I find this fantasising about a Mac mini with an M1/M2 Pro processor and 32 GB RAM support interesting.
But if they do that, they'll spit in their own bowl. Who will buy a basic (low end) Mac Studio then?
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Apple Not Planning to Launch Larger-Screened iMac
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But if they do that, they'll spit in their own bowl. Who will buy a basic (low end) Mac Studio then?
Big iMac only made "sense" because of the price of MacPro (and even the PowerMacG5 before) which started at $2199 (in 2006 $$$) was too high and every MacMini being gimped in at least one way from the G4 right up to the M1.
One could say that the Studio is the real successor for the PowerMacG4. Something priced out for the the casual consumer while still within reach for the enthusiasts and prosumers.
There is room between the Mini and Studio, I'm not sure if it's enough for a whole other chip.
Maybe they spread the binning a bit more on the M2 gen, where a binned down M2_A replaces the M1, the full M2_A is the base for stuff that has the binned M1Pro. On top of that a M2_B that can be binned down quite a lot and is the base for the M2-Dual_die option.
Or maybe the keep it all the same and just downright refuse to put anything but a M2 or binned down M2Pro into the Mini.
How so? The main beauty of the iMac is the clutter free environment - just a single cable going to the device, and all for an affordable price.
The studio or Mac Mini plus the Apple screen are much more expensive and just not as compact a setup.
We still use a 2010 iMac 21”, which thanks to two new drives (an SSD and a larger HDD) got an elongated life. It starts snappy, does everything the average user would like to do, runs silent and cool, but now gives problems on the web due to Apple having halted OS support.
An excellent example of how long devices can be useful if you allow repair and configuration. You do not need the computer/screen split.
Apple could easily provide devices that on one hand make use of the Apple silicon and yet are maintainable. The performance would be a tick worse but … honestly. Most users will never explore the full performance.
And for that category iMac is just perfect for the home user who does not want to take the computer with them. And even though the wife managed with the 21”, the 24” would give more screen at about the same size, a 27” is just a nice option in the future.
Agree. But I also think it comes down to physical limitations of all-in-one iMacs: Sure, Apple could definitely fit most of the chips and ports on a new, big M1-style iMac, and just have it be a "Pro" version of the 24" iMac.
But even if all the chips and ports are there, I think fitting everything in there would make for a very inefficient design that would either easily get very hot or be much thicker than what fits into Apple's current design language(much thinner profiles and no curved back of devices).
Yes, this new "modular, iMac Pro" ends up being quite expensive since there's no 5K monitor included with the Studio.
But in the end, I do think this is a better solution that checks most marks for both those that always wanted a truly "Pro" Mac mini and those that just want a new iMac Pro.
Yes, it's a lot of money if you're getting everything new right now. But being able to ditch the Mac Studio or the new Studio Display once either become obsolete is a big win in my book.
My only gripe now is that there isn't any great desktop option in-between Mac Studio and Mac mini.
I guess Apple considers the M1 iMac as that step but I'm not sure it really is.
I don’t this happening.
There’s definitely a market for a nice all in one friendly consumer computer at home. It’s also an eye catcher (love it or it hate but it is, whereas the Mac mini / Studio isn’t
So many mixed thoughts on this. I've had iMacs since I could afford to buy my own computer, back to my lime G3. Currently sitting on a late 2012 27" iMac which really feels like it's slowed down. I can't run the latest release of Adobe CC now, and the version of Photoshop I can run doesn't work properly.
When they announced the 24" last year, I was tempted but questioned the reduction in size, connectivity and a range of colours I don't really like. The benefits were an undoubtable upgrade in performance, slimmer form factor, better resolution display, better audio. As time went on and they released the M1 Pro and M1 Max, I began to feel that those chips (or better) will end up in the iMac, making the M1 feel dated.
I'm a graphic designer, I've always used the iMac for the Adobe suite of apps. Although I have a place of work with a computer there, the iMac at home has enabled me to do work in my own time (mainly tee shirts on Threadless). Whilst I don't need the performance of someone doing things like 3d rendering, video work or audio work, I do need something that isn't afraid of a 5GB photoshop file.
I'm not sure how capable the M1 is, but the iMac is a proven solution for me. I do wonder if the choice to go for 24" was a literal middle ground for apple to consolidate the iMac range.
I live in a small house and the iMac has always lived in the living room, but as we're going to be selling the house soon, an estate agent advised me to move the "massive computer" out of the living room. Instead I'm using an old 13" 2015 at home, the screen size is killing my eyes!
Sorry for the stream of consciousness ramble, in an ideal world they would do what they do with the iPhone range. Colourful iMacs for the masses, grown up coloured iMac Pros and an iMac Pro max for those who want a "massive computer" to quote the estate agent.
When they announced the 24" last year, I was tempted but questioned the reduction in size, connectivity and a range of colours I don't really like. The benefits were an undoubtable upgrade in performance, slimmer form factor, better resolution display, better audio. As time went on and they released the M1 Pro and M1 Max, I began to feel that those chips (or better) will end up in the iMac, making the M1 feel dated.
