPU for the larger model, possibly for the smaller (possibly higher end small model only).

It will be interesting to see how the rumoured Lifuka GPU works. Maybe it will free up the GPU space on the main chip, allowing space for more CPU or other cores.
 

Freida

Suspended
Oct 22, 2010
4,077
5,874
I would love to see 24" model redesign. Not that I would buy it (too small) but it would give us a nice idea whats coming. Ideally, I really hope that XDR display is coming to the big iMac. Not necessary the features (don't need those) but the size and some aspects of the XDR. iMac always had amazing display and its about time to get something awesome. Considering the M chips running so cool the heating issue would be massively improved so Apple has a lot of room to play with.
The discreete GPU is something I'm curious about also. With the M1 chip Apple told us how amazing it is when its all on 1 silicon so the speed and efficiency is massive but they just can't do the same with discrete so it will be interesting to see their solution. I would assume that GPU and CPU would be quite separated (maybe one on the left side and one on the right side to spread the heat?) Or they would all stay in the middle and there would be one main fan to take care of them both. They also have a chance to really give us some unique cooling system as they would be doing a big redesign. I hope they will excite us with something really cool :)

Regardless, Lifuka is where to money is. We need really good GPU performance so that will be the deciding factor. :)

I think it is likely to be spring if it is just the smaller model (there have been lots of rumours about a 24" design to replace the 21", but nothing similar about a larger size), WWDC if both models.

It will almost certainly be Apple Silicon. Possibly 8 performance CPU cores for the small model, 16 for the larger. There will be the Apple Lifuka GPU for the larger model, possibly for the smaller (possibly higher end small model only).

It will be interesting to see how the rumoured Lifuka GPU works. Maybe it will free up the GPU space on the main chip, allowing space for more CPU or other cores.
 

Moonjumper

macrumors 68030
Jun 20, 2009
2,746
2,935
Lincoln, UK
I would love to see 24" model redesign. Not that I would buy it (too small) but it would give us a nice idea whats coming. Ideally, I really hope that XDR display is coming to the big iMac. Not necessary the features (don't need those) but the size and some aspects of the XDR. iMac always had amazing display and its about time to get something awesome. Considering the M chips running so cool the heating issue would be massively improved so Apple has a lot of room to play with.
The discreete GPU is something I'm curious about also. With the M1 chip Apple told us how amazing it is when its all on 1 silicon so the speed and efficiency is massive but they just can't do the same with discrete so it will be interesting to see their solution. I would assume that GPU and CPU would be quite separated (maybe one on the left side and one on the right side to spread the heat?) Or they would all stay in the middle and there would be one main fan to take care of them both. They also have a chance to really give us some unique cooling system as they would be doing a big redesign. I hope they will excite us with something really cool :)

Regardless, Lifuka is where to money is. We need really good GPU performance so that will be the deciding factor. :)
Yes, the XDR display without the expensive backlighting would be great, although I would prefer adding vertical space rather than horizontal.

I quite like this iMac concept by Philip Goolkasian that seems to have got rid of the chin by extending the screen down over that area. I love that, but it also has some other good ideas.

iMac-2019-Concept-by-Philip-Goolkasian.jpg


I can see a new iMac having some wireless charging capability, and this one allows the trackpad and keyboard to do so from the sides of the base, plus other objects such as AirPods on top. Something simpler such as just placing the keyboard or trackpad on top like everything else would be fine.

2019imac_11.jpg


If keeping largely to the current format, I like the idea of the connectors being near bottom of the base, although that would create problems with having an iMac towards the rear of a desk, or near a wall. This would work better with a vertical leg such as available for the XDR monitor, so that the ports are further forward. Although either way would be a problem for those who wish to wall mount (do many do that?).

2019imac_05.jpg
 
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Freida

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Oct 22, 2010
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That is indeed a very nice concept. Few things that wouldn't work though.
If we get 31.5" then we need a better stand that will be more ergonomic.
And the other thing is that those ports (although looking very nice) won't work as I can't see an easy way for Apple to install them in the base. It would be a technical and engineering nightmare and it could also be a point of failure. I really don't see that working - would they have 2 pieces of aluminium with a gap that would lead the wire or something else? Manufacturing etc.? All impractical so I'm voting this one out. They could however do an XDR like stand with a little thicker base and maybe do it there? Either way, this is just a nice exercise but those ports are a miss.

