iMac Update Might Be Coming Sooner Rather Than Later

[zeromeus]

iMac and Retina 13" in September/October?

Perhaps in September, Apple will update the iMac and release the 13" MacBook Pro with Retina just as rumored due to whatever issue that pushed the 13" back.

Poor poor people who saved up their money for upgrades if Apple decides to release the new iMac and 13" MBPR in Sept. and then the new iPhone in Oct.

 

[DHagan4755]

I would guess that the new iMac will make an appearance sometime in July just before or when Mountain Lion goes public on the Mac App Store. It may have some of the MacBook Pro features, sans the retina display. The display in the current iMac is good, but it could really use the same treatment the next generation MacBook Pro just received with respect to minimizing reflection — and thankfully that is rumored. It will probably be thinner too & may have the ability to do the whole Power Nap feature for Mountain Lion.

 

[akbarali.ch]

Might see iMac and Mac mini Spec bumps (Processors, USB 3.0, Etc...) with the release of Mountain lion.

Most likely, Hope so

 

[jonnysods]

Can't wait for the iMac to get updated. They are my fav model for value and power.

 

[scottwaugh]

Release along with Mountain Lion

So release alongside Mountain Lion, add the updated processors, GPU, USB 3.0 and finally a screen that is somewhat glare reducing - for the same price as before...I'll take it.

This is what an update should be like....

As to the idea it would be released before Mountain Lion - that would make no sense at this point (after WWDC PR blitz) with Apple having to sell systems with two different operating systems within weeks of the 2nd operating system coming out. Just wait a few weeks and go with Mountain Lion.

I'll be really happy if they add that glare resistant glass in...(even regular anti-glare glass I'd be happy about)

 

[akbarali.ch]

Let's hope this iMac allows for RAM upgrades outside of Apple.

What apple does is anyone's guess but i think iMac will have removable ram. Firstly if they release it soon then it wont be a redesign, just a spec bump from last year. Secondly, if they re-design it next year, it still should have ram upgradable outside because unlike Retina MacBookPro space is not that tight in iMac or atleast not to a point that they have to take such drastic step to glue everything. iMac is desktop Computer which is going to stay on the desk not moved and tossed around like a notebook.
So i guess they will be still be upgradable. But as i said what Apple does is anyone's guess. We can all hope so.

 

[docmordin]

Does anyone with knowledge of display technology know where they are at with 21.5" and 27" retina displays? Do they exist already?

So-called retina displays in those sizes have existed for quite at while, at least for those in medical imaging and geophysical services. For example, Chimei Innolux offers