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iMac Rumor Recap: OLED Display, M5 Max, 32-Inch Model, and More

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While it appears that the iMac will not be updated in 2025, rumors indicate that Apple is planning some big changes for the all-in-one desktop computer.

iMac-Pro-2022-27-and-24-iMac.jpg

Below, we recap what has been rumored for the iMac over the next two to three years.

Current Model: M4 Chip

As a refresher, Apple last updated the 24-inch iMac in October 2024. Key upgrades included the M4 chip, up to 32GB of RAM, a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, a nano-texture display option, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and new color options.

The overall design of the iMac has not changed since April 2021.

Next Model: M5 Chip

Apple will likely update the iMac with an M5 chip next year, but no other changes have been rumored yet, so expect a spec bump for now.

If the iMac receives some of the upgrades that the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip did, the next iMac could be available with up to 4TB of storage (up from 2TB), and up to 2× faster SSD performance compared to the previous model.

iMac Pro With M5 Max Chip?

Earlier this year, Apple accidentally released a macOS kernel debug kit that contained internal product codenames, including for what appears to be an iMac with an M5 Max chip. It is unclear if the 24-inch iMac would be updated with M5 and M5 Max chips simultaneously next year, or if Apple plans to re-release a separate, higher-end iMac Pro with the M5 Max. The previous Intel-based iMac Pro was discontinued in March 2021.

32-Inch iMac?

It has been nearly four years since Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac, as part of its move away from Intel processors. Since then, the 24-inch iMac has been Apple's only all-in-one desktop computer, with no larger model available.

In October 2023, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that a higher-end 32-inch iMac with mini-LED backlighting would be released in 2025, but it appears that rumor was wrong given that the year is nearly over. Kuo has not commented on a larger iMac in a long time, so it is unclear if Apple plans to release such a product.

In November 2023, Apple announced that it had no plans to release a new version of the 27-inch iMac with an Apple silicon chip at that time. Instead, Apple recommended pairing its standalone Studio Display with a Mac Studio or Mac mini. Perhaps this was Apple ruling out a larger iMac entirely, but only time will tell, and decisions can change.

Wishful thinking: a 32-inch iMac Pro with an M5 Max chip and mini-LED backlighting.

OLED Display

South Korean publication The Elec this week reported that Apple is planning to release a 24-inch iMac with an OLED display in 2027 or 2028.

The primary benefit of OLED technology compared to the current iMac's LCD is better overall image quality, with higher contrast ratio and deeper blacks.

Like the iPad Pro, the iMac could go from LCD to mini-LED to OLED over the years.

Bookmark our iMac roundup to stay up to date with the latest rumors.

Article Link: iMac Rumor Recap: OLED Display, M5 Max, 32-Inch Model, and More
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/18/imac-rumor-recap/
While these rumors have generated a good amount of replies and chatter, I wouldn't be surprised if many are inaccurate, there seem to have been a lot of inaccurate iMac rumors in recent years. I really think Apple is undecided about its desktop strategy
 
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My first Mac was the very first 24" iMac, which was the white plastic one, and lasted me many years. I also had a retina 27" iMac for many years, and still use it occasionally as it can still run my old version of Adobe Illustrator from before they went subscription. I also have an old iMac G4 that is now used as a music player. It is my favourite ever computer design. Last year I moved to an M4 Pro Mac Mini with a pair of 32" 4K monitors. I would love to go back to an iMac, but don't want to go down from 32", so a rumour it might be that size is great. But one other thing I don't want to go back to is the unergonomic fixed height. I have my screens lower than my iMac and it is much better for me. I'd love a return to the G4 form factor, something like this:


imac-g4-new-edition.jpg
 
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Wishing for a large screen iMac!

Up to this point Apple silicon has not been kind to those of us who like large screen iMacs.

I see at least five iMacs for every Mac mini or Mac Studio. The loyalty to the design aspect of the iMac seems to be much higher than for Apple’s other desktop computers. I see a lot of iMacs on business executives desks. They hate a cable mess that ruins first impressions when someone enters their office.

These people are not techies. They want a large screen computer in a compact, clean, elegant design with as few cables as possible. MacOS did not bring them to the Mac. Their iPhones did not bring them to the Mac. It was the clean design of the iMac that brought them to the Mac.

Many have expressed a desire to upgrade but back away when they see the current designs. In fact, many express shock that Apple could walk away from such a good design. A 30 inch iMac with similar power to a 16 inch Macbook Pro with a M max series chip would be perfect.

For pro customers or hobbyists being able to connect to multiple (probably non Apple displays) is an advantage. But for those who just want a powerful, elegant computer with a large screen Apple has nothing to offer.

I know several people and family members who would buy a larger iMac if it was available. Twenty four inches is just too small for a machine that is used for more than a couple hours a day. I am still using my Intel based 2019 27 iMac while holding out hope for a new large screen iMac. - Hope dies hard, what else can I say.
 
