next iMac refresh?

[dkd0nuts]

anyone know around when we can expect an update to the iMac line?

i'm about ready to pull the trigger but the gpu is what is holding me back. I've been hearing that new imacs will probably be coming out around june? maybe sooner?

I've been thinking that they will probably update the line when the new MB pros are released (can't see the imac having the same/worse gpu than a laptop).

[Icaras]

Thinking of waiting for the new one myself. I would think June at the latest, and actually I think June it will be. From March until June just seems like iPad quarter.

[opeter]

Maybe October.

[Raima]

Don't quote me on this, as it may get someone into trouble in Apple, but I have a very reliable source that there will be an update before 2025!

[Wyrdo]

I'm in the same boat, I'm waiting on the next refresh before purchasing. Hopefully it comes sooner rather than later! :)

[fhall1]

They can't even get the current ones right....don't be so anxious for a refresh.

[gonzaload1987]

They can't even get the current ones right....don't be so anxious for a refresh.

USB 3.0, FW 3200, new GPU's ... so much to put in, specially thinking that Apple was always the first one to adopt new technologies (USB and replace floppy disk for example...)

[Hellhammer]

I think June/July. No updates before iPad launch, probably not before 3G version so... But if there's no MBP update before June, I doubt it because it would be so big hassle if Apple releases new iPhone, MBPs and iMacs at the same time

[Le Big Mac]

I think June/July. No updates before iPad launch, probably not before 3G version so... But if there's no MBP update before June, I doubt it because it would be so big hassle if Apple releases new iPhone, MBPs and iMacs at the same time

I'm not sure I see the logic here . . . the iPad is a totally different product from an iMac. If there are modest updates it's not like Apple will have some PR conflict in releasing them. Unless we expect some revolutionary iMac it seems to me the product cycle isn't going to be related to iPhone or iPad.

[miles01110]

I'm not sure I see the logic here . . . the iPad is a totally different product from an iMac. If there are modest updates it's not like Apple will have some PR conflict in releasing them. Unless we expect some revolutionary iMac it seems to me the product cycle isn't going to be related to iPhone or iPad.

They delayed Leopard because of the iPhone, a totally different product. It's happened before.

[Vantage Point]

Using history as a guide the next refresh would be around September. The pattern since 2006 has been 11 months, 8 months, 11 months, 8 months (Oct 2009). So assuming that 8-11-8 pattern stays the same then the next refresh would be 11 months or September.

Of course the MBP used to be every 8 months and we are now at 9 months and still waiting.

[Hellhammer]

I'm not sure I see the logic here . . . the iPad is a totally different product from an iMac. If there are modest updates it's not like Apple will have some PR conflict in releasing them. Unless we expect some revolutionary iMac it seems to me the product cycle isn't going to be related to iPhone or iPad.

I got your point but think about the hassle that iPad is causing. If you add new iMac hassle and probably new MBPs as well, what would it cause? A total disaster probably. And as we know, iPad is Steve's baby so he don't want anything to make it worse or steal its sales. MBPs needs the update more than iMacs do

[MacHamster68]

give apple more time to develop a fully functioning computer , you lot who force apple to bring out a new upgraded mac every couple weeks , ask for mishaps in quality control ,as the logic would tell you if a computer should survive 1 year warranty without problems, to give the manufacturer at least that time to develop a computer to find out if it will last that long without trouble

[dkd0nuts]

I know it's been asked again and again but if i pull the trigger and order my i7 today have all the issues with the display and what not been addressed?

[miles01110]

I know it's been asked again and again but if i pull the trigger and order my i7 today have all the issues with the display and what not been addressed?

Apparently not. There are numerous recent threads about yellow screens and an assortment of other problems that have popped up recently.

[Hellhammer]

I know it's been asked again and again but if i pull the trigger and order my i7 today have all the issues with the display and what not been addressed?

Not fully. There are still week 9 iMacs with yellowing but less than there were before.

[msw123307]

I'm going to try and wait until the next refresh. Too many problems currently. Plus, hoping I can get a free iPod as well with the back-to-school programs that start in May.

[IndustrialSpace]

It makes sense to hold off on a questionable iMac for now and wait for the refresh. I suspect the refresh will be pretty awesome. My bet is Juneish as well.

