No, or it depends. Unified memory is unified because not only the CPU can access it directly, but also the GPU. In Intel models the GPU had its own RAM. So in the scenario where the GPU might handle much data the 8 GB Apple Silicon might be more powerful indeed.
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Will there ever be a new large iMac (Pro)?
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So a low cost 24” (4.5K) would target current M1 Mac mini, MBA and non-pros.
Perhaps a 27” (5Κ) XDR-quality display for $2500 aimed at pros.
A rumoured new 32” (7K) XDR to replace the current 30” XDR.
I would recommend a minimum of 16GB regardless of your workload just for future-proofing purposes.
As for 32/64/128GB, I would only do so if your current Intel machine has that much because your workload requires or benefits it.
If you have been buying high RAM counts to support running Windows VMs, you can generally skip that upgrade unless you plan to run Windows 11 ARM VMs (and have the ability to get it since it is not currently available for retail sale).
Though even there, you might be okay with 16GB if you only use one OS at a time. I have a Windows 11 ARM VM on my MacBook Pro 14" (I work for Microsoft so I have our corporate VM image of W11A) and it's fine with the 16GB of my M1 Pro since I don't run anything in macOS when I am in Windows.
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The current XDR is 32". 7K at the current XDR pixel density would be 37".
I think a 27" 5K screen would likely have a spec level somewhere between the 24" and the XDR, and match whatever 27" we get in the next iMac (a 27" screen is likely to be a match for a Mac product). Probably miniLED. It is unlikely to be $2500 as the iMac would have to be significantly more as it has the screen plus the computer.
Good advice. I certainly intend to do that whenever I get around to getting a new iMac. Also, while I could get by easily with 512GB storage, I will likely opt for 1TB.
Well this certainly changes everything. And throws aside most of what we had expected.
No iMac Pro this year
. That means Apple is going to most likely update the 27" iMac this Tuesday is my guess. Is this going to be a larger version of the 24" iMac, or will it look different? I'll assume it will just be a larger version of 24" iMac.
(Non) Mini-LED 27" display coming. Was not expecting that. Has not been rumored to date and Dylandkt tweeted about a Mini-LED 27" display being developed. Makes sense for that to be unveiled on Tuesday too.
Edit - What chip would Apple use for a (non Pro) 27" iMac? That would determine if we see it Tuesday or not is my guess.
No iMac Pro this year
. That means Apple is going to most likely update the 27" iMac this Tuesday is my guess. Is this going to be a larger version of the 24" iMac, or will it look different? I'll assume it will just be a larger version of 24" iMac.(Non) Mini-LED 27" display coming. Was not expecting that. Has not been rumored to date and Dylandkt tweeted about a Mini-LED 27" display being developed. Makes sense for that to be unveiled on Tuesday too.
Edit - What chip would Apple use for a (non Pro) 27" iMac? That would determine if we see it Tuesday or not is my guess.
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Don't take that for granted just because one guy says it. Even if it's Kuo. And if he is right we still could see a larger iMac with M1 Pro/Max chips this year without Pro in the name. Maybe in 2023 or 2024 there will be an iMac with a 30/32" screen and an M2 Max Duo/Quadro SoC. Maybe Kuo is tracking that device.No iMac Pro this year
But who know for me there are to many maybes in that thought. ?
I'm excited for Tueasday because it seems to be a more exciting event than anticipated and also one where many things could happen (or not). Waaaaahhh! ?
Even if they do not call it the "iMac Pro", I expect the 27" model will have M1 Pro and M1 Max and could be launched on Tuesday alongside a new "Apple Thunderbolt Display 5K" with both using the current edge-lit 5K panel as found in the Intel iMac 5K.
And then at WWDC, Apple will announce the Apple Silicon iMac Pro and Mac Pro with M1 Max Duo / Quadro as the SoCs and miniLED and all the other goodies and it will be significantly more expensive and shipping in 2023.
And then at WWDC, Apple will announce the Apple Silicon iMac Pro and Mac Pro with M1 Max Duo / Quadro as the SoCs and miniLED and all the other goodies and it will be significantly more expensive and shipping in 2023.
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I'm excited for Tuesday because my head is spinning at this point. We just need some clarity.
