Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iMac With M3 Chip

[Student of Life]

Their perception that it would make it harder to sell their 27" Studio Display for the price of an iMac?

Honestly how many ASD are sold? I understand some people like them, others hate that display. It’s very polarizing. It’s hard to see a huge demand for it considering it’s basically the 2014 5k iMac display minus and actual computer 🖥️ 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[Isengardtom]

I love my M1 version still. It’s a great home computer for some Home computing, and for working from home.

I did upgrade it with 16GB of ram but otherwise it’s just the base model. Great combo with my iPad Pro (Universal Control).

 

[dead.cell]

It's so hard not trying to push towards an M3 Max 16"... I wouldn't even be thinking about it had I realized I'd prefer 16" over 14". Just gotta tell myself... I don't NEED it. M1 MBP is fine.

 

[kagharaht]

I think MacRumors should be retitled MacHaters. You guys are too much sometimes. lol

 

[aj_niner]

Can't wait for the cheaper next gen 32" 6K displays that replaces the 2019 Pro Display XDR after 5 years.

Hopefully parts price goes down to ~$500 so Apple can deliver a true replacement for the iMac 27".

I look forward to a base price of $1799. If 1998 iMac 15" G3 has a base price of $1299 & 25 years later a 2023 iMac 24" M3 has the same base price of $1299. Then it isn't that far fetched for the 2024 iMac 32" 6K M4 8GB RAM 256GB SSD to be priced $1799 like the base model 2020 iMac 27" Core i5

 

[mode11]

This is such great news, I'm glad Apple gave such a big discount... now, in the year 2024, you can spend $1,099 to buy an all-in-one desktop computer with a whopping 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. 🤡

Meanwhile, on Amazon:

View attachment 2353967

To be fair, that's only got a 1080p screen and that i7 isn't as strong as an M3. Plus it doesn't look as nice. But yeah, the iMac is pricey when specced to a reasonable amount of RAM / storage, for long term casual use.

 

[mode11]

Can't wait for the cheaper next gen 32" 6K displays that replaces the 2019 Pro Display XDR after 5 years.

Hopefully parts price goes down to ~$500 so Apple can deliver a true replacement for the iMac 27".

I look forward to a base price of $1799. If 1998 iMac 15" G3 has a base price of $1299 & 25 years later a 2023 iMac 24" M3 has the same base price of $1299. Then it isn't that far fetched for the 2024 iMac 32" 6K M4 8GB RAM 256GB SSD to be priced $1799 like the base model 2020 iMac 27" Core i5

The large screen iMac is dead. Apple have clearly replaced it with the Studio / mini Pro + a Studio Display / 4K monitor of your choice. It filled a gap when there was no other desktop Mac with decent power, but they clearly rationalised both iMac models into one with the 24". Plus, they've outright said there won't be a bigger iMac.

And if the 27" 5K SD is $1599, how is a 32" iMac going to be $1799??

 

[Johnny907]

Better off buying new on sale from retailers, who often discount 20%.
Apple Refurbs used to be the best deal in the business, but with like much of their product lineup, Apple greed has gradually devalued it to the point of insult.

 

[aj_niner]

The large screen iMac is dead. Apple have clearly replaced it with the Studio / mini Pro + a Studio Display / 4K monitor of your choice. It filled a gap when there was no other desktop Mac with decent power, but they clearly rationalised both iMac models into one with the 24". Plus, they've outright said there won't be a bigger iMac.

It's "dead" because parts price have not gone down.

Same reason why the 6 year rumor of an OLED iPad has been floating for so long as the price point & tech requirements have not reached Apple's standards.

Same reason why no iPhone fold.

Same reason why 2017 iPhone X took years to get AMOLED display when Android bragged about it for nearly a decade. Apple did not want to deal with bad press relating to burn-in.

And if the 27" 5K SD is $1599, how is a 32" iMac going to be $1799??

What's a "27" 5K SD" and where did you get $1599? My linked base model 2020 iMac 27" is $1799.

I had to place links as it is difficult to have an adult conversation without supporting citations.

 

[satchmo]

They still have the original M1 model with only US$50 differences vs the based M3.

Frankly they should just offer up these up to K-12 schools at a significant discount.

 

[Realityck]

The large screen iMac is dead. Apple have clearly replaced it with the Studio / mini Pro + a Studio Display / 4K monitor of your choice. It filled a gap when there was no other desktop Mac with decent power, but they clearly rationalised both iMac models into one with the 24". Plus, they've outright said there won't be a bigger iMac.