[Hellhammer]

It makes sense to hold off on a questionableiMacfor now and wait forthe refresh. I suspect the refresh will be pretty awesome. My bet is June as well.

Define "pretty awesome". Last update was the biggest since aluminum design so I doubt the next one will be more than a speed bump.

[spcdust]

It makes sense to hold off on a questionable iMac for now and wait for the refresh. I suspect the refresh will be pretty awesome. My bet is Juneish as well.

Agree with Hellhammer, cannot see that much of a dramatic refresh, just an incremental. Quite likely will include a GPU update such as the ATI 5xxx card.

[amacrumorsuser]

Agree with Hellhammer, cannot see that much of a dramatic refresh, just an incremental. Quite likely will include a GPU update such as the ATI 5xxx card.

Rumor: Apple adopts DirectX 11 GPUs, buys AMD Radeon HD 5750.

http://www.brightsideofnews.com/news/2010/3/2/apple-adopts-directx-11-gpus2c-buys-amd-radeon-hd-5750.aspx

Though the mobility 5750 specifications look more like a replacement for the 4670 than the 4850 that the article suggests.

[Hellhammer]

Rumor: Apple adopts DirectX 11 GPUs, buys AMD Radeon HD 5750.

http://www.brightsideofnews.com/news/2010/3/2/apple-adopts-directx-11-gpus2c-buys-amd-radeon-hd-5750.aspx

Though the mobility 5750 specifications look more like a replacement for the 4670 than the 4850 that the article suggests.

I guess it'll be used in MBPs instead. 9600M GT has TDP of 23W and ATI 5750 has 25W so it would be ideal for it. ATI 4670 used in iMac has TDP of 35W and 4850 has even bigger so... It can be used in mid-level iMacs of course but I'm guessing something like 5850 in high-end

[cwwilson]

March and April belong to the iPad, June belongs to the newest iPhone and after which the MBPs will be updated, followed by the iMac and Mac Pro, then mini. I'm sure we'll see the iPod line updated somewhere in between.

Just my guess, it'll be a good while before we see the iMac refresh. Unless of course Apple's hand is forced due to all the screen issues.

[dkd0nuts]

Rumor: Apple adopts DirectX 11 GPUs, buys AMD Radeon HD 5750.

http://www.brightsideofnews.com/news/2010/3/2/apple-adopts-directx-11-gpus2c-buys-amd-radeon-hd-5750.aspx

Though the mobility 5750 specifications look more like a replacement for the 4670 than the 4850 that the article suggests.

Hmmm interesting looks like the article was just posted today. The article does mention that it will be used in future iMacs released in June but you guys think it'll be in the new mb pros? If they're going to be in the new iMacs I think I'll just wait hopefully they won't lag it until the fall.. I'm itching to play Starcraft 2 lol

[madjuly]

Though it may not be a huge refresh, does anyone think the processors are going to be updated to the i3, i5 and i7 as standard instead of the Core 2 Duo?

[Hellhammer]

Though it may not be a huge refresh, does anyone think the processors are going to be updated to the i3, i5 and i7 as standard instead of the Core 2 Duo?

Probably yes because then all iMacs would then use the same socket (LGA 1156) and I can't see why Apple wouldn't use Clarkdale...

[skadd]

Well, I won't buy until there's an SSD option and USB 3.0 or eSata implemented.

[mr.thedaniel]

based on both the refresh cycle and the problems apple has had to solve with these current 27's, I would doubt we'll see any reasonable upgrades before this fall. There's no point for updating so soon, they have their best selling desktop ever, and can barely keep up. Apple also has a tradition of being "behind" with their GPUs, especially in iMacs. for everyone hoping for their 5xxx GPUs, it may not hurt to buy a current iMac and sell it in a year to upgrade to the next imac release, as these imacs do hold their value well and will still be in demand at that time

[Icaras]

Well, I won't buy until there's an SSD option and USB 3.0 or eSata implemented.

