iMac 2020 what to expect?

[archrider]

I think once SSD is standard throughout the iMac range, as long as RAM access is still feasible that's all most users will really need.

I think the larger fusion drives when split are usable by most users. I realize that kind of a make shift solution and a straight SSD would be a more direct solution. Like I said though the thunderbolt connection is as good and fast as most computer internal interface.

 

[askunk]

I think the larger fusion drives when split are usable by most users. I realize that kind of a make shift solution and a straight SSD would be a more direct solution. Like I said though the thunderbolt connection is as good and fast as most computer internal interface.

Uhm... I really doubt Apple will keep using HDDs in the next iMac. The T2 doesn't work with HDD, thus it would keep the iMac another time behind the security level of any other Mac or iOS device. Nonsense.

Re TB3...no, not at all. PCI-e, Infinity Fabric (see MP's Vegas) and the RAM bus do go much faster than TB3. In fact, it is quite easy to saturate the bandwidth of an e-GPU on TB3 if you choose a powerful model. Performances of Radeon 7 or Vega 64 have been recorded at around 80% of the internal versions.

 

[MistrSynistr]

If they update the chassis in 2020 I'll grab one. I have a 2015 5k, and it still runs perfectly but I love new tech.

 

[dapa0s]

So are there any news on when we should be expecting the new iMac 2020? I found nothing online..

 

[CWallace]

Uhm... I really doubt Apple will keep using HDDs in the next iMac. The T2 doesn't work with HDD, thus it would keep the iMac another time behind the security level of any other Mac or iOS device. Nonsense.

I could see the 27" (larger) model going all-SSD and adding the T2, but I think they are going to need a Fusion Drive model in the 24" (smaller) model to keep the price "reasonable" (for an iMac).

 

[nutmac]

2020 seems prime for redesigned iMac with slimmer bezel, SSD-only, redesigned cooling.

Like 16-inch MacBook Pro before it, I can see iMac switching to different sized screens, perhaps 24- and 32-inch screens with higher resolution.

With new iMac getting improved cooling, perhaps iMac Pro isn't necessary anymore?

iMac Pro has a Xeon processor with higher-end config offering 18 core count and 256 GB maximum RAM. New 10th gen non-Xeon i9 X-series maxes out at 18 cores and 256 GB maximum RAM as well, without Xeon features like ECC RAM and higher maximum # of PCIe lanes.

With Mac Pro filling the Xeon processor gap, I think Apple can eliminate iMac Pro altogether. Offering i9 X-series, 256 GB RAM, 8 GB SSD, pro GPU, and space gray color options should be enough.

 

[dapa0s]

Everyone is guessing and stating their opinion, but there are still no rumors coming from Apple or any leaker. It doesn't really fill me with confidence and makes me want to buy the refurbished 2019 model, though I agree that it's very outdated now...

 

[CWallace]

Everyone is guessing and stating their opinion, but there are still no rumors coming from Apple or any leaker. It doesn't really fill me with confidence and makes me want to buy the refurbished 2019 model, though I agree that it's very outdated now...

Well for a Mac, generally the only leaks are from the supply chain so if Apple is planning a redesign, we won't hear anything until they start production so people working on those lines can leak to Ming Chi Kuo.

 

[Moonjumper]

Look at HP's latest machine. 4k 32" HDR display. HDR600 certification and the 'chin' is a Bang and Olufsen sound bar.

I like it having a pop-up webcam, although the implementation looks a bit clunky. I've hardly ever used the webcam, so having it hidden away is nice. I have a sliding cover over mine, but wish the camera just wasn't there. I was a lecturer until recently. It was not unusual to see stickers over their laptop cameras. I'm not the only one covering it.

 

[askunk]

I could see the 27" (larger) model going all-SSD and adding the T2, but I think they are going to need a Fusion Drive model in the 24" (smaller) model to keep the price "reasonable" (for an iMac).

I think they'll keep selling the old models for a while. No new models with HDDs.

 

[nutmac]

Everyone is guessing and stating their opinion, but there are still no rumors coming from Apple or any leaker. It doesn't really fill me with confidence and makes me want to buy the refurbished 2019 model, though I agree that it's very outdated now...

