Will there ever be a new large iMac (Pro)?

[CWallace]

We'll probably hear something as they go into manufacturing as there will be supply chain leaks that MCK and Company will start to receive and report on. MCK will likely give us the display details (size, resolution, etc.) since that is where his strongest contacts are and I expect L0vetodream and Mark Gurman will likely add other details.

What we probably won't know until WWDC is the specifics about the SoCs as that should have leaked already if there were sources in TSMC with access to the tape-outs and early test production runs.

 

[scarab0]

Does anyone know what the pricing will be like for the bigger sized screen of the iMac? I am thinking about going with the bigger iMac but running mostly WIN 10 on it. Or simply getting a decent office PC and a 32-inch monitor.

The 27 5k iMac starts at 2099 EUR in my area right now. If I take a look and compare the MacBook Pro 13 and 16 it's roughly 1k EUR difference but then their hardware is not the same as well.

Appreciate any feedback

 

[Freida]

Prices could be the same as always OR they will increase the price due to the redesign etc.
We just don't know. Knowing Apple it will probably cost a little more but not much.
Running WIN? I guess you don't want AS for that, right? As its not really working I've heard.
I think you might be better off with a PC rig if WIN is your most stuff.

Does anyone know what the pricing will be like for the bigger sized screen of the iMac? I am thinking about going with the bigger iMac but running mostly WIN 10 on it. Or simply getting a decent office PC and a 32-inch monitor.

The 27 5k iMac starts at 2099 EUR in my area right now. If I take a look and compare the MacBook Pro 13 and 16 it's roughly 1k EUR difference but then their hardware is not the same as well.

Appreciate any feedback

 

[scarab0]

Prices could be the same as always OR they will increase the price due to the redesign etc.
We just don't know. Knowing Apple it will probably cost a little more but not much.
Running WIN? I guess you don't want AS for that, right? As its not really working I've heard.
I think you might be better off with a PC rig if WIN is your most stuff.

So let's say Apple offers 27 and 32 inch iMacs. The 27 one will cost about the same but how much more will the 32 most likely be?

I ran WIN10 on my iMac 27 5k without any issues and the reason I would want the iMac is because of the quality of the monitor. Also, to offer yourself the possibility to use macOS whenever I want to.

 

[SO8]

So let's say Apple offers 27 and 32 inch iMacs. The 27 one will cost about the same but how much more will the 32 most likely be?

I ran WIN10 on my iMac 27 5k without any issues and the reason I would want the iMac is because of the quality of the monitor. Also, to offer yourself the possibility to use macOS whenever I want to.

I personally wouldn't want a 32 inch monitor ... the 27 is perfect and the image quality stunning. I bought an iMac more for the monitor than the chip ... though it runs Geekbench multi core at around 8900-9000 as opposed to my M1 MBP at 7650 ... so I can't complain.

I can only imagine what the Geekbench scores will be when we do see a new M1 whatever iMac ... monitor wise get rid of bezels and just leave it as 27 IMO

 

[Freida]

Apple won't offer 27 and 32 iMacs (unless they keep the old Intel for a bit longer).
They will offer update to 20.5" and 27" so if the rumours are correct then we will get 24" and 30-32".

For redesign etc. I would expect Apple to raise the price slightly but I don't think it will be more than 10%. More likely $100-$200.

We shall see. Ok, if you like to have it like that then get it for Windows

We shall see in few weeks. WWDC latest I guess

So let's say Apple offers 27 and 32 inch iMacs. The 27 one will cost about the same but how much more will the 32 most likely be?

I ran WIN10 on my iMac 27 5k without any issues and the reason I would want the iMac is because of the quality of the monitor. Also, to offer yourself the possibility to use macOS whenever I want to.

 

[Moonjumper]

So let's say Apple offers 27 and 32 inch iMacs. The 27 one will cost about the same but how much more will the 32 most likely be?

I ran WIN10 on my iMac 27 5k without any issues and the reason I would want the iMac is because of the quality of the monitor. Also, to offer yourself the possibility to use macOS whenever I want to.

Windows 10 runs fine on current iMacs because it is supported by Boot Camp. However, this changes with the switch from Intel processors to Apple Silicon, which is a completely different processor architecture. There is currently no official support for running Windows, and unofficial support appears to mostly be based on the Arm version of Windows, and even that seems unreliable, if performant. A stable version of Intel Windows on AS Macs seems unlikely. A more probable scenario is Microsoft ramping up support for their Arm version, and that then getting the Boot Camp treatment. But that is not a short term event.

The prices for a redesigned iMac are very unclear. Apple Silicon models so far appear to be cheaper like-for-like, but larger screen sizes appear likely, which could push up the prices. 24" has been rumoured multiple times for the smaller model, and I agree with Freida that 30-32" is the likely range for the larger model. My best guess is keeping the current prices, but Apple highlighting how much more we get for the money because of Apple Silicon.