Argh, unfortunately I agree. :(

[slynger]

Argh, unfortunately I agree. :(

I agree as well - but I have a feeling it could be a while before USB 3 finds its way into iMacs. :mad:

[MacHamster68]

Well, I won't buy until there's an SSD option and USB 3.0 or eSata implemented.
i guess you can wait another 2 years if not longer before you see that on a imac, as all these three would sky rocket the price for a imac beyond the £2000 mark and push it closer to £3000 , as there is only space for one harddrive inside and nobody would accept a single ssd with only 64gb ,i guess 500gb is a must in a modern computer, otherwise you would need to invest in another external drive and clutter up your desk , and the whole point of a AIO is a clutter free desk ,for the other things it would need another back for the connections and rearranging internal organs of the imac and another logicboard .....
another thing osx does not support usb3.0 as far as i know , so it would need a update of osx too on top of the above mentioned things

[skadd]

i guess you can wait another 2 years if not longer before you see that on a imac, as all these three would sky rocket the price for a imac beyond the £2000 mark and push it closer to £3000 , as there is only space for one harddrive inside and nobody would accept a single ssd with only 64gb ,i guess 500gb is a must in a modern computer, otherwise you would need to invest in another external drive and clutter up your desk , and the whole point of a AIO is a clutter free desk ,for the other things it would need another back for the connections and rearranging internal organs of the imac and another logicboard .....
another thing osx does not support usb3.0 as far as i know , so it would need a update of osx too on top of the above mentioned things

Since the iMac only supports one HDD it's not possible (for me at least) to get all my stuff, and many others stuff on a single 2 TB
Therefore the implementation of eSata or USB 3.0 would be the least one would expect on a great system as the top of the line iMac, to get a fast connection to external HDD cabinets and/or external HDD's.
USB 2.0 or Firewire simply does not cut it.

When the external HDD's are in place, one could easily live with a 64 GB super-fast SSD for the operating system.

I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels this way, so it has to be profitable for Apple to do what I've said.

EDIT: Probably not an accurate source, but interesting nonetheless.
*Storage options to include SSD solid-state drives. A built-in, front-mounted SD slot has also been mentioned as part of the new enclosure design and would probably sit between the two optical drive slots.

*Addition of an eSATA external storage port on all models, which will dramatically improve bandwidth for external drives over Firewire 800. This will be part of eSATA adoption across the entire Mac line over the course of 2010.
http://macosrumors.com/2009/11/28/whats-next-for-imac-mac-pro/

[unamused]

at this point, with all of the problems they have been having I think it will be safer just to wait till the next refresh...

I REALLY hope they add hdmi in the mix and a more potent video card.

that would absolutely be fantastic.. oh yeah and if it comes around September, maybe a student discount with ipod?? haha

[Rodus]

Apple will wait until the 5xxx Radeons drop in price, they are only going to really give benefits to gamers, who Apple don't care about, and 3D modelers who Apple want to sell Mac Pros to.

[turbineseaplane]

USB 3.0, FW 3200, new GPU's ... so much to put in, specially thinking that Apple was always the first one to adopt new technologies (USB and replace floppy disk for example...)

Lol.

So many new ways for the iMac to become another Rev A problem.

[Christianallen]

Basically I want them to update the CPUs before I have to go to college in the Fall. Seems like the absolute latest they would do this would be WWDC. So late June.

[JJC80]

I'm interested as to when the next iMac revision will be out.

I was going to purchase a new Mac Mini but instead am contemplating splurging and picking up the iMac or a Macbook Pro.

Speaking of the iMac, does anyone think we'll see a new form factor/aesthetic change to the machine this year? The previous incarnation's (iMac G5/first intel imac) look lasted for about 3 years, so basing off that, 2010 seems about right.

Not that I purchase Mac's based on their looks, but it adds to the overall experience, imo.

[Pachang]

I guess it'll be used in MBPs instead. 9600M GT has TDP of 23W and ATI 5750 has 25W so it would be ideal for it. ATI 4670 used in iMac has TDP of 35W and 4850 has even bigger so... It can be used in mid-level iMacs of course but I'm guessing something like 5850 in high-end

Assuming they are talking about mobility cards... couldn't they be talking about going from the 4850 mobility to 5750 desktop?