I'm a graphic designer, I've always used the iMac for the Adobe suite of apps. Although I have a place of work with a computer there, the iMac at home has enabled me to do work in my own time (mainly tee shirts on Threadless). Whilst I don't need the performance of someone doing things like 3d rendering, video work or audio work, I do need something that isn't afraid of a 5GB photoshop file.
I'm not sure how capable the M1 is, but the iMac is a proven solution for me. I do wonder if the choice to go for 24" was a literal middle ground for apple to consolidate the iMac range.
I live in a small house and the iMac has always lived in the living room, but as we're going to be selling the house soon, an estate agent advised me to move the "massive computer" out of the living room. Instead I'm using an old 13" 2015 at home, the screen size is killing my eyes!
Sorry for the stream of consciousness ramble, in an ideal world they would do what they do with the iPhone range. Colourful iMacs for the masses, grown up coloured iMac Pros and an iMac Pro max for those who want a "massive computer" to quote the estate agent.
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Ars is not a reputable source of information.
When other actually reputable sources of information starting saying this independently and not just quoting Ars then we can put more faith in this rumour.
This is EXCACTLY my situation and it's so utterly infuriating! There is clearly a HUGE market for the' larger' screened iMac, or at the very least, a slightly more 'Pro' version. I'm putting 'pro' in quotes, because Apple these days seem to simply like to label their top of the line/most expensive products as 'pro'.
In reality, I think many people who are 'professionals' in the creative industry are very much like you and I are. Moderate income, working either freelance or for companies that have limited hardware budgets. Therefore such people cannot afford to simply jump to a £3000+ 'studio' or similar set-up. We simply want/need a more competent iMac/All-In-One computer. I could just about manage with a 24" screen if pushed, but I certainly need more storage, 3-4tb+, more ports, a little more power if possible and more neutral colours. And preferably within the £2-3000 mark. This isn't asking a lot.
We have so many iPhone/Macbook/iPad/Watch variations, it seem ludicrous that they wouldn't offer an alternative version of the iMac. Absolutely gutting in fact. I've literally been hanging on for the last 2-3 years for this upgrade and now it feels like I finally may have to consider moving on from Apple, which I really don't want to do, but their product offering now just doesn't seem to suit my needs or is far too unaffordable. Such a shame.
Stuff gets out into the EoL bin all the time. A lot of it gets replaced with newer products. This is not an indication that it willow will not get replaced with something Apple Silicon related.
Also we all know Apple does not speculate on to tell us their future product lineups until they are ready to at Apple keynote events. This in includes what is not going to happen in the future. Is MR that naive not to understand this as well?
All this statement is saying is the current 27 inch Intel based iMac line is EoL. That's all.
Of cause the rumour mongers try to spin this into everything it is not - making up stuff.
The TLDR here is - Apple EoL'd 27 inch Intel iMacs and has said nothing and hinted at nothing regarding any possible future replacement of them or discontinuation of the concept from their lineup.
I'm quite sure most of that will come with the next upgrade for the 24".
Making a really big iMac on the other would easily go beyond that budget (even more if you BTO the storage up) given the way Apple would spec out such a device.
I agree!
The new kit looks like a PC lol
Never thought I’d see the day that I’d be forced to switch back to PC. Until today.
Yes, it’s almost as if they’re completely different people ?
Most of the articles are just quoting the same 1-2 primary sources to get more traffic to their own websites.
(well, as primary as you can get in the rumour business).
We need more actual sources before we cite this as true or a good chance of being true.
While I do like my 27" iMac a lot, I would much rather have Mini/Studio form factor with similar power and lower price, which I could pair with display of my own choice (probably 34" UWD, maybe even 38"). And while 21" iMac was starting to look a bit small, 24" is a pretty nice sweet spot for a home AIO computer.
Btw., I never liked iMac Pro, too hot and too small for the price. Studio is IMO much better alternative for most intended audience.
Btw., I never liked iMac Pro, too hot and too small for the price. Studio is IMO much better alternative for most intended audience.
My theory here is seeing as how everybody is having a stab at it; we're misinterpreting Apple. When they said during the keynote that the Mac Pro is the only one they will still have to put Apple Silicone in, they were being factual. The iMac has been updated after all. That doesn't mean there won't be an iMac Pro down the road. Now there simply is a fog of war going on with all analysts and speculators scrambling to come up with a new theory.
Smells of MR towing the Apple party line and keeping stum on this subject, maybe been warned or asked nicely to agree that the mighty 27 AIO is dead?
It’s subjective, but the Mac Mini + Studio display looks ten times better than the current iMacs, in my opinion.
I mean, the Studio display is what everyone wanted the redesigned iMac to look like in the first place.
I’m disappointed there’s not a smaller (and cheaper) version. I’d love a 21.5” or 24” Apple display.
Anyone who "needs" absolutely needs an iMac, also requires a white bezel and "fun" colors. And there's already a perfect iMac in a a perfect size for that market.
Nah the Mac mini as it stands is very strong for developers and many other professionals. Even for editing 45 MP RAW photos and 4k video. It is a much stronger option with the studio display than the entry level iMac 27inch. If you need more power you just go up to the Mac Studio. At least now you can start with a mini and work your way up as you need more power.