Buying a 27-inch iMac in July 2021, am I out of my mind?

[MetalMK]

A bit of background, I'm a graphic designer who currently uses a 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro. Although the screen is spectacular, the size leaves much to be desired, so I've always wanted a bigger screen. At first, I wanted to buy a monitor so I can plug my MacBook Pro in at home, and take the laptop to work, but there's just nothing that can match Apple's Retina display, not even the 27-inch 5k LG UltraFire monitor according to this comparison.

I then shifted my attention to the 27-inch iMac, although it would be difficult to seamlessly transfer files between my MacBook Pro and the iMac, the display is significantly better than basically anything in its price range, plus you get a computer. The issue here is, with the M1X/M2 Apple Silicone on the way, does it still make sense to buy it right now, probably the last version of the current generation iMac, in the last few months of production, and I already have a pretty capable laptop from 3 years ago that I almost maxed out? I would literally be buying it for the display and the increase of gaming performance compared to my MacBook Pro.

The performance on the current 27-inch iMac is really good with its 10th generation Intel processor and AMD 5000 series GPU, it would be helpful since I do play games a bit on Bootcamp (which the MacBook Pro is already pretty capable of). But money doesn't grow on trees, and I definitely don't want my iMac and MacBook Pro to be outdated in 3 years when Apple ditches Intel support completely like it did when it made the switch from PowerPC to Intel, or develop new features exclusive to Apple Silicone processors, leaving my two computers that costed almost $10k when new useless.

 

[JuicelessMango]

0 chance I would buy an intel 27inch iMac atm with the rumors saying the new 27's will be sometime later this year.

 

[chscag]

But money doesn't grow on trees, and I definitely don't want my iMac and MacBook Pro to be outdated in 3 years when Apple ditches Intel support completely like it did when it made the switch from PowerPC to Intel, or develop new features exclusive to Apple Silicone processors, leaving my two computers that costed almost $10k when new useless.

You said it all. I currently own a 2017 27" 5K iMac, but there is no way I would purchase a new Intel anything. I will wait to see what Apple does to replace the current 27" iMac.

We all remember too well when Apple ditched the PPC for Intel. History is repeating.

 

[MetalMK]

0 chance I would buy an intel 27inch iMac atm with the rumors saying the new 27's will be sometime later this year.

But will it actually come later this year, or will it get delayed again and again so Apple can focus on the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros. Plus, it won't get Bootcamp support, and a lot of Adobe programs still need Rosetta 2 and has known issues (https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/apple-silicon-m1-chip.html).

 

[za9ra22]

..... leaving my two computers that costed almost $10k when new useless.

Perhaps a poor choice of phrasing, but of course if you do decide on a 27-inch Intel iMac and Apple do release Apple Silicon only features in the future, it won't mean your iMac is any more useless than it was when you bought it. It just won't be usable for features/services/functionality we don't even know yet is ever going to exist. It will, however, still be perfectly good for at least the uses for which you bought it to begin with.

That said, since it is almost inevitable that some features in upcoming OS releases will be Apple Silicon only, and most developers will sideline software development for Macs with Intel hardware, I would personally not seriously consider an Intel system purchase at this point onward, unless it is for a specific and immediate purpose. It just doesn't make any long-term sense to do so, because as with PPC systems, there will not even be much of a market left for selling a used one into.

In a situation such as you describe, I would probably opt to add an external display on the MacBook Pro, and wait and see how the M1 hardware releases go in the somewhat-near future, and see if there's a system that is going to suit your needs and budget in amongst them.

I'd say the best premise in this situation is to not spend money on a new system until the new products are known, or until you really have to.

 

[Apple_Robert]

There is nothing wrong with the 27" 5k iMac. I had the 2017 model as well. It is a powerhouse. However, I wouldn't buy one again, unless I knew for sure the upcoming Silicon models wouldn't fit my current need. I think you will get more production and tech bang for your buck by waiting several more months to see what Apple unveils.

 

[MetalMK]

Perhaps a poor choice of phrasing, but of course if you do decide on a 27-inch Intel iMac and Apple do release Apple Silicon only features in the future, it won't mean your iMac is any more useless than it was when you bought it. It just won't be usable for features/services/functionality we don't even know yet is ever going to exist. It will, however, still be perfectly good for at least the uses for which you bought it to begin with.