All that amounts to is new iMac not likely launching this spring. It's also possible that Apple is waiting for 10th generation Intel CPU, which will increase the core counts and RAM capacity.

 

[dapa0s]

All that amounts to is new iMac not likely launching this spring. It's also possible that Apple is waiting for 10th generation Intel CPU, which will increase the core counts and RAM capacity.

I'm betting on the latter, and I don't really have any hope for a redesign. Last year there were absolutely no rumors, and then the 2019 models suddenly just rolled out. It was kinda weird, but oh well...

 

[sublunar]

I like it having a pop-up webcam, although the implementation looks a bit clunky. I've hardly ever used the webcam, so having it hidden away is nice. I have a sliding cover over mine, but wish the camera just wasn't there. I was a lecturer until recently. It was not unusual to see stickers over their laptop cameras. I'm not the only one covering it.

I believe I heard from the Daring Fireball podcast that the reason why the Apple Display XDR doesn't have a webcam is for security reasons (eg if you're working in a Marvel VFX house you don't want any leaks). The screen would not have been an option in places like that.

Could it make sense that a future iMac Pro redesign dispenses with the camera for the same reason if they keep it upmarket? A pop up webcam doesn't sound very Apple-like, and you have to wonder if an AIO SKU without the webcam might make a re-imagined iMac Pro more popular with corporate customers. Logitech have produced a 3rd party magnetic webcam for people who want one.

Without a team of on-site next day tech support guys they may have to help Apple Geniuses replace faulty parts by making an iMac Pro more easily repairable - something that might set one apart from a redesigned continuing iMac.

Well for a Mac, generally the only leaks are from the supply chain so if Apple is planning a redesign, we won't hear anything until they start production so people working on those lines can leak to Ming Chi Kuo.

And the Mac supply chain is generally very good at keeping secrets - the Mac Pro is an example.
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I think they'll keep selling the old models for a while. No new models with HDDs.

Quite feasible that a 21.5" iMac with hard drive could continue as 'the cheap option'

 

[askunk]

Intel has unveiled Comet Lake for notebooks, shipping within the end of Q3.

I take there is no chance the desktop line will come out before. Once more Intel delays their own agenda.

New iMac in June? I don't want to wait till October... 🙁
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It's about time Apple ditches Intel. ARM or AMD, just get these suckers lost. 😀

 

[Homy]

Now that AMD has announced that Radeon RX 5600M and 5700M will be coming later this year I'm sure we'll see an iMac update too this year instead of 2021. Until now AMD hasn't had any suitable GPUs for iMac after Radeon Pro 555-580 from 2017.

Apple may use Radeon Pro 5600M and Pro 5700M like Pro 5300/5500M in MacBook Pro instead of RX M. These GPUs have more compute units but lower clock speed than RX. The 21.5" iMacs will have 5300/5500 and the 27" iMacs will get 5600-5700. On the other hand since these GPUs are already mobile ones with lower power consumption the iMacs may get the RX GPUs instead of the downclocked Pros in MacBook Pro.

 

[askunk]

It's been a few years that the iMac is not mounting mobile GPUs anymore.

 

[Homy]

It's been a few years that the iMac is not mounting mobile GPUs anymore.

It's been only 2,5 years since Apple began to use desktop GPUs in iMac 2017, but it doesn't mean they can't or won't use mobile GPUs anymore. Unless they redesign iMac there are not so many options for GPUs this year. The current Radeon Pro 580X uses 150 W so the new cards must have similar power usage or they'll be too hot for iMac. RX 5500 XT, 5600 and 5600 XT use 130-150 W so they would fit but 5700 and 5700 XT use 180-235 W so I think they are out of question, not to mention 5800 and 5900 people here speculate about.

Apple also usually uses better GPUs in 27" so if they go for desktop GPUs they only have 5500-5600 to play with. They also always have an option for a top GPU like Vega 48 in current iMac 27".

So if they can't use 5700 and 5700 XT as a top GPU the 5600 XT must become the top choice for build to order. Then they may use 5500 XT, 5550 XT and 5600 in iMac 27" like the old 570X, 575X and 580X.

