Apple Discontinues 27-Inch iMac

[slothinker]

I have a 2017 1/2 iMac which is a wonderful piece of equipment and has been 100% reliable. It doesn't make sense to me that Apple would abandon this branch of its product line in favor of returning to componentization. Hoping for a 30-inch or even 32-inch iMac M1 in the fall. Otherwise I'll wait until this unit dies or is orphaned by Apple. By then, perhaps, a M1 or M2 Mac mini will be a powerful enough option.

PS: I had several Mac Minis before the iMac became a powerful-enough alternative in 2017. Building the computer into the monitor effectively was a brilliant piece of design and engineering achievement. The iMac was much easier to use and maintain that the older Mac Minis in my experience. Although a minor issue, it's also less of a theft risk due to size and other factors.

 

[Yebubbleman]

I was definitely about to get one. I still have need for a rather performant (i.e. has a discrete GPU and tons of cores) Intel Mac. Luckily, there's a refurb model that is the exact CTO model I was going to get (albeit with maxed out RAM and without my choice of separately available input devices) that I probably should've been considering instead anyway. Still sad, though. The 27" iMac leaves behind a decent legacy of performance the likes of which were to be expected from 2006-2013 era Mac Pros, but for those of us who didn't want to blow that kind of cash.

That said, if I price out an M1 Max version of the Mac Studio and then add the Studio display, the price point is near identical to that of the 27" iMac I was configuring, leading me to believe that the M1 Max Mac Studio is to be the intended successor. And given that we've wanted a mid-range Mac desktop basically where the 27" iMac has always been in the lineup, this IS the right move on Apple's part for the new era. As nostalgic/sad/sentimental as I am about the discontinuation of the larger iMac size, I can't argue that this really is the best move for Apple to make.

The M1 Ultra Mac Studio is an entirely different matter. I have no idea what that Mac's place in the lineup is, given that we're still going to get an Apple Silicon Mac Pro. I'm not saying I don't like that it's there; more options is better. But it's a very curious product given that it's beefier than the class of Mac that the M1 Max Mac Studio and 2020 27" iMac both were, but probably lesser than what will be on the Apple Silicon Mac Pro. The only product that comes to mind when I imagine this lineup is the iMac Pro relative to the lineup from 2019 until its discontinuation. A Mac that's higher-end than the 27" iMac, but still not as beefy/expandable as the Mac Pro. And now, we have the options of pairing whatever display we want with it and/or sticking it in a machine room somewhere (something that both the 27" iMac Pro and iMac Pro were not ideal for).

 

[LonestarOne]

if I price out an M1 Max version of the Mac Studio and then add the Studio display, the price point is near identical to that of the 27" iMac I was configuring, leading me to believe that the M1 Max Mac Studio is to be the intended successor.

I definitely agree, at least for the near future. I was waiting for a 27” Apple Silicon iMac, but abruptly changed my mind when Mac Studio was announced.

The M1 Ultra Mac Studio is an entirely different matter. I have no idea what that Mac's place in the lineup is, given that we're still going to get an Apple Silicon Mac Pro. I'm not saying I don't like that it's there; more options is better. But it's a very curious product given that it's beefier than the class of Mac that the M1 Max Mac Studio and 2020 27" iMac both were, but probably lesser than what will be on the Apple Silicon Mac Pro.

If the rumors are correct, the Mac Pro will have 2x the number of cores. Based on the established pricing pattern, that means a base price will also be 2x. So, the Apple Silicon Mac Pro will start at $8000, about $2000 more than the Intel Mac Pro. Some Pro users will stick with the Mac Pro while others (at the lower end of the “Pro” spectrum) will migrate to the Mac Studio Ultra.

 

[CWallace]

I'd be ready to believe that the Mac Studio and Studio Display fully replace the 27" iMac form factor and there would not be an iMac Pro because on the surface, a 27" 5K iMac Pro doesn't make much sense post-Apple Studio and Apple Studio Display.

