2017 iMac refresh wish list [merged]

[fokmik]

Well it's not out yet, but just based on the rumored specs and TFlops, it's probably somewhere between a GTX 1070 ~ GTX 1080. In AMD terms that would immidietly make it faster than anything currently in the Fury lineup. Even a heavily downclocked version (to help fit iMac TDP and heat constraints), would absolutely destroy not only the M395X but the desktop RX 480. Honestly I think I'm at the point where, unless something of this class is on the menu I'm just not sure I'm interested in the BTO (or even iMac) option anymore

i hope like you to get rid of the thermal problems that M295x has...is almost always running to hot compare to the last gen 780M or even the current M395x i guess

 

[colodane]

I like the concept of a new keyboard with the TouchBar and Finger ID scanner. Also, continued improvement of the TrackPad.

But definitely do NOT want larger screens, curved screens or touch screens.

In fact, I'd actually prefer no screen at all. I would like just a box with some user accessibility and ability to drive external 4K or 5K displays. Perhaps something midway between a Mac Mini and the "new" Mac Pro. Design it with options that allow it to be marketed to either of those customers in addition to iMac customers. Then discontinue the Mini and Pro.

I'm perfectly content to select the display of my choice from Dell, Benq, etc. Lots of options at reasonable prices. For my needs, 4K is a sweeter price/performance spot than 5K.

The concept of having all my electronics inside a glued-together display is not appealing.

 

[macmee]

I would bet money that they make it thinner

WHICH IS TOTALLY STUPID

because the current gen already has thermal throttling

but you know apple and making things thinner, *somehow* it's become their one true goal in life.

 

[Takuro]

Here's my wish list. Not sure how realistic it is, but from a technical perspective, there's no reason it can't happen.

• Ultra-wide retina display, released in tandem with an announcement to begin supporting 4K content on iTunes with H.265
• Either Kabylake or Cannonlake CPU (with H.265 decoding for playback)
• nVidia Pascal-based GPU for BTO options
• Same ultra-fast SSD speeds as seen in 2016 MacBook Pro with options for 2TB
• Four Thunderbolt 3 / USC-C formfactor ports capable of full 10 Gbps speed each
• Apple Magic Keyboard 3 with Touchbar
• New: Short range (3-4 foot) wireless charging "radio" for use with Magic Keyboard 3 and future iPhone 8, iPad, and possibly Apple Watch
• Facetime HD camera with 1080p 60fps support
• Redesigned enclosure with a thinner "chin" (ultra-wide aspect ratio will allow components to be placed horizontally instead)
• Available in Silver or Space Grey

We may be lucky if we even get even 1/10th of this, unless we're verge of a complete redesign for the iMac. We could be approaching that point, especially since Apple skipped the year 2016 entirely for a lot of products.

What Apple will probably not do:

• Curved screen (even though LG offers this on many models, the new display they created with Apple is flatscreen.)
• Touch screen (will cause arm fatigue)
  
• Radically redesigned stand ala Microsoft Surface Studio (not needed since it won't be marketed to people who sketch on surfaces.)
• Use USB-C for power (unlike the MacBook, the iMac draws too much wattage -- 200+ W under max load)
• Keep the SD slot and ethernet jack
• Lower the price...

 

[PatriotInvasion]

I would bet money that they make it thinner

WHICH IS TOTALLY STUPID

because the current gen already has thermal throttling

but you know apple and making things thinner, *somehow* it's become their one true goal in life.

The iMac G4 and Surface Studio have the right idea. Build the computer into the stand in an elegant way and make the display as thin as you want for sleek appeal.

 

[fokmik]

yes kabylake will be available since 5 January for the imacs..nvidia chipss hard since apple is continue with AMD, but the Rx580 will be available soon, so it can be BTO and a little bit under clocked to provide just 120W from 130W originally , usb-c porst/tb3 100% sure, i think being a desktop they can keep usb-type a and the sd card

 

[Xeyad]

All I want from Apple is to make a modern day version of this...Can anyone possibly imagine this computer is 14 years old?

 

[Icaras]

Great post and the mock up is a nice touch, although I think the chin won't be that thin (though I'd like to be wrong and wish it could be that thin!)

And I know there are folks who aren't looking forward to an all USB-C but I'm all in.

Also, don't forget we'll almost definitely get a 2TB SSD upgrade following in the footsteps of the new MBP, and I'm thrilled about this!

Looking forward to a Magic Touchbar Keyboard as well and it's more than likely we'll see a space gray color option.
[doublepost=1478132968][/doublepost]

The iMac G4 and Surface Studio have the right idea. Build the computer into the stand in an elegant way and make the display as thin as you want for sleek appeal.

I disagree with design choice of placing the guts of the machine on the base as far as it pertains to the iMac. Don't get me wrong, for the surface studio it's perfect because the display designed to tip into a touch mode angle, but since Apple doesn't seem to be going into that direction, I see little appeal of showing a thick slab at the stand, and I think such a sight would also disgust Apple as well. For the purposes of macOS and it's completely exclusive point and click UI, it makes all the sense in the word to keep that thickness, or bulge, or what have you, hidden from sight from the user.