And if the 27" 5K SD is $1599, how is a 32" iMac going to be $1799??

One could also say that the Mac Studio/Studio Display would have been impacted by the continued sales of a large screen based AS iMac. While the all-in-ones are being handled by the various laptop and 24" iMac presently, they still would be a popular option to consumers as they are ready out of the box, compared to the older component based Mac setups.
I will pair a reasonable config using USA educational prices.
M2 Pro mini base model = $1199, add a Studio Display = $1499, thats $2,698.00 not even kitting a new keyboard or mouse. How's that compare with $1799 you mentioned? Going with the cheapest setup a M2 Mini baseline $499 + $1499 Studio Display setup would be $1998. Yes we know you could kit a 3rd party 4K display but the iMac does have its footprint as a cheaper all-in-one solution most of the time when comparing. In these examples we are just looking at what Apple usually sells from their stores for the educational crowd. Not Amazon/BB and others temporary sales pricing in the states.

 

[aj_niner]

I will pair a reasonable config using USA educational prices.
M2 Pro mini base model = $1199, add a Studio Display = $1499, thats $2,698.00 not even kitting a new keyboard or mouse. How's that compare with $1799 you mentioned? 🧐

Exactly! That's why I like the iMacs.

They're cheaper than seperates.

Sure, I can't replace the logic board of the possible 2024 model for a 2029 model I want to go from a 3nm chip to a 1nm Mac chip.

But for many end users who have no plans to upgrade until macOS receives its last Security Update after 10 years, we do not mind.

Past iMacs had the ability for Target Display Mode. Hopefully with USB4 we are allowed to have this capability again.

To be fair though the next gen 32" 6K display part that replaces the 5yo one found in the 2019 Pro Display XDR needs to be lowered to ~$500.

For those unaware there are other parts costs used for the $5k 2019 Pro Display.

Display parts do lower over time. Hopefully a 2024 iMac 32" 6K M4 8GB 256GB will have the same price point as the base model 2020 iMac 27".

Many here can't get their minds around the idea that parts prices do go down over time even if you put citations.

 

[PsykX]

This computer is the best bang for the buck that you can get out there, even at the original price.
If you try to match the iMac and build a PC while considering the speed and quality of the iMac, you'll either end up paying more, or being unable to match the quality.

I switched from an iMac M1 to a Mac Mini M2 Pro, and the webcam and mic array, for me, is unmatched and was the best thing in the world during meetings. No product on the market exists that is as good as that. Not Logitech, not Opal, not Elgato, nothing.

And the speakers I have in my LG monitor are complete trash compared to my iMac M1, and they're either missing or complete trash even if you pay $3000 for an ultrawide monitor.

The screen itself, IMO, is unmatched in the industry (very high ppi and glossy screen = extremely crisp).

The only thing I didn't like about it... you're limited to the base Apple Silicon line (I personally need more), and if you need a second monitor, it's not going to "fit".

 

[mode11]

What's a "27" 5K SD" and where did you get $1599? My linked base model 2020 iMac 27" is $1799.

Apple Studio Display, $1599 - https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/apple-studio-display/standard-glass-tilt-adjustable-stand.

 

[Fuzzball84]

We are so excited to see what you do with the new M3 🙂

We are all doing the same things that we did with M1 and M2....

 

[mode11]

Exactly! That's why I like the iMacs.

And Apple would rather sell you something more expensive.

Display parts do lower over time.

Doesn't mean the savings get passed on - e.g. the $1600 Studio Display.

Hopefully a 2024 iMac 32" 6K M4 8GB 256GB will have the same price point as the base model 2020 iMac 27".

LOL at it existing, and LMFAO at that price.

Many here can't get their minds around the idea that parts prices do go down over time even if you put citations.

Again, that can just mean higher profits for Apple, not lower prices for you. A few years ago, $1600 got you an entry level 27" iMac; now it just gets you its screen.

 

[mode11]

One could also say that the Mac Studio/Studio Display would have been impacted by the continued sales of a large screen based AS iMac.

That's the other side of the same coin. Apple aren't going to try and sell you a $3000-3600 (base) mini Pro / Studio + Studio Display, whilst simultaneously offering an e.g. $2000 (let alone $1600) 27" iMac.

While the all-in-ones are being handled by the various laptop and 24" iMac presently, they still would be a popular option to consumers as they are ready out of the box, compared to the older component based Mac setups.