But Ross Young and Ming-Chi Kuo swear Apple has a 27" 5K ProMotion Mini-LED panel nearing production and that panel has to go into something.*

It did not go into the Apple Studio Display and I cannot believe the only reason it did not is because Apple did not want to kneecap the Pro Display XDR. And I also cannot believe that in 12 months or less Apple will release a new "Apple Studio Display Max" that has this panel because it would be a catastrophic slap in the face of everyone who bought the current ASD. Yes, say what you want about "Apple's greed", but Cook lives and breaths "Customer Satisfaction" and he is going to have a large number of unsatisfied ASD customers if they did so.

And yes, they could wait two years to put this panel into an ASD refresh, which is arguably long enough that even those who would be upset are mainly due to FOMO, but if that was the plan, why all the supply-side leaks about it now? It should still be locked in an Apple Lab in the Spaceship, unknown to anyone but the handful of folks working on it.

Now, there have been rumors about a 15-18" iPad Pro, but I really don't see Apple releasing a 27" model.


* - With Young at 100% accuracy (even if only on a handful of display-related rumors) and MCK having some of his strongest sources in the display supply chain, I cannot just dismiss them as both being wrong about such a panel going into production.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Mark still thinks it’s coming.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1501276447347863554

Also explained why Apple said there was only one final Mac to “transition”

https://twitter.com/x/status/1501277696139145228

Also Steve Troughton-Smith points out that there is a gap in the desktop lineup.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1501343591431614468

Would make complete sense for a 27 inch iMac pro with mini LED, M1max, etc to slot right in right around $3000.

 

[CWallace]

Jason Snell also believes that a consumer/prosumer-level 27" iMac will return at some future date. He did not give specifics, but to me it sounds like something with an M2 and M2 Pro as options and a 32GB RAM cap.

 

[zoom25]

As someone who's been waiting a few years now waiting patiently with the Late 2009 27" iMac and wanting a Apple silicone 27" iMac, this sucks so bad.

The 27" iMacs were priced sensibly and had the clean and portability factor. No other boxes to worry about either on the desk or below. It was clean and self sufficient and contained.

I don't know if I'm going with the external display with Mac mini or Studio (still priced a lot more), or with a smaller 24" iMac. I'm going to hold out for awhile, perhaps a 27" iMac will happen ?

 

[Gudi]

As someone who's been waiting a few years now waiting patiently with the Late 2009 27" iMac and wanting a Apple silicone 27" iMac, this sucks so bad.

Me too. I’ll probably get the iPad Air until Apple is ready to upgrade my living room tv after 13 years and counting.

 

[Nismo73]

Well still waiting on replacing my 2012 27". Have a M1 Air 16/512 that I could just get the Studio display and then I have a totally silent/fanless system that's fine for my use...It's waiting in the Apple bag for the education discount price of 1499. Have been missing out on the retina look. hmmmm

 

[GezTheHealer]

I recently upgraded from a 2013 iMac 21.5" to a second hand 2017 27" 5k iMac 4.2Ghz (£900), and wasn't sure as I was waiting for a 27/30" M1 iMac. The 24" M1 iMac looked great, but £2500 spec'd out, and I don't like the headphone jack on the side, or lack of ports.

This new studio looks perfect, I like the SD Port on the front, ports, and promise of a quiet life with good cooling. But £2000, and then a hefty £1500 to keep the lovely apple screen..£3500 in the UK before upping any spec... I'm gonna stick with my 2017 until I have to change.

 

[CoreForce]

Worst decision from Apple since a long time.
Holding back for 2 years now on a M iMac 27" and will continue to do so.

 

[recoil80]

Yeah the new Mac Studio Ultra and studio display is the perfect upgrade for 27inchers.

If you're talking about the iMac Pro yes, it is better to buy the new display with a Mac Studio so you can easily upgrade just the Studio to keep up with new Mx chips.
As for the regular iMac, the new display is too expensive to be an option for consumers, either they buy the smaller iMac or the go for a Mini with a cheap third party display.
That's why I think we'll see a 27 iMac with an M2 at some points, but just for consumers so about the same architecture as the current iMac but with a bigger display. Just like we had iMac 21 and iMac 27 back in the Intel days

 

[k27]

If Apple is really serious about its environmental efforts, then an iMac has no place in Apple's product lineup.
Compounding the computer and screen is just bad, especially if the actual computer is damaged. Then you can dispose of a display as well.
The ergonomics of the iMac were bad anyway (mirror image and not height adjustable).
People who need multiple computers can't use the iMac display for the other computers either.