Great concept otherwise though, a simple iPad on a stand. Looks elegant :)


Yes, the XDR display without the expensive backlighting would be great, although I would prefer adding vertical space rather than horizontal.

I quite like this iMac concept by Philip Goolkasian that seems to have got rid of the chin by extending the screen down over that area. I love that, but it also has some other good ideas.

iMac-2019-Concept-by-Philip-Goolkasian.jpg


I can see a new iMac having some wireless charging capability, and this one allows the trackpad and keyboard to do so from the sides of the base, plus other objects such as AirPods on top. Something simpler such as just placing the keyboard or trackpad on top like everything else would be fine.

2019imac_11.jpg


If keeping largely to the current format, I like the idea of the connectors being near bottom of the base, although that would create problems with having an iMac towards the rear of a desk, or near a wall. This would work better with a vertical leg such as available for the XDR monitor, so that the ports are further forward. Although either way would be a problem for those who wish to wall mount (do many do that?).

2019imac_05.jpg
 

xgman

macrumors 603
Aug 6, 2007
5,697
1,425
As cool as the concept is, I really get the feeling that we'll still have somewhat smaller but still chunky bezels and a smaller chin. Apple never quite goes all the way on the potential coolness meter.
 

CWallace

macrumors G5
Aug 17, 2007
12,528
11,543
Seattle, WA
Well we'll need some bezels for when it adds FaceID in Gen2. Still, looking at the iPad Pro, you don't need much for that so...
 

Freida

Suspended
Oct 22, 2010
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Exactly. The concept you've posted is more than plenty for FaceID. I doubt we will need more space.

All TVs and modern Screens have minimal bezels so there really is no need for something big anymore. So yeah, I'm with you on this one ;)


Well we'll need some bezels for when it adds FaceID in Gen2. Still, looking at the iPad Pro, you don't need much for that so...
 

STC1709

macrumors 6502a
May 27, 2009
551
187
Not sure why apple would wait for wwdc in summer to release. They’ve always refreshed macs in spring
 

Freida

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Oct 22, 2010
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Well, the reasoning would be that they will be giving us Lifuka (discreet GPU) and proper AS chip (not the mobile light stuff that M1 is) and for that they might want to have it for WWDC.
On the other hand, seeing that WWDC will be digital most likely then there really isn't much difference so maybe spring is an option also. Timing wise though I think WWDC makes more sense although I literally can't wait for new "27" iMac so sooner the better :)

Not sure why apple would wait for wwdc in summer to release. They’ve always refreshed macs in spring
 
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Moonjumper

macrumors 68030
Jun 20, 2009
2,746
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Lincoln, UK
Not sure why apple would wait for wwdc in summer to release. They’ve always refreshed macs in spring
WWDC 2020: Apple Silicon, it is going to be amazing.
WWDC 2021: Apple Silicon, see how amazing it is.

That does not have to happen at WWDC, but as it is a developer event, it is the ideal time to create a buzz showing machines that have the power developers need.
 

Freida

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Oct 22, 2010
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You put it nicely :)

WWDC 2020: Apple Silicon, it is going to be amazing.
WWDC 2021: Apple Silicon, see how amazing it is.

That does not have to happen at WWDC, but as it is a developer event, it is the ideal time to create a buzz showing machines that have the power developers need.
 
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ondert

macrumors 6502a
Aug 11, 2017
692
997
Canada
Well, the reasoning would be that they will be giving us Lifuka (discreet GPU) and proper AS chip (not the mobile light stuff that M1 is) and for that they might want to have it for WWDC.
On the other hand, seeing that WWDC will be digital most likely then there really isn't much difference so maybe spring is an option also. Timing wise though I think WWDC makes more sense although I literally can't wait for new "27" iMac so sooner the better :)

Hoping for that I went with a base model M1 Mac Mini and now waiting for next gen AS iMacs. However, I immediately missed the iMac's 5K screen. Nearly no monitor on the industry uses glossy panels and that sucks.

Oh btw, I hope they go back to removable stand so I can use a vesa monitor arm.
 

Freida

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I would get the mini too if there was an Apple display to go with it. For the waiting period it would be perfect and in 2 years or so when M2 (or M3) variants are out I would be looking around for an iMac or any update that would truly fit my needs :)

Hoping for that I went with a base model M1 Mac Mini and now waiting for next gen AS iMacs. However, I immediately missed the iMac's 5K screen. Nearly no monitor on the industry uses glossy panels and that sucks.

Oh btw, I hope they go back to removable stand so I can use a vesa monitor arm.
 
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