That said, since it is almost inevitable that some features in upcoming OS releases will be Apple Silicon only, and most developers will sideline software development for Macs with Intel hardware, I would personally not seriously consider an Intel system purchase at this point onward, unless it is for a specific and immediate purpose. It just doesn't make any long-term sense to do so, because as with PPC systems, there will not even be much of a market left for selling a used one into.

"Useless" is inaccurate, apologizes. What I meant to say was when I buy an Apple product, the premium I pay is for the Mac operation system and the Apple ecosystem. If Apple develops a new feature exclusive to the Apple Silicone processors, it would probably leave a bad taste in my mouth, knowing I paid more for an Intel model, yet did not get the feature, even though I have no clue what this feature will be yet.

In a situation such as you describe, I would probably opt to add an external display on the MacBook Pro, and wait and see how the M1 hardware releases go in the somewhat-near future, and see if there's a system that is going to suit your needs and budget in amongst them.

That was my first choice, however, I could not find a monitor that provides the same quality as the Apple Retina display. Like the video I attached in the main post, the LG monitor in Apple Store can't even match the colour accuracy of the 5k iMac screen. Perhaps you have some suggestions?

With the new generation of iMac, probably coming later this year or next year, it definitely will not have the ability to add RAM yourself, or run Windows via Bootcamp. I'm honestly caught between a rock and a hard place at the moment: Either wait for Apple to announce the new iMac which will probably be a more powerful 24-inch iMac with the lack of ability to add more RAM and run Bootcamp, or buy one now and get stuck with the old design and processor. 🤯

 

[MetalMK]

... by waiting several more months to see what Apple unveils.

That is a good idea but I'm also worried that Apple will completely replace the iMac with the Apple Silicone model in the Apple Store as soon as it's announced, and I won't have the ability to buy one new, let alone customizing the specification to my likings.

 

[Apple_Robert]

That is a good idea but I'm also worried that Apple will completely replace the iMac with the Apple Silicone model in the Apple Store as soon as it's announced, and I won't have the ability to buy one new, let alone customizing the specification to my likings.

You bring up a valid concern. You have a catch 22 situation.

 

[ikir]

Wait for M1X, if you can

 

[Realityck]

That is a good idea but I'm also worried that Apple will completely replace the iMac with the Apple Silicone model in the Apple Store as soon as it's announced, and I won't have the ability to buy one new, let alone customizing the specification to my likings.

The upgradable generation of Macs seems to be disappearing. I kinda waited 2 months to see what was happening with 27" iMacs, but it was quite apparent that the 2nd generation of Apple Silicon is not going to come rapidly, especially given the late April. available late May 24" M1 iMacs. There is at least a 6 month delay between Apple Silicone model introductions. Yes I am implying that Nov/Dec for M1X/M2 if it does happen to allow >16GB RAM. Now the 24" 4.5K display Mac is a retina (2240x1260 218 dpi default) and it will drive a 5k/6k display. You do have however very fast I/O to consider. My old 27" is now recycled as I needed a replacement and no matter how many rumors are mentioned every 2 weeks here on MacRumors things never happen as fast as some hope.

 

[za9ra22]

"Useless" is inaccurate, apologizes. What I meant to say was when I buy an Apple product, the premium I pay is for the Mac operation system and the Apple ecosystem. If Apple develops a new feature exclusive to the Apple Silicone processors, it would probably leave a bad taste in my mouth, knowing I paid more for an Intel model, yet did not get the feature, even though I have no clue what this feature will be yet.


That was my first choice, however, I could not find a monitor that provides the same quality as the Apple Retina display. Like the video I attached in the main post, the LG monitor in Apple Store can't even match the colour accuracy of the 5k iMac screen. Perhaps you have some suggestions?