The mobility 5850 and desktop 5750 are similar in performance I think.

also: "All in all, it is good to know that Apple won't be more than a year late with their GPUs incorporated in their otherwise excellently designed products." >>"won't be more than a year late"

Imo this implies that it's the desktop 5750 which came out in september 09. Seeing as they reckon it will be refreshed in June the statement wouldn't make that much sense if they were talking about the mobile 5850 which would obviously not be more than a year late.

[MathijsDelva]

I too am waiting for the next refresh. I don't care when it comes this year, i just want it to come THIS year. The reason i'm not buying one now is because:

- The 21.5" doesn't have quadcore
- The 21.5" doesn't have a -pretty- decent GPU

Those are the only reasons.. I'm not looking for that huge 27" beast to sit on my desk. I want a 21.5" and right now, it's a shame the smaller model doesn't get the same goodies as the big one. So Apple, give me a decent GPU (ATI 5***) and a quadcore in a small 21.5" package, and i'll jump!

[Hellhammer]

Assuming they are talking about mobility cards... couldn't they be talking about going from the 4850 mobility to 5750 desktop?

The mobility 5850 and desktop 5750 are similar in performance I think.

also: "All in all, it is good to know that Apple won't be more than a year late with their GPUs incorporated in their otherwise excellently designed products." >>"won't be more than a year late"

Imo this implies that it's the desktop 5750 which came out in september 09. Seeing as they reckon it will be refreshed in June the statement wouldn't make that much sense if they were talking about the mobile 5850 which would obviously not be more than a year late.

Desktop 5750 has maximum power consumption of 86W while mobile 5850 has maximum of 39W so desktop 5750 is more than twice as hot as mobile 5850. There is also no space for desktop GPU in iMac. Desktop 5750 is possible in Mac Pro but I doubt we'll see a desktop GPU in iMac unless Apple decides to redesign it again.

[Pachang]

Desktop 5750 has maximum power consumption of 86W while mobile 5850 has maximum of 39W so desktop 5750 is more than twice as hot as mobile 5850. There is also no space for desktop GPU in iMac. Desktop 5750 is possible in Mac Pro but I doubt we'll see a desktop GPU in iMac unless Apple decides to redesign it again.

hmm we'll have to wait and see what they do with laptops. Actually you're right, having the mobile 5750 in laptops makes more sense than the desktop version in iMacs. In the article he doesn't really distinguish between them.

[aneftp]

Well, I won't buy until there's an SSD option and USB 3.0 or eSata implemented.

All Apple (or any other business model) cares about is profit margin. And Apple is the leader in the computer industry in profit margins.

Why do you think they always use a last gen graphics chip? Because they can get it much cheaper.

Same thing with the "base 21.5 and base 27 imac intel processor" They are using Core2 chips when they could easily be using at minimal core i5 desktop chips.

USB 3.0. Maybe it'll be available very soon with Apple since it will be cheap to implement.

SSD. Forget it in the iMac for the time being. Apple would need to offer at least a 500GB SSD in a desktop model. I believe the 500GB SSD goes for over $1600 and the 250GB SSD goes for over $800. While a 1TB regular hard drive goes for less than $100.

True prices will drop. But for the time being, it's highly unlikely you will get anything other than USB 3.0.

[skadd]

aneftp:

All I'm asking is to have it as an OPTION. And if it's only that, an option, who cares about price? Just like the option to get 16 Gigs of RAM

I know many professionals that went for the 27" and a SSD would really boost performance.

It's just silly if Apple's only going to target non-professionals.

They won't lose anything by merely having it as an option imo.

[sneakyzeal]

I've been wondering about the next iMac refresh since all the issues starting cropping up. And I've been waiting to buy an iMac since Jan 2009.

I decided on Sunday to bite the bullet and just DO IT. I'm now in waiting mode.. my 27" iMac i7 is due to arrive on Friday at the earliest.

I figure if there's something wrong with it it'll ruin my first iMac experience and it'll have to go back.. but at least I'll feel better having taken the risk :P

On the other hand it might be PERFECT, and I'll have it NOW!

[Bryan Bowler]

Speaking of the iMac, does anyone think we'll see a new form factor/aesthetic change to the machine this year? The previous incarnation's (iMac G5/first intel imac) look lasted for about 3 years, so basing off that, 2010 seems about right.