 

[Serban55]

For redesign etc. I would expect Apple to raise the price slightly but I don't think it will be more than 10%. More likely $100-$200.

Depends...because of the redesign...100-200$ is about right...but for example if the bigger imac will start from 512 ssd ...it will be an even bigger increase...expect 300-500$
We will see, but even with an 500$ increase, it still can be the best for the buck...if the redesign is done right...with proper hardware inside...we know the the SoC and SSD and RAM will be top notch based on our history..but lets see the facetime camera, the speakers improvements, audio quality, the fan system, the display performance

 

[Freida]

Nah, thats too much. And I don't think SSD will play major role in the price hike. The last update that switched from HDD to SSD showed us that. The top model 27" comes with 512SSD and the price hasn't changed (or maybe changed tiny bit) so your reasoning is probably not going to be the case. The only price hike that would be higher than $100-$200 would be in case that there is major redesign with some major addition (like Mini LED). That would drive the price up and Apple would surely use their greed on that model to really milk it.

Depends...because of the redesign...100-200$ is about right...but for example if the bigger imac will start from 512 ssd ...it will be an even bigger increase...expect 300-500$
We will see, but even with an 500$ increase, it still can be the best for the buck...if the redesign is done right...with proper hardware inside...we know the the SoC and SSD and RAM will be top notch based on our history..but lets see the facetime camera, the speakers improvements, audio quality, the fan system, the display performance

 

[mikehoiu]

Hopefully it is coming soon my late 2015 just sold for $800.

 

[Freida]

I would say up to 6 months max but it could be more if Apple decides to go with A15 variant

Hopefully it is coming soon my late 2015 just sold for $800.

 

[fathergll]

Does anyone know what the pricing will be like for the bigger sized screen of the iMac? I am thinking about going with the bigger iMac but running mostly WIN 10 on it. Or simply getting a decent office PC and a 32-inch monitor.

The 27 5k iMac starts at 2099 EUR in my area right now. If I take a look and compare the MacBook Pro 13 and 16 it's roughly 1k EUR difference but then their hardware is not the same as well.

Appreciate any feedback

Keep your current Mac for MacOS and get a separate PC. It's by far the best option for your money and you will have built in redundancy with 2 systems. I use a 27" Windows 10 setup right next to my iMac.

 

[Serban55]

Nah, thats too much. And I don't think SSD will play major role in the price hike

keep dreaming...256-512 Apple is still asking 200$ without taxes
For now the 27" imac starts from 1799$ 256 SSD....if a redesign is coming with bigger display and by default 512SSD...dont expect less than 2099$

 

[Freida]

I'm not dreaming. I used an example Apple just did few months ago. I was also talking about the top model 27" not the base one. And the top comes with 512 as standard.
So, please don't misunderstand the example.

SSD is not going to drive the price up as we already HAVE SSD now. Its going to be the redesign + bigger screen or anything new (faceID etc.) that will drive the price up (if there is an increase). Definitely not SSD unless they bump it up on all models, which would mean that the top model would be on 1TB but that is very unlikely.
Apple likes to make profit on upgrades so that wouldn't make any sense.
Regardless, SSD is not going to do anything here. The switch from Fusion to SSD happened and we have the real data.

keep dreaming...256-512 Apple is still asking 200$ without taxes
For now the 27" imac starts from 1799$ 256 SSD....if a redesign is coming with bigger display and by default 512SSD...dont expect less than 2099$

 

[Alicia1]

I just sold my 2019 27" so I really really really hope Apple release an updated redesigned model soon as I miss it so much ?

 

[RSB96]

In design, what I expect is mainly a reduction of the bezels, and, on the other hand, that the aluminum area at the bottom will be eliminated, and that the entire front of the computer will be made of glass.

I would like the stand to be redesigned and be somewhat more flexible, as was the case with the iMac G4, which allowed the computer to be perfectly positioned.

Ideally, it would also have Face ID, but it doesn't look like it will come out with this feature in its first version.

The screens I expect to grow to 24 and 32 inches, more in line with current standards.

In terms of power, I trust the M1X, seeing how well the M1s perform, I have no doubt that the M1X will deliver excellent performance.

 

[CWallace]

Apple held the line on the initial M1 laptops and actually dropped the price on the M1 Mac Mini.

Let us not forget Apple wants to move the Mac install base to M-series machines so they have an incentive to either pass on any price savings switching from Intel to Apple Silicon or using those savings to absorb price increases in other components (like larger displays).