With the new generation of iMac, probably coming later this year or next year, it definitely will not have the ability to add RAM yourself, or run Windows via Bootcamp. I'm honestly caught between a rock and a hard place at the moment: Either wait for Apple to announce the new iMac which will probably be a more powerful 24-inch iMac with the lack of ability to add more RAM and run Bootcamp, or buy one now and get stuck with the old design and processor. 🤯

I would not be looking for an external display to provide the same quality as Apple retina. Not only is this a hopeless quest in itself, but it isn't really necessary. If you take it as fact that what you want is an external display for the MBP to tide you over until you get a better sight of the Apple Silicon options over the next few months, you have the luxury of also assuming this will subsequently be used as the secondary display on your (future) iMac. As such it doesn't need to be 'as good', just 'good enough' as a short(ish) term workspace display, and longer-term secondary monitor to a retina Mac.

I do think it is inevitable that some - perhaps even many - features in future releases of macOS, and most releases of Mac apps, will be Apple Silicon biased, if not exclusive, so while I would expect Apple to ensure essential bug and security fixes are released for both platforms for some years (5-7 at a guess), I do think you'd be likely to feel you're 'stuck with the old design and processor' if you opt for an Intel iMac now.

The uncertainties over architecture, upgradability, model specifications and hardware suitability while we're as-yet less than a year into the Apple silicon transition, means it makes sense to wait if you can. And from what you say, your MBP, with a reasonably good, even if not exceptional external display gives you that option at a reasonable potential cost.

 

[pmiles]

No computer is useless unless it fails to power up or literally cannot do what you want it to do. Also remember that what it cannot do is a subjective... it can display your work at a resolution that is acceptable now, it just cannot display it at a higher resolution than you've actually needed in the past. You would like it to display your work at a higher resolution, but it's not like it's incapable of doing it's job as it always has.

So here we are, in the want versus need, stage. You clearly want something new, for reasons really other than need. That's fine, the whole world revolves around wants and needs. Now it is no secret that ARM is replacing everything that Apple has. Which means anything not ARM, while still functional, will be considered the red-headed step child by Apple. Legally, they must support a system for x number of years, but in reality, said support is limited at best, because they are focused entirely on the new architecture, not the old. Now this is fine if you are a tinkerer and don't mind basically turning your current system into a hackintosh... because that is the only way you will keep it running modern anything in the near future. If you're not a tinkerer, then buying INTEL anything is probably a really bad idea.

Next up, Windows. You have a need to run Windows. You currently do so under bootcamp. Bootcamp doesn't exist on the ARM Macs. Apple has basically said, they aren't going to support it and leave it up to someone else to deal with. So unless you want to run Windows under emulation, your stuck with either an actual PC or an INTEL based Mac. If all you boot into Windows for is gaming, get a gaming PC. You can build them for cheap. It will not be constrained by lack of hardware support by Apple.

So if we separate gaming on Windows from your other need, assume you aren't a tinkerer and want to be on the forefront of the latest Apple changes to it's ecosystem, then ARM is it. But you have a need for a larger display, correct that, a want. The current systems don't offer that. You could get an external display to meet your needs, but I'll wager you're not looking to turn your desk into your own little mini IT department, with adapters, switches, cables, et al. So where does that bring you?

The prosumer level ARM Macs... of which there are none as of yet. So, you can either wait for it and potentially get exactly what you want, or you can jump the gun and get something your know is not what you want, but will fulfill your need for now. You know, like the machine you currently have, only it's capable of running bootcamp.

Want is very impatient. Takes a little bit of stamina to wait for something. But in almost every case, waiting is the better choice.

 

[Warped9]

Want vs. need is very well put. If you’re not desperate for a new machine then relax and wait for the bigger iMac to arrive. I suspect it won’t be as long a wait as some seem to fear. I suspect it will be sometime this autumn or at the worst in the spring.

 

[allan.nyholm]

Go ahead and buy that iMac of your immediate dreams and enjoy the 5K display. There's many answers on what you should do. I've given mine.

If I wanted an icecream and I went pass the icecream shop with money in hand and then didn't buy an icecream - I guess I didn't get an icecream that day and I could spent a large amount thinking about why I didn't buy that icecream earlier.

I'll just say that that the BootCamp stuff is all well and fine, but for someone like me who doesn't play computer games that would require a Windows installation in BootCamp - I can't give any advice on that.

The sad part is that Apple stops certain functions from working on Intel Macs with their upcoming macOS Monterey. Personally I have learned that the silicon Macs are very good and speedy.