In my opinion, there is no way we'll see a casing/form factor. Apple just completely redesigned the iMac and without a doubt, brushed aluminum is the style...

I don't think we'll see a major aesthetic change for at least a couple years.

Bryan

[Icaras]

Speaking of the iMac, does anyone think we'll see a new form factor/aesthetic change to the machine this year? The previous incarnation's (iMac G5/first intel imac) look lasted for about 3 years, so basing off that, 2010 seems about right.

Did you miss the last iMac update? :confused:
The iMac was just redesigned.

In my opinion, there is no way we'll see a casing/form factor. Apple just completely redesigned the iMac and without a doubt, brushed aluminum is the style...

I don't think we'll see a major aesthetic change for at least a couple years.

Bryan

Considering Apple just modified the design, I agree. I doubt we'll see any change for years.

[mr.thedaniel]

i did hear rumors, and I think there's an alleged prototype photo (may even be from MR, maybe appleinsider?) of a mac mini sporting an HDMI output. Perhaps since so many people have been using mac minis as media servers, they're finally caving to logic on at least one connectivity issue? I don't know that there's any concrete evidence, but the mac mini would be a great start for HDMI on apples. Though I doubt MBPs will see it anytime soon because a. the large space it would take up and b. the clunky port would throw off the aesthetic of the MBP that apple cares so much about. Though MDP->HDMI adapters for output are cheap and plentiful these days. Who knows about HDMI on imacs anytime soon..

[Pachang]

Did you miss the last iMac update? :confused:
The iMac was just redesigned.



Considering Apple just modified the design, I agree. I doubt we'll see any change for years.

Making a model with a larger screen ≠ redesigned

iMac G3 to iMac G4 (2002) and iMac G4 to iMac G5 (2004) were redesigns.
iMac core duo to core 2 duo was a small redesign (2007). (went from plastic to aluminum)
24" to 27" was just making a new model.

[Hellhammer]

Making a model with a larger screen ≠ redesigned

iMac G3 to iMac G4 (2002) and iMac G4 to iMac G5 (2004) were redesigns.
iMac core duo to core 2 duo was a small redesign (2007). (went from plastic to aluminum)
24" to 27" was just making a new model.

Apple did make the chin smaller... There won't be redesign anytime soon. Now almost all products are aluminum so would make no sense to go back to plastic or smth. Also, IMO 21.5", 27" was a redesign

[jmpage2]

There will be no chassis redesign this year and probably not next year either. However I think we could see a better CPU and GPU in a spring 2010 refresh.

I was optimistic about Blu-ray late last year but don't think we'll see it in 2010 either.

[Icaras]

Making a model with a larger screen ≠ redesigned

I agree. The larger screen ≠ redesign. And thats exactly what I didn't mean. You didn't watch the iMac video on Apple's site did you?

Apple did make the chin smaller... There won't be redesign anytime soon. Now almost all products are aluminum so would make no sense to go back to plastic or smth. Also, IMO 21.5", 27" was a redesign

Thanks. Also, to add to that, the glass is now flush to the very edge, and I believe it is slightly thinner than before. Also, the black border at the bottom is straight across, rather than curved. And lastly, the backside is now aluminum, rather than black plastic.

This is your redesign right there. I really wouldn't expect anything else for years.

[mystikjoe]

I agree. The larger screen ≠ redesign. And thats exactly what I didn't mean. You didn't watch the iMac video on Apple's site did you?



Thanks. Also, to add to that, the glass is now flush to the very edge, and I believe it is slightly thinner than before. Also, the black border at the bottom is straight across, rather than curved. And lastly, the backside is now aluminum, rather than black plastic.

This is your redesign right there. I really wouldn't expect anything else for years.
how much larger can they get and still make them affordable for the average joe? :)

[Icaras]

how much larger can they get and still make them affordable for the average joe? :)

From everything I've gathered just from the MR forums, 30" LED displays are still very expensive to produce, so I really couldn't tell you. Though I think they should first focus on releasing an update to the 30" ACD first before we can start thinking about the iMac. That sounds like the next logical step IMO.