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azpc said:
Twenty four inches is just too small for a machine that is used for more than a couple hours a day. I am still using my Intel based 2019 27 iMac while holding out hope for a new large screen iMac. - Hope dies hard, what else can I say.
Click to expand...

I work 50-60 hours a week on my 24" iMac
 
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alanvitek said:
I did my best to mock up an actual size diff between 24" and 32"

View attachment 2589041
Click to expand...

A 27" would work for me, but a 32" would be way too big for my living room desk (where I work). Larger sizes still should be offered though - 24", 27", 30" are probably the sizes to go with for an iMac. 32" and higher starts to get into external monitor territory.
 
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I’m surprised that Apple hasn’t allowed the iMac to be equipped with at least an M4 Pro chip… just like the Mac Mini. Clearly, Apple’s current vision for the iMac is widely divergent from that of most of those who have owned iMacs in the past. As one of those people myself, I can tell you we do not regard the iMac as entry level or a less-serious “toy.”
 
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I don't think they're gonna be able to sell it an affordable price point. I think that's why they haven't made one yet. They can't get the price of the screen to be reasonable at the high-quality that people would want. They got everyone hooked on the 5K screens from the original iMacs 27 inch.
 
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Have one 5K 27 inch iMac and I'll never do that again. The display works great, but there are no more updates to macOS. it's a dead machine, while the display is just fine. A complete waste.

Now if it had a direct display port of some sort then that would be a different story. But Apple just wants us to dump these machine in the dump and buy new. Not going to happen. Never again will I buy an iMac.
 
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I still on 27" 2017 imac, would really like to upgrade to something newer but will absolutely not go for a smaller screen than 27''. My eyes are getting worse with age so ideally a 32" 5k screen is what I want. would take a new iMac with such screen or a mac mini with an external 32" 5k monitor. but there are none available yet that I know of.
 
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iMac Studio.

Height adjustable 32" display.
Studio quality speakers.
Some front facing ports.
Internal power supply.
Nice upgrade options.
Minimal design.
Cooling fan.

Do it.

1fsh7mwiuytd1.jpeg


Tidbits: Mac hardware and fan ventilation hidden beneath stealth speaker aesthetic. Additional ports on rear of base, similar to Mac Studio. Potential touchscreen option at checkout to turn iMac Studio into a 32" pad for artists—when the display and display arm are pulled down to the desk, the computer will enter "easel mode" ... where the software UX changes to an iPadOS-like environment for finger and Apple Pencil usage (further justifying the product naming). Upgrades—up to 16 TB SSD, BIG RAM, Pro and Max chip options.

Alongside the new iMac Studio sees the introduction of a new "Mac Pro" that's a little bigger than the current Mac Studio—this one computer replaces the current Mac Pro and Mac Studio. This gives Apple two AIO desktop Macs (iMac and iMac Studio) and two BYODKM desktop Macs (Mac mini and Mac Pro).
 
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I had a 27 iMac (loved it) that I replaced 3 years ago with a Mac Studio and Studio Display. I would have very likely replaced it with a M 27 iMac, but there was/isn't one...
I don't see Apple releasing a larger iMac, be it 27 or 32, I think the price points will be too high and they'd be niche products.
But, time will tell ...
 
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Adelphos33 said:
While these rumors have generated a good amount of replies and chatter, I wouldn't be surprised if many are inaccurate, there seem to have been a lot of inaccurate iMac rumors in recent years. I really think Apple is undecided about its desktop strategy
Click to expand...
Right….because the current iMac, Mac mini and Mac Studio absolutely reek of indecision. The Mac Pro is its own self made disaster Apple has to reckon with.
 
Debating whether to go iMac again (currently on 2019) and wait it out for a larger screen. Or go Mini and find another monitor - Studio is ridiculously priced in Canada.

That said, there has been a significant number of iMac refurbs that landed in the Canada store this week - maybe a sign a new iMac is closer than expected?
 
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What if that rumored M5 Pro iMac and the OLED panel iMac are one and the same machine?

Would people really want a 24" OLED iMac Pro?

Ever since Apple focusses more on "Shareholder Value" aka plain old greed, I doubt they will ever release an iMac that could cannibalize their display lineup.
Or in other words, as long as the Apple Studio Display is stuck at 27" there will not be any 27" iMac. Period.

So the real question is, are there any 5K LCD panels out there that are larger than 27" for an updated Studio Display?
At this point in time no such panel exists. Leaving Apple no room to maneuver.

Alternatively is it foreseeable that the next XDR display will move up to 8K? Theoretically allowing for the Studio Display to use a 6K panel making room for an iMac Pro with a 27" 5K panel.
But the problem here is that there are not really any 6K panels smaller than 32" yet how likely will the next Studio Display be 32" unless the XDR display moves up to 40"?

Without any better panels coming online for the Studio Display and XDR display, I do not think the iMac, Pro or not, will ever move past its current 24" panel...
 
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I’ll believe it when I see it. Was using my 27” iMac today and that 27” 5k display is still gorgeous (my newer HP & Dell monitors can’t touch its quality) … just need Apple Silicon speed in the Intel iMac chassis!
 
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