I don't require much more speed in my computer to open Music and Sketch and watch a movie, but when the signs are there that the company that brings the Macs to market doesn't let the customer have all the features of their previous Intel CPU Macs, then I feel sorely pooped all over with a molting hot diarrhoea in all orifices. It's not a good look.

Any newer iMac than this i5 2015 would be good for me... okay, I lied about the speed. I want an i7 and the latest gen Intel CPU. I guess that's the 2019 or so iMac models. The 2GB graphics card model I have is just too little for someone that is me. The double of that would be great. That's a lesson to all.. don't buy the middle or lowest end Mac from Apple. Always the largest tier model Mac.

 

[One2Grift]

There is nothing wrong with the 27" 5k iMac. I had the 2017 model as well. It is a powerhouse. However, I wouldn't buy one again, unless I knew for sure the upcoming Silicon models wouldn't fit my current need. I think you will get more production and tech bang for your buck by waiting several more months to see what Apple unveils.

Normally I'm a don't fret buying because 'what if' something comes down the road, however, for this it's much more tangible. Apple undoubtedly wants their silicon in their Mac offerings. So the odds are better that by the holiday period they will be introduced (nothing is guaranteed though).

 

[Airch]

So you said you’re a designer…..does any of the software you need run on windows? And this is not the same as PowerPC. This is Intel. Biggest PC chip maker on Earth. I don’t see apple dropping support for these for at least 5yrs. And as new features come out, Intel machines may not get them. That’s fine as long as they do what they did on the day you bought it right? I’m in this same predicament, but some of the software I want to be able to run is windows only/windows best…..

 

[MetalMK]

So you said you’re a designer…..does any of the software you need run on windows? And this is not the same as PowerPC. This is Intel. Biggest PC chip maker on Earth. I don’t see apple dropping support for these for at least 5yrs. And as new features come out, Intel machines may not get them. That’s fine as long as they do what they did on the day you bought it right? I’m in this same predicament, but some of the software I want to be able to run is windows only/windows best…..

I've mentioned it in the previous comments. A lot of Adobe programs which I use daily still need Rosetta 2 and has known issues mentioned on the Adobe website (https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/apple-silicon-m1-chip.html). I mainly use Bootcamp for some casual gaming and to use my Oculus VR stuff, since they aren't supported by Mac whatsoever.

However, I do believe that once M1X/M2 gets put into more professional computers, like the 16-inch MacBook Pro and the iMac, even the Mac Pro, they will receive native support from Adobe. Fingers crossed.

 

[synicalx1]

OP I was/am currently in your exact situation, and I ended up buying a 27" Intel iMac. My reasoning;

1. There's still big expensive Intel Mac's on sale, so they're not being abandoned anytime in the next couple of years

2. Other than a couple of gimmicks that need the Neural Engine, there's no useful features of Monterey that aren't coming to Intel.

3. The resale value of my current x86 hardware is way higher than it would normally be due to various shortages.

4. I retain Bootcamp as an option, should I ever wish to use it. Might be nice for VR etc.

5. Most importantly; I know how the current gen iMac will perform, but I have zero idea how the "new" iMac will perform or even if it will come out this year. I also have no idea how much a new iMac might cost, or how many will be available for purchase (might be waiting months).

EDIT: One last, a very important point; RAM. I can upgrade the RAM on an Intel cheaply and easily, however I highly doubt anything will be user-serviceable on M1's so I'd be stuck paying Apple's RAM prices if I wanted more than 8GB.

 

[MetalMK]

OP I was/am currently in your exact situation, and I ended up buying a 27" Intel iMac. My reasoning;

1. There's still big expensive Intel Mac's on sale, so they're not being abandoned anytime in the next couple of years

2. Other than a couple of gimmicks that need the Neural Engine, there's no useful features of Monterey that aren't coming to Intel.

3. The resale value of my current x86 hardware is way higher than it would normally be due to various shortages.

4. I retain Bootcamp as an option, should I ever wish to use it. Might be nice for VR etc.

5. Most importantly; I know how the current gen iMac will perform, but I have zero idea how the "new" iMac will perform or even if it will come out this year. I also have no idea how much a new iMac might cost, or how many will be available for purchase (might be waiting months).

EDIT: One last, a very important point; RAM. I can upgrade the RAM on an Intel cheaply and easily, however I highly doubt anything will be user-serviceable on M1's so I'd be stuck paying Apple's RAM prices if I wanted more than 8GB.