Therefore, this is a very good decision that Apple has finally introduced another desktop computer.

 

[TVreporter]

Disappointing to say the least.

Out of curiosity I tried to see what Apple would offer for my 2019 i5 (512GB) iMac on a trade-in: $750.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

 

[dumastudetto]

Jason Snell also believes that a consumer/prosumer-level 27" iMac will return at some future date. He did not give specifics, but to me it sounds like something with an M2 and M2 Pro as options and a 32GB RAM cap.

John Gruber thinks not. He thinks the new studio line replaces the 27”, which is why its been removed from Apple’s store.

 

[CWallace]

John Gruber thinks not. He thinks the new studio line replaces the 27”, which is why its been removed from Apple’s store.

I think it is dead, as well, especially if Apple releases a ~$2000 Apple Studio Display Pro with MiniLED and ProMotion at WWDC as Ross Young predicts will happen.

So if you want/need to replace an iMac 5K, you have three choices:

• "Good" - Mac mini (M1 or M2) with Apple Studio Display
• "Better" - Mac Studio M1 Max with Apple Studio Display
• "Best" - Mac Studio M1 Ultra with Apple Studio Display Pro

Yes, they all cost more than the $1800 PoS iMac 5K configuration, but that's how Apple rolls now. Deal with it or move on, I guess. *shrug*

 

[Dahl]

While I was hoping for a new 27" iMac, I may be able to adjust a new setup with Mac Studio and display.
But I was really hoping for the 24" colors to be carried over. Silver is sooo bland, especially for a Mac designed for creatives.

 

[Dahl]

I think it is dead, as well, especially if Apple releases a ~$2000 Apple Studio Display Pro with MiniLED and ProMotion at WWDC as Ross Young predicts will happen.

So if you want/need to replace an iMac 5K, you have three choices:

• "Good" - Mac mini (M1 or M2) with Apple Studio Display
• "Better" - Mac Studio M1 Max with Apple Studio Display
• "Best" - Mac Studio M1 Ultra with Apple Studio Display Pro

Yes, they all cost more than the $1800 PoS iMac 5K configuration, but that's how Apple rolls now. Deal with it or move on, I guess. *shrug*

The better revenues are perhaps in mobile devices and high-end Macs. Looks like Apple is pushing the 27" buying upstream at the risk of losing some buyers. They may "force" me to buy the new Studio, even if I was looking for a 27" iMac.

 

[CWallace]

The better revenues are perhaps in mobile devices and high-end Macs. Looks like Apple is pushing the 27" buying upstream at the risk of losing some buyers. They may "force" me to buy the new Studio, even if I was looking for a 27" iMac.

it is also possible that Apple feels the AIO form factor is too limiting for their most powerful systems. The iMac 5K really started to suffer with fan noise as Intel pushed TDPs into the triple-digits and the iMac Pro had to have a very extensive (and expensive) cooling system to keep it's components cool.

The thermal management on the Mac Studio looks to be really impressive and capable, but cramming that inside an iMac case?

 

[macsteve27]

I think it is dead, as well, especially if Apple releases a ~$2000 Apple Studio Display Pro with MiniLED and ProMotion at WWDC as Ross Young predicts will happen.

So if you want/need to replace an iMac 5K, you have three choices:

• "Good" - Mac mini (M1 or M2) with Apple Studio Display
• "Better" - Mac Studio M1 Max with Apple Studio Display
• "Best" - Mac Studio M1 Ultra with Apple Studio Display Pro

Yes, they all cost more than the $1800 PoS iMac 5K configuration, but that's how Apple rolls now. Deal with it or move on, I guess. *shrug*

Although I still hope they will offer a 27" iMac with M1 Pro it's a distinct possibility that this is the new direction for apple's product offering. If apple truly removes the 27" inch iMac the one update I'll be looking for to help fill the gap is a replacement for the "high-end" mac mini, which is currently intel and not apple silicon.