 

[macmee]

Ok so after now getting not one but *TWO* retina iMacs with image retention issues, I now have a massive number 1 priority for the next iMac or I absolutely wont go near it with a 10 foot pole:

* No more displays made by LG, has to be Samsung *ONLY*

 

[Lesser Evets]

More memory, more storage, faster processors, faster drives... and a backlit keyboard. Less cost.

Everything else is fluff.

 

[fortuneteller33]

Swap the mini keyboard for this one and I'm sold:

Image Source: Reddit/Hazza42

 

[mollyc]

I would love an iMac option that was like a Surface Studio, with the tilting angle. I know not everyone would like that, but the SS seems to have really high reviews and sales, and I definitely think a Mac version would sell like hotcakes.

 

[maflynn]

If Apple sold this machine tomorrow, iMac owners would rejoice.

No, I think people would complain.

• AMD vs. nvidia
• The touch bar is not needed, imo, I've more efficient with real function key
• Its 2016, lets see the stock configuration using SSD, and then if higher storage is needed, provide the 2TB Fusion drive
• Magic trackpad is not something I want or use, so I see no draw in having that being included for no charge.

As for the bevels and chin, I think that's only attainable if Apple removes the computer guts and puts them in a pizza box below like the Surface Studio.
[doublepost=1478178221][/doublepost]

All I want from Apple is to make a modern day version of this...Can anyone possibly imagine this computer is 14 years old?

I really wish apple kept that design longer - its definitely one of my favorite designs of all time

 

[BornAgainMac]

The Surface Studio is what the iMac would look like today if Apple updated the iMac. Apple just wouldn't make the touch screen part.

 

[loekf]

The bean counters at Apple will be happy:

http://diy.pconline.com.cn/851/8515185_all.html

Basically:

- You can clock Kabylake higher, there's no real performance gain, apart from the higher clock
- The built-in GPU (21.5" iMac) no real gain, except for HVEC decode
- Power could even be higher (also due to higher clock)

So why not keep the Skylake iMacs another year ?

 

[PatriotInvasion]

No, I think people would complain.

• AMD vs. nvidia
• The touch bar is not needed, imo, I've more efficient with real function key
• Its 2016, lets see the stock configuration using SSD, and then if higher storage is needed, provide the 2TB Fusion drive
• Magic trackpad is not something I want or use, so I see no draw in having that being included for no charge.

As for the bevels and chin, I think that's only attainable if Apple removes the computer guts and puts them in a pizza box below like the Surface Studio.
[doublepost=1478178221][/doublepost]
I really wish apple kept that design longer - its definitely one of my favorite designs of all time

They could achieve the mockup design if they lived with a thicker backing instead of the bulge. All they need to support now port wise is Thunderbolt 3/USB-C.

 

[Firebrand]

I would bet money that they make it thinner

WHICH IS TOTALLY STUPID

because the current gen already has thermal throttling

but you know apple and making things thinner, *somehow* it's become their one true goal in life.

Yeah, why no t(h)ick-tock releases?

 

[Firebrand]

Touch Bar made me remember this ‘doom scenario’:

[ What if... U Can’t Touch This (Touch Bar)?!! ]

 

[richinaus]

Touch Bar made me remember this ‘doom scenario’:

[ What if... U Can’t Touch This (Touch Bar)?!! ]

And look at the screen at the same time

 

[Rapp]

I like the concept of a new keyboard with the TouchBar and Finger ID scanner. Also, continued improvement of the TrackPad.

But definitely do NOT want larger screens, curved screens or touch screens.

In fact, I'd actually prefer no screen at all. I would like just a box with some user accessibility and ability to drive external 4K or 5K displays. Perhaps something midway between a Mac Mini and the "new" Mac Pro. Design it with options that allow it to be marketed to either of those customers in addition to iMac customers. Then discontinue the Mini and Pro.

I'm perfectly content to select the display of my choice from Dell, Benq, etc. Lots of options at reasonable prices. For my needs, 4K is a sweeter price/performance spot than 5K.

The concept of having all my electronics inside a glued-together display is not appealing.

I would love this, i5 quad core and a full desktop GPU. There has been a hole in the line up for years between the iMac and Mac Pro that a desktop form factor would fill.

 

[ahostmadsen]

Just one thing: the latest generation/fastest CPU. Fine with everything else. Or two things: don't increase prices.

 

[jfreed]

Swap the mini keyboard for this one and I'm sold: View attachment 670057 Image Source: Reddit/Hazza42

Gut reaction: drool. (God, I'm such a fanboy)!

 

[Shamgar]

• Adequate cooling.

 

[atlatnesiti]

All I wish for is 4 USB C/Thunderbolt 3 ports

 

[Floris]

My wishlist is: it actually being released.. years in a row they have a fall release, and I plan to buy one finally and that's the year they don't seem to release one. sigh..