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Apple Reportedly Developing Larger iMac With Over 30-Inch Display

weezin said:
A coworker and I were just talking about the lack of a 27-inch iMac yesterday. He's on an older intel 27" iMac that is getting long in the tooth and we were discussing what would replace it. A Macbook Pro + Studio display? Probably, but that's really expensive and he doesn't actually have a need for a laptop. A Mac Studio + Studio display? Even more expensive and doesn't net him anything. A 27-inch (or 30-inch) iMac would be the right product for him. Probably for me too!
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Again folks are presuming that Apple is going to price this at the old 'mainstream' 27" model prices. That isn't necessarily the case ( especially if substantively crank up the screen size).

If 27" iMac is older than 2017 and is sufficient to get stuff done haven't bought a 2020 model when had the chance, then Mini and Mini Pro are also possible options.

For the $1700-2,000 much older iMac 27 from 3-4 generations ago the Mini is no where near as crippled as it was in 2014 or 2018. The Mac Studio is Apple's 'direct substitute' answer for stuff that was more so at the top of the iMac 27" BTO configurations, but the Mini Pro is covering that lower end for many and the Mini covers for a few more.

if just want to do normal 'office apps' + email + web browser + edit video/pictures from camera/phone + misc apps. the Mini can work fine. That is probably taking a decent chunk out of what used to be "herded into an iMac" sales.
 
deconstruct60 said:
Again folks are presuming that Apple is going to price this at the old 'mainstream' 27" model prices. That isn't necessarily the case ( especially if substantively crank up the screen size).
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Anything is possible now that covid is not impeding Apple manufacturing to the extent it was. ;)
Using the M2 15" MBA as an example, that was not priced as high as some predicted. So just as MBA vs MBP pricing goes, iMac pricing doesn't have to be against what is Mac Studio selling for.
 
Realityck said:
Anything is possible now that covid is not impeding Apple manufacturing to the extent it was. ;)
Using the M2 15" MBA as an example, that was not priced as high as some predicted. So just as MBA vs MBP pricing goes, iMac pricing doesn't have to be against what is Mac Studio selling for.
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If they were using the same LG 5K 27" display they have always used, then yes, I could see an iMac 5K with an M3/8GB/512GB coming in at $1999 which would be within range of the old Intel model.

But a 31.5" 6K display is going to be a whole 'nother level in pricing considering the MSRP for the Dell U3224KB is $3200 and that is for 60Hz with Full Array backlighting. The people who are hoping for MiniLED / OLED and ProMotion...

And yes, Apple released the base iMac 5K in 2014 with an i5/8GB/HDD for the same price as Dell charged for their UP2715K 5K display, but even if they do the same with this ~32" iMac, it is going to be twice the price of the 24" iMac with 8GB/512GB.
 
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CWallace said:
If they were using the same LG 5K 27" display they have always used, then yes, I could see an iMac 5K with an M3/8GB/512GB coming in at $1999 which would be within range of the old Intel model.

But a 31.5" 6K display is going to be a whole 'nother level in pricing considering the MSRP for the Dell U3224KB is $3200 and that is for 60Hz with Full Array backlighting. The people who are hoping for MiniLED / OLED and ProMotion...

And yes, Apple released the base iMac 5K in 2014 with an i5/8GB/HDD for the same price as Dell charged for their UP2715K 5K display, but even if they do the same with this ~32" iMac, it is going to be twice the price of the 24" iMac with 8GB/512GB.
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Aren't we assuming that display size/resolution is on the high end offerings then what would be more common place and less expensive? The current 24" example is just a 23.5' 4.5K display. (4480x2520 w/retina 2240x1260)

It really doesn't need to be anything higher than the previous resolution (5120 x 2880 w/retina 2560x1440). Given the cost of OLED that might be what we see soon, rather then the very economical LCD LED edge lit panels.