The current "high-end" intel mac mini sits at $1100. If apple updates this with the M1 Pro we could conceivably see them replace it at a similar $1100-1200 price point. Paired with the Studio Display the "low-end" 27" iMac replacement would then net at around $2700-2800. Still about $1k more than the old entry level 27" imac, but closer in price and performance than the Studio.

• "Good" - Mac mini (M1 or M2) with Apple Studio Display ($2300-$2500)
• "Better" - Mac mini (M1 Pro) "high end" with Apple Studio Display ($2700-$2900) (Hypothetical)
• "Best" - Mac Studio M1 Max with Apple Studio Display ($3600-$3800)
• "Beast Mode" - Mac Studio M1 Ultra with Apple Studio Display Pro ($5600+)

Going to wait for WWDC (and possibly October Event if there is one) to see where apple takes this. In the meantime, my 2015 5k Retina iMac is getting long in the tooth.

 

[macsteve27]

it is also possible that Apple feels the AIO form factor is too limiting for their most powerful systems. The iMac 5K really started to suffer with fan noise as Intel pushed TDPs into the triple-digits and the iMac Pro had to have a very extensive (and expensive) cooling system to keep it's components cool.

The thermal management on the Mac Studio looks to be really impressive and capable, but cramming that inside an iMac case?

Given that apple silicon chips require less cooling (looking to the M1 in the Macbook Air having no fans at all) I would wager using apple silicon in an AIO would be a perfect match. It is possible that the M1 Pro and Max require additional cooling but if they can fit the M1 Max into the 14" Macbook Pro I'd imagine it's feasible.

It is possible though that for the M1 Ultra that the extra cooling is a deal breaker, in which case Apple just opted to focus on the Mac Studio to close the product offering gap in Apple Silicon first (to fit the 2-year transition commitment). If this is a limitation it could be a possible reason why they decided to discontinue the 27" for now, or possibly indefinitely.

 

[TobiasLeRoy]

I don't believe for a minute that there won't be another all-in-one larger than the 24". Apple is renown for their goofy and irritating secrecy in marketing ploys and I firmly believe this is just another one of those marketing ploys. They haven't said that the 27" has been discontinued, all we know for sure is that the Intel 27" iMac has been discontinued, that's old news. I'm betting that before the end of this year there will be a new 27-32" iMac available. The price for the Mac Studio and Studio Display is a little steep for most home users and after having my 27" (late 2013) for several years I'm not wanting to downsize to a 24". How much longer I personally am willing to hold out is another issue, higher end Window units are looking pretty good about now, but Apple won't reach their self imposed and all inclusive two year transition to their own processors for months yet. Stay tuned.

 

[elvisdoc]

Following the launch of the new Mac Studio and Studio Display, Apple has discontinued the 27-inch iMac.

The 27-inch iMac had remained in the iMac line alongside the smaller 24-inch iMac with Apple silicon and was one of just a few Macs that still featured an Intel processor.

Now with the 27-inch Studio Display that can be connected to any Mac, Apple has seemingly felt there is no need for a large-sized all-in-one desktop computer. The 24-inch iMac is now the only all-in-one desktop computer offered by Apple.

Article Link: Apple Discontinues 27-Inch iMac

What a joke. Articles describing the new 27 inch iMac replacement here have come every other month for the last year. Turns out that was wrong by a mile. Studio is far more that what most 27 inches need or want. And the Studio monitor is very disappointing and has 7 year old technology....a $800 Dell will kick its ass in refresh rate, resolution, etc....the only thing its got is more nits for the nit wits.

 

[elvisdoc]

Yeah the new Mac Studio Ultra and studio display is the perfect upgrade for 27inchers.

Not really. Far more than most need at 3x the price. Not perfect whatsoever.

 

[HazardousT]

John Gruber thinks not. He thinks the new studio line replaces the 27”, which is why its been removed from Apple’s store.

He can think that if he wants but he's wrong. Not at the price point they are trying to push it at.