As such, I believe the ~24" iMac could easily be the same price as the current 21.5" model - $1099 with 8GB and a 256GB SSD.

The larger iMac will depend on what kind of display it has.

If it keeps the 27" 5K display, then I think it would keep the $1799 price for 8GB and 256GB SSD or $1999 with a 512GB SSD. Even if it goes MiniLED, I think it will not see a price increase (trade the CPU savings to absorb the display cost increase).

 

[Freida]

I would really hope that if there is redesign 27" won't happen. As redesign will most likely set the design language etc. for next few years and being stuck with 27" would not be a good choice. So for that matter I feel that same panel will less stuff as XDR make the most sense. Apple will unify the display offering, probably will be able to push the price point lower for the purchase as EoS so Apple wins and customer wins too. Good for everyone.

Also, if they are really going for 24 then keeping 27 which is not that much bigger would also be confusing.
So 27 has to grow bigger. At least 30" but as I said, 31.5 would make the most sense

Apple held the line on the initial M1 laptops and actually dropped the price on the M1 Mac Mini.

Let us not forget Apple wants to move the Mac install base to M-series machines so they have an incentive to either pass on any price savings switching from Intel to Apple Silicon or using those savings to absorb price increases in other components (like larger displays).

As such, I believe the ~24" iMac could easily be the same price as the current 21.5" model - $1099 with 8GB and a 256GB SSD.

The larger iMac will depend on what kind of display it has.

If it keeps the 27" 5K display, then I think it would keep the $1799 price for 8GB and 256GB SSD or $1999 with a 512GB SSD. Even if it goes MiniLED, I think it will not see a price increase (trade the CPU savings to absorb the display cost increase).

 

[CWallace]

My worry is 32" means the "big brother" iMac becomes an "iMac Pro" with a $3999 (or higher) entry price due to the specs - 6K MiniLED display, 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD., high-core-count M-series SoC with a massive-core GPU.

Mind you, I'd pay $4999 if that was my only option, but if I could get a 27" 5K MiniLED with an M1 at $2499 upgraded to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD that would serve me just fine and I'd spend the difference on upgrading my 2018 iPad Pro and 2017 MacBook Pro 16.

Though that would be a way to bring the iMac into the "standard" and "Pro" model that Apple uses on so many other products: 24" iMac and 32" iMac Pro

And to be fair, the 2006 Polycarbonate Intel iMac was available in 17/20/24 inch sizes, so would 24" 4K and 27" 5K really be that different? I mean the iPad has ~2" between models, as does the MacBook Pro (once the rumored 14" model comes).

 

[Freida]

Yeah, that is valid point. Although I do hope that we will get bigger screen. I think iMac and iMac Pro will merge as there really isn't much Apple can do to differentiate. Before it used to be ecc memory and xeon chips but now i think Apple will simplify it and will just have tiers of chips which can all be served as options. I doubt we will see different product.
Eventually, all the lines will merge and we will have Mac Mini, Mac Air, Macbook Pro and iMac + Mac Pro. Maybe even air will merge with Macbook Pro.

Mac Mini
Macbook
iMac
Mac Pro

Simple

My worry is 32" means the "big brother" iMac becomes an "iMac Pro" with a $3999 (or higher) entry price due to the specs - 6K MiniLED display, 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD., high-core-count M-series SoC with a massive-core GPU.

Mind you, I'd pay $4999 if that was my only option, but if I could get a 27" 5K MiniLED with an M1 at $2499 upgraded to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD that would due me just fine and I'd spend the difference on upgrading my 2018 iPad Pro and 2017 MacBook Pro 16.

Though that would be a way to bring the iMac into the "standard" and "Pro" model that Apple uses on so many other products: 24" iMac and 32" iMac Pro

And to be fair, the 2006 Polycarbonate Intel iMac was available in 17/20/24 inch sizes, so would 24" 4K and 27" 5K really be that different? I mean the iPad has ~2" between models, as does the MacBook Pro (once the rumored 14" model comes).

 

[CWallace]

Thinking more about the possible price, it has been reported that they 32" panel used in the Pro Display XDR is $1500. The 27" 5K panel is probably half that, if not even cheaper, but let's say it's half the price.

Apple probably spends around $600 for the Intel i9 CPU and AMD 5700 GPU on the iMac 5K, but we don't know what an M1X + GPU will cost Apple to make. Still, they should be saving hundreds.

So we could possibly see a 32" iMac / iMac Pro at around $3499 with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD - about $100 more than the 2020 iMac 5K with i9/16GB/512GB/5700XT.

 

[Freida]

And as a result, that itself would be an insanely good machine. Instant buy!
32" iMac with great design and bumped up specs = ecstasy

Thinking more about the possible price, it has been reported that they 32" panel used in the Pro Display XDR is $1500. The 27" 5K panel is probably half that, if not even cheaper, but let's say it's half the price.