Someone wants something more unique let them buy it, then put all this cost on the very patient iMac fans that are OK with just a larger iMac. :D
 
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Realityck said:
Aren't we assuming that display size/resolution is on the high end offerings then what would be more common place and less expensive? The current 24" example is just a 23.5' 4.5K display. (4480x2520 w/retina 2240x1260)

It really doesn't need to be anything higher than the previous resolution (5120 x 2880 w/retina 2560x1140). Given the cost of OLED that might be what we see soon, rather then the very economical LCD LED edge lit panels.

Someone wants something more unique let them buy it, then put all this cost on the very patient iMac fans that are OK with just a larger iMac. :D
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31.5" at 5120x2880 would be 186ppi, which while a fair bit better than 31.5" 4K displays, is not Retina. Hence why Apple went with a custom 4.5K screen for the iMac instead of using LG's 24" 4K UltraFine panel (which is 184ppi).

So I fully expect Apple to use a 6016 by 3384 pixel display, though they do have options: the XDR panel, the LG "IPS Black" in the Dell U3224KB or the upcoming BOE panel. Apple could also go nuts and use the BOE 31.5″ panel with a 7680 x 4320 resolution at 280 PPI.
 
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CWallace said:
31.5" at 5120x2880 would be 186ppi, which while a fair bit better than 31.5" 4K displays, is not Retina. Hence why Apple went with a custom 4.5K screen for the iMac instead of using LG's 24" 4K UltraFine panel (which is 184ppi).

So I fully expect Apple to use a 6016 by 3384 pixel display, though they do have options: the XDR panel, the LG "IPS Black" in the Dell U3224KB or the upcoming BOE panel. Apple could also go nuts and use the BOE 31.5″ panel with a 7680 x 4320 resolution at 280 PPI.
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I think you're right. And if that's the case it will cost $$$$. Apple isn't selling a 6K 32" iMac on the cheap.

FWIW - As long as it has target display mode and can be used as a stand alone monitor, I'm okay with it costing a fair amount.
 
CWallace said:
31.5" at 5120x2880 would be 186ppi, which while a fair bit better than 31.5" 4K displays, is not Retina. Hence why Apple went with a custom 4.5K screen for the iMac instead of using LG's 24" 4K UltraFine panel (which is 184ppi).

So I fully expect Apple to use a 6016 by 3384 pixel display, though they do have options: the XDR panel, the LG "IPS Black" in the Dell U3224KB or the upcoming BOE panel. Apple could also go nuts and use the BOE 31.5″ panel with a 7680 x 4320 resolution at 280 PPI.
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I really like to see Apple support HDR and/or 120hz with larger displays then worry about higher then 5K resolutions given the cost with any larger future iMac. ;)
 
robertgarven said:
Get on it! my late 2015 cant run Ventura, named after the city I live in ironically........
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Right. My wife is using our late 2015 and refuses any form of upgrade. Loves the thing. I'm good with her using it as long as Apple is delivering security updates.
 
I get why they don't want to do a new 27, when they've got the studio display, but 24 is too small and 30 is too big. For a lot of people 27 is the sweet spot
 
jazzerd8 said:
I don’t know how you can even function still on a 2012!
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it works great no issues, the only annoyance is i cant upgrade to new versions of mac os. Upgraded to 24 gb ram when i first got it, then 2 years ago plugged in a samsung ssd in one of the usb ports in the back to replace the fusion drive.
 
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gagaliya said:
You guys with 2017 imacs are complaining? i got a dang 2012 version and still waiting….

Plan: wait for 3nm m3 to come out, if by then still no firm “rumors“ on a release date for new imac, buy the m3 pro Mac mini and apple/Samsung monitor, put the Mac mini on the monitor and call it a day.
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Well, my 2017 5k iMac won't be getting Sonoma later this year, and now would be as good a time as any to start thinking of what my next step would be, when the time does come to replace it.