Another factor I have to consider is the fact that I already have a decently spec'd MacBook Pro that's capable of doing nearly everything I need, minus things like the screen size. I'm just worried that with the introduction of the new generation iMac, I will miss the ability to swap RAM, install Windows natively with Bootcamp, and run games better than my current laptop. Damn this is hard.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Friends don't let friends buy Intel iMacs.

 

[KaliYoni]

Damn this is hard.

Here's another way to think about your decision. In financial markets, having the option to do something has value.

So buying an Intel iMac that gives you the option to run Boot Camp, add or remove RAM, use software not compatible with Apple Silicon, connect devices using ports other than USB-C, use a built-in Ethernet port, and do anything else M-series Macs don't support if you choose, has value above and beyond the day-to-day use of the machine. And if Apple stops selling Intel Macs altogether, the value of this option greatly increases. The actual value to you depends on what you do with your computer now and how you anticipate using your computer(s) over, say, the next 3-18 months.

 

[staypuftforums]

"Useless" is inaccurate, apologizes. What I meant to say was when I buy an Apple product, the premium I pay is for the Mac operation system and the Apple ecosystem. If Apple develops a new feature exclusive to the Apple Silicone processors, it would probably leave a bad taste in my mouth, knowing I paid more for an Intel model, yet did not get the feature, even though I have no clue what this feature will be yet.


That was my first choice, however, I could not find a monitor that provides the same quality as the Apple Retina display. Like the video I attached in the main post, the LG monitor in Apple Store can't even match the colour accuracy of the 5k iMac screen. Perhaps you have some suggestions?

With the new generation of iMac, probably coming later this year or next year, it definitely will not have the ability to add RAM yourself, or run Windows via Bootcamp. I'm honestly caught between a rock and a hard place at the moment: Either wait for Apple to announce the new iMac which will probably be a more powerful 24-inch iMac with the lack of ability to add more RAM and run Bootcamp, or buy one now and get stuck with the old design and processor. 🤯

You don’t have to wait 3 years - I believe there are already features that are exclusive to Apple silicon Macs.

That said, the “feature” of running Windows and Linux natively more than makes up for that, in my opinion.

 

[TheralSadurns]

I'd 100% wait.
Even if there wasn't an architecture switch... the 27" iMac is OLD.
With Apple I can only recommend to ALWAYS buy stuff the moment it comes out. OR if you can get a huge discount.
(Obviously if your current machine breaks and you need a new one asap... this does not apply.)
Also... I don't trust this video above.
All displays have some variation that'll show if you but the same monitor 5 times and put them next to one another. To my knowledge the iMac and LG Ultrafine just the exact same panel. (Plus it's not like there's many companies that make such panels to begin with. LG, Samsung, Japan Display... and that's almost it.)

Plus... you say you are a graphic designer... but don't go into detail. Do you really need THE BEST screen out there? Safe for the XDR display? If you've gotten by with your MBP's 15" one?

Another thing I can recommend is visiting https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/best/by-size/40-42-43-inch#conclusion

And check the reviews of 40-43" TVs as a PC Monitor. This would give you NATIVE 4k at 1-to-1 / 100% scaling. It's a HUGE canvas to work with... and you will have zero scaling artifacts.
For more info on that... read: https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays/

A 40-43" TV here hits the sweet spot... will cost between $300-500 and offer the equivalent workspace of 4 1080p displays in a 2x2 grid. It will NOT be retina... aka @2x resolution... for this it would have to be 8k... buuuuuuut it's spacious... quality is pretty solid. And it's cheap.

 

[gmm421]

Another factor I have to consider is the fact that I already have a decently spec'd MacBook Pro that's capable of doing nearly everything I need, minus things like the screen size. I'm just worried that with the introduction of the new generation iMac, I will miss the ability to swap RAM, install Windows natively with Bootcamp, and run games better than my current laptop. Damn this is hard.

I recently bought a 2018 Macmini because I need Mac OS and Windows (not ARM-based) and I have no time for experimenting. Why not just connect the laptop to an external display, such as an LG Ultrafine. made for Macs. Then, when you want to get a new Mac, get a Macmini to hook up to the new display.