Apple probably spends around $600 for the Intel i9 CPU and AMD 5700 GPU on the iMac 5K, but we don't know what an M1X + GPU will cost Apple to make. Still, they should be saving hundreds.

So we could possibly see a 32" iMac / iMac Pro at around $3499 with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD - about $100 more than the 2020 iMac 5K with i9/16GB/512GB/5700XT.

 

[Freida]

What I wrote in another thread:

The problem with M1X vs M2 is that M1X must be much better than M1 times 2. It also has to be much better than M2 that comes out 6 months or so later. Otherwise, what would be the point to have M variants in lowend devices and then high end devices getting the X variant which would be later surpassed by next get M variant.

I think people are approaching this wrongly. I think M1 (and M variants) will be improving just like A variants but M1X (and X variants) will be entirely new chips that will not be like A and AX. I would go as far to even say that we will get P chip family (P for performance) which will differentiate it from the M (mobile) and P will have Lifuka (and other GPUs) that will be overall on completely different levels.

So, I don't expect iMac, Mac Pro etc. to have M1X chip but entirely new chip. That would also fit the Apple's way of things. (everyone is expecting M1X so boom, here is P1 chip)

 

[CWallace]

What I wrote in another thread:

The problem with M1X vs M2 is that M1X must be much better than M1 times 2. It also has to be much better than M2 that comes out 6 months or so later. Otherwise, what would be the point to have M variants in lowend devices and then high end devices getting the X variant which would be later surpassed by next get M variant.

I think people are approaching this wrongly. I think M1 (and M variants) will be improving just like A variants but M1X (and X variants) will be entirely new chips that will not be like A and AX. I would go as far to even say that we will get P chip family (P for performance) which will differentiate it from the M (mobile) and P will have Lifuka (and other GPUs) that will be overall on completely different levels.

So, I don't expect iMac, Mac Pro etc. to have M1X chip but entirely new chip. That would also fit the Apple's way of things. (everyone is expecting M1X so boom, here is P1 chip)

Personally I do not see it as much of a concern. We went through the same with Intel, after all where every 12 months they'd release a new generation of Core CPUs that was minimally better than the previous and these forums would start losing their minds over Apple continuing to ship "old tech" and not immediately launching new models with the new chip.

The benefits of "M1X" over M1 should be 50-100% more Performance Cores and the dedicated Apple Silicon GPU. The cores of an A15 will be faster than those in the A14 so the cores of an M2 based on it will be faster than an M1X, but compared to an "M1X", that will only be apparent in single-core and how much of a normal macOS workload is single-core? I expect for most users, the additional Performance Cores and dedicated GPU will be much more contributive to overall performance.

So while there should be an "M2 / M2X" in late-2021 / mid-2022 based on the A15 architecture, as with going from a 9th Generation Core CPU to a 10th Generation, the step-change will not be so great that most people will feel compelled to upgrade immediately from their M1/M1X machines.

 

[Freida]

I get that and sort of see it that way but still feel that we will get some form of Performance chip. I just don't think Apple will keep the same system with M chips as they do with A and AX. Just like Intel has families of chips then I guess Apple will have 2. Mobile and Performance.
On the other hand, it could be as you say and they will just do X variant with more cores but mainly dedicated GPU which will make the difference but are they going to really market it as just X variant? I just feel we will get more than X thing. I don't count the GPU as these days you can get (for PC) separate GPU that you have plenty to choose from and seeing that we will be limited with Apple then they have to give us a very good options.
So the CPU part of their AS needs to be better than just M variant with little more cores.
We shall see though and honestly, I think the best they could do is to combine the CPU and GPU power somehow together so when CPU is idle GPU could tap some power from it and vice versa. (unless its already happening)

Personally I do not see it as much of a concern. We went through the same with Intel, after all where every 12 months they'd release a new generation of Core CPUs that was minimally better than the previous and these forums would start losing their minds over Apple continuing to ship "old tech" and not immediately launching new models with the new chip.

The benefits of "M1X" over M1 should be 50-100% more Performance Cores and the dedicated Apple Silicon GPU. The cores of an A15 will be faster than those in the A14 so the cores of an M2 based on it will be faster than an M1X, but compared to an "M1X", that will only be apparent in single-core and how much of a normal macOS workload is single-core? I expect for most users, the additional Performance Cores and dedicated GPU will be much more contributive to overall performance.

So while there should be an "M2 / M2X" in late-2021 / mid-2022 based on the A15 architecture, as with going from a 9th Generation Core CPU to a 10th Generation, the step-change will not be so great that most people will feel compelled to upgrade immediately from their M1/M1X machines.