I mean, replacing it with another AOI would be the easiest solution, but part of me wonders if I am just kicking the can down the road. It was an easy call to make in the past when an iMac was the only viable consumer desktop Mac that didn't suck and high-res monitors were still prohibitively expensive. Now we have the M2 Pro Mac Mini, and I finally have the opportunity to get a desktop I can replace at any time without feeling like a waste that I have to throw out a perfectly good 5k monitor along with it.

But yeah, I will probably do the same thing as you.
 
Realityck said:
I really like to see Apple support HDR and/or 120hz with larger displays then worry about higher then 5K resolutions given the cost with any larger future iMac. ;)
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Support HDR? Apple invents new words like 'XDR' for that. :)

120HHz on larger display at higher than 5K resolutions is a substantial bandwidth problem. Doubtful Apple is in a huge hurry to do that because they would be leaving the vast majority of the current deployed units Mac line up behind. Apple dragging their feet on DPv2.1 is indicative that they are probably not focused on that.

The hype train on 120+ Hz display is firmly grounded in the 4K and down resolution zone. Apple isn't likely at all to do some > 30" but 4K (or lower) display just to crank the Hz.

They have been some rumors about a 27" 5K mini-LED display that is being time shifted later.

www.macrumors.com

Apple's Rumored 27-Inch Display With ProMotion No Longer Planned 'For Now'

Apple has abandoned its plans to release a 27-inch external monitor with mini-LED backlighting, according to Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain...
www.macrumors.com www.macrumors.com


The longer that get pushed 'out' into the future the more it looks like a next-gen Studio Display. Apple seems likely to cover this area , just not with an iMac. ProMotion for all Macs has bigger ecosystem uplift than ProMotion for just some Macs.
 
30 inch would be perfect for me I was looking for that combo the Mac Studio and 30" screen and almost bought one but I couldn't find a 30 inch display that was decent except for the $5000 one that Apple makes which is ridiculous especially since you have to pay extra for the stand.... I am waiting for the new larger iMac. If they came out with a decent 30" display I would still consider the studio. That way when it breaks down it is easier than carrying the huge iMac to the store.....
 
My 2014 iMac 27" is still going strong....holding out for the next gen!! Before you leave us Steve Cook, please deliver us a new iMac 27" or larger!!! Will fly off the shelves!!!! 🙏:apple:
 
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MiniJulz said:
My 2014 iMac 27" is still going strong....holding out for the next gen!! Before you leave us Steve Cook, please deliver us a new iMac 27" or larger!!! Will fly off the shelves!!!! 🙏:apple:
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Back when the 24" was introduced a 27" model would have flew off the shelves even if it was M1 based. Now that 2 years has passed and we are using the M2/M2 Pro/M2 Max there is ample performance gains to be had in a large all-in one. It will also be more cost effective to sell then separate components IMHO. There is no additive costs from using two separate form factors with part redundancy as with Studio + Studio display, it's just one box that has it all, and thus decreases the cost to make. :cool:
 
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Really kind of pissed at this. I have been a 2017 5k iMac user for the past seven years, and was dismayed to see that it is being dropped from new Mac OS versions. I refuse to downsize my display to the 24” 4.5k M1 iMac. To be honest, 27” 5k was starting to feel to small for all the windows I wanted to spread out while teaching on Zoom. I would have much preferred a 32” 6k or a 40” 8k iMac. But no, Apple dragged its feet, and I fell for it: I just bought a M2 Max Studio to run a 55” 8k TV as a display.
 
I'm not throwing out a perfectly good display when the computer needs to be upgraded. Lower the price of the Studio Display instead.
 
EugW said:
Give us a 5K 29.5" iMac And a 5K 29.5 standalone display please, at 200 ppi.

I know they won't, so I wonder what a 30"+ display's resolution would be. Same 218 ppi yet again?


I wonder if such a mythical beast would come with only M3 Pro, meaning minimum 16 GB, and possibly no 24 GB option. Only memory upgrade option 32 GB.
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Being as the new 24” came in 4.5k, they could maybe go for 30-31” 5.5k

We are still holding out on 30” ACD 😂
Been waiting years for a 30” iMac!
 
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