So it would just be the same display as the LG 5K UltraFine? But in a nicer enclosure? If it came in a nano option that would be a nice option to have.
I'll be really torn on what to do if Apple goes this route. I've gotten greedy and want miniLED and ProMotion...
My first reaction to this was negative because I want miniLED and ProMotion for giggles, but now that I think about it, if Apple releases a more powerful Mac mini and display, that could be a powerful little desktop and then you have display you can keep/repurpose. I want to go to law school soon so I'd need a separate laptop and this could potentially serve both use cases, but I've never had a Mac mini. Hmmm.
Yes.
I would expect a nano-texture glass option on both the 27" iMac and the standalone 27" display.
There has been so much conflicting information over the past 12 months or so it has been hard to form a cohesive narrative. I have had to change my view on it multiple times (including once again this morning) because of it.
Tuesday and WWDC should provide us the final clarity we need as to what will happen.
If Apple is planning a consumer/prosumer 27" iMac then I think we should see that Tuesday because there should not be any blocking supply issues at this point - we have M1 Pro and M1 Max, we have the 27" edge-lit 5K display and making a larger version of the 24" iMac case should be easy enough.
The same logic applies to a 27" 5K Thunderbolt display - we have the panel and it can use a similar (or even the same) case as the 27" iMac.
And if Apple does that, then the next logical step is for Apple to announce an iMac Pro at WWDC (even if it does not ship until 2023) and position it as a high-end "professional" model with a mid-five figure base price and only offering the most-powerful M1 SoCs (M1 Max Duo and M1 Max Quadro) coupled with large RAM capacities (32/64/128/256) and paired SSDs in the following capacities: 1TB / 2TB / 4TB / 8TB / 16TB. I would expect it to have the 32" miniLED panel that LG is working on as I expect the current 32" 6K Pro Display XDR to be replaced with the ~40 inch 7K panel with integrated A13 recently rumored.
Ross Young has been pretty consistent that the iMac Pro will have a 27" mini-LED panel.
Appleinsider say this...
There has also been the suggestion the rumored larger Apple Silicon iMac could surface, replacing the 27-inch intel model, and potentially resurrecting the iMac Pro name. The model will most likely take after the 24-inch iMac in terms of physical design, and gain ProMotion and mini LED for the display, among other changes .
The iMac Pro may also benefit from a major M1 chip update, with one leaker saying a fourth variant of the Apple Silicon chip generation could be used, complete with a 12-core CPU.
There has also been the suggestion the rumored larger Apple Silicon iMac could surface, replacing the 27-inch intel model, and potentially resurrecting the iMac Pro name. The model will most likely take after the 24-inch iMac in terms of physical design, and gain ProMotion and mini LED for the display, among other changes .
The iMac Pro may also benefit from a major M1 chip update, with one leaker saying a fourth variant of the Apple Silicon chip generation could be used, complete with a 12-core CPU.
Yeah. MCK said much the same back in early 2020, though at the time we all presumed it would be a refresh of the Intel iMac Pro.
I figured the new 32" display that Apple and LG are said to be working on would be the new Pro Display XDR, but now we have the rumors of a 7K display (which would be 37-40 inches for Retina) with an A13 (which is another rumor that first came to light years ago), does that become the new Pro Display XDR?
Or will the PDXDR stay at 32" and 6K (with the new panel and miniLED) and this new 7K "Studio Display / Pro Display XDR Max" become the new "top dog"? And if that is the case, then what of this "Mac Studio" model? One would think if the "Studio Display" is the best, than is the smaller model the actual "Mac Pro" and "Mac Studio" will be the full-size tower?
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I…..have no idea. I’m so confused at this point. Tuesday will thankfully answer some questions.
I don’t believe so. Dylandkt said we would get a 24” 4.5K display and a 27” mini-LED display. That would make sense to me. So this 27” non mini-LED display came out of nowhere.
Who knows!
But Kuo has a pretty good track record as well.
And frankly a cheaper $1300 USD non-LED 27” display is probably in higher demand than a $2500 one.
Did anyone truly believe that the only iMacs Apple would offer would be a $1600 24" and a $5000+ 27" Pro (Canadian dollars)? Apple is well aware of what makes money for them and what doesn't.