Sure, but Apple always sells what they want to, not necessarily what you want to buy. Years ago, some 27" iMac owners were telling people pining for expandible desktop Macs to get with the program; now it's their turn.

I will pair a reasonable config using USA educational prices.
M2 Pro mini base model = $1199, add a Studio Display = $1499, thats $2,698.00 not even kitting a new keyboard or mouse. How's that compare with $1799 you mentioned?

That I mentioned? I was replying to someone else, saying $1799 is ridiculously low, for exactly the reasons you mention.

 

[aj_niner]

Doesn't mean the savings get passed on - e.g. the $1600 Studio Display.

Unlike the LG UltraFine displays

- A13 Bionic chip
- 12mp web cam with Center Stage
- Speakers
- 3 USB-C 40Gbps & 3 USB-C 10Gbps ports

Technically if Apple allowed macOS on iPhone chips it could run an Intel-class performing iMac with the iPhone 11 chip.

 

[mode11]

Unlike the LG UltraFine displays

- A13 Bionic chip
- 12mp web cam with Center Stage
- Speakers
- 3 USB-C 40Gbps & 3 USB-C 10Gbps ports

Technically if Apple allowed macOS on iPhone chips it could run an Intel-class performing iMac with the iPhone 11 chip.

So, about $100 of parts? Most displays have USB hubs in them. Bear in mind that a few years ago, the same money would get you a complete Intel iMac, complete with webcam, speakers, USB-C ports, macOS etc.

 

[aj_niner]

So, about $100 of parts? Most displays have USB hubs in them. Bear in mind that a few years ago, the same money would get you a complete Intel iMac, complete with webcam, speakers, USB-C ports, macOS etc.

Exactly. 🙂
Reason why no iMac 27" 5K M1 came out with the iMac 24" 4.5K M1 is because of marketing.

For $500 more you only get 3"? WTF?

Hence them separating the 2017 with the 2024.

 

[Eric_WVGG]

Their perception that it would make it harder to sell their 27" Studio Display for the price of an iMac?

That's one way of looking at it, sure.

Another is, "a Mac Mini and a Studio Display — or a Samsung 5k at half the price — is a better deal because when the computer gets old and slow, I can just drop a grand on a new state-of-the-art Mini and keep this perfectly good display for another seven years."

Personally, it pains me to see 5k iMacs get recycled just because their Intel guts are obsolete. That's a good screen, it should be used as a good screen.

"but the Studio Display is ridiculous and expensive" yeah I've got one, you're not wrong. But separating the display from the computer is still a better deal for Pro users.

 

[Student of Life]

The large screen iMac is dead. Apple have clearly replaced it with the Studio / mini Pro + a Studio Display / 4K monitor of your choice. It filled a gap when there was no other desktop Mac with decent power, but they clearly rationalised both iMac models into one with the 24". Plus, they've outright said there won't be a bigger iMac.

And if the 27" 5K SD is $1599, how is a 32" iMac going to be $1799??

I don’t think a big iMac is dead at all. If there is a product that is not doing well, based on a sales report, the ASD made up less that 1% of sales.

Here is the fundamental problem, their are more consumers/prosumers than actual professionals. For someone who wanted or needed that ASD, they bought it a long time ago. For the consumer/prosumer the ASD is the complete opposite of what they want, they want an iMac, an all in one. You would have a better chance trying to convince someone to become an android user here before they change there mind on an iMac all in one. Bring out a 27 or bigger iMac and the people with disposable income will buy them. Those people are not buying ASD.

 

[aj_niner]

I don’t think a big iMac is dead at all. If there is a product that is not doing well, based on a sales report, the ASD made up less that 1% of sales.

Here is the fundamental problem, their are more consumers/prosumers than actual professionals. For someone who wanted or needed that ASD, they bought it a long time ago. For the consumer/prosumer the ASD is the complete opposite of what they want, they want an iMac, an all in one. You would have a better chance trying to convince someone to become an android user here before they change there mind on an iMac all in one. Bring out a 27 or bigger iMac and the people with disposable income will buy them. Those people are not buying ASD.

I don't work in tech.

I dont want to spend $1k extra for seperates for the privilege of upgrading every 4, 5 or 6 years.

I have zero interest in upgrading that Mac for a decade.

I love the space saving & aesthetics of Apple AIO.

 

[Warped9]

Not in Canada yet.

 

[svish]

Good to know about the availability of refurbished iMacs. Expecting to see it in other countries too.