Then they have to use something like 5300 XT and 5350 XT that currently don't exit for iMac 21.5". They probably could also nerf RX 5700 by 30 W and have it as a top GPU but then they'll have to nerf 5600 XT to justify the option.

In the end it's all a game of speculations but with these new desktop and mobile GPUs I'm pretty sure we'll see new iMacs this year instead of 2021. 🙂

 

[_Skyfire_]

The current Radeon Pro 580X uses 150 W so the new cards must have similar power usage or they'll be too hot for iMac.

The expectation is for the iMac to be a redesign with iMP features, especially improved thermals. The 2017 iMP has a 80% increased cooling capacity compared to a regular iMac. I also hope for further improvements in the design, such as a ~32" screen which would further expand the thermal envelope.

However like you said, it's all just speculation 😉

 

[askunk]

Ok... minute 3:19. He talks about Comet Lake S and it's depressing news: the 250W figure appears to be true. Let's hope Apple will be able to deal with it. It's not their best talent... :-s

 

[Zdigital2015]

Ok... minute 3:19. He talks about Comet Lake S and it's depressing news: the 250W figure appears to be true. Let's hope Apple will be able to deal with it. It's not their best talent... :-s

More like 300w for the Core i9-10900K - https://hothardware.com/news/intel-...met-lake-s-cpu-rumored-to-hit-300w-under-load

Hat tip to @cube for finding this story.

The base TDP of 125w is going to necessitate a new chassis...thanks, Intel, for making TDP a meaningless measurement now.

 

[sublunar]

Typically, iMac GPUs are so-called 'Pro' versions of AMD GPUs and appear to be down clocked compared to full retail versions, to fit into the heat envelope.

If the desktop Comet Lake cpus are space heaters then Apple will surely have already seen this coming thanks to engineering samples and disclosures from Intel - making a redesign inevitable.

They may just as easily be bringing forward a total redesign that copes with the new CPUs.

Or they could just then decide to go with mobile CPUs (throwing some of the workload - and heat budget - onto the AMD GPU). This might be the basis of some of those gaming rumours.

Or they could extend the into the 'Pro' realm by switching to Xeon for more SKUs. They could handle the 27" iMac by making all SKUs 'Pro' and speccing down storage and RAM accordingly to give a lower starting point.

They could then create a whole new product range (24" iMac) which then uses mobile CPUs and more powerful GPU without being judged like for like against a Coffee Lake Mac.

And finally, because of the thermal limits of the enclosure the Mini has to get a mobile refresh at the same time to either gain a discrete GPU option or give more threads depending on the SKU.

 

[Spungoflex]

I think this is a quote but they have said that they'd rather cannibalise themselves rather than have someone else do the job - it might be applied to the phone market where the iPhone SE2 is set to offer something at a certain price point below the iPhone XR, 11, etc.

As for screens for the next iMac you only have to look to what LG are offering for clues to what Apple could offer.

For example, could the non-Pro iMac go Ultrawide 21:9 in a 5k2k 34" size? There would be fewer pixels to drive.

And they could offer a 24" 4k version too.

That would be a monumental downgrade. Fewer pixels to drive is not a good thing.

 

[Wolf1701]

Looking at geekbench 5 mac results I am asking myself if the desktop cpus with their wattage and heat still makes sense. The scores between 9900K and 9980HK are so close... and with the cooling system in iMac/mac mini i bet that the mobile cpus can do even better.

 

[Homy]

The expectation is for the iMac to be a redesign with iMP features, especially improved thermals. The 2017 iMP has a 80% increased cooling capacity compared to a regular iMac. I also hope for further improvements in the design, such as a ~32" screen which would further expand the thermal envelope.

However like you said, it's all just speculation 😉

A big disadvantage with a larger cooling system though is that the memory in iMac Pro is not user upgradeable like iMac 27". 🙁

 

[_Skyfire_]

A big disadvantage with a larger cooling system though is that the memory in iMac Pro is not user upgradeable like iMac 27". 🙁

Yep that's why I'm really wishing for a ~32" form factor, to necessitate a complete redesign. Hopefully inspiring additional improvements (like a RAM access door) on top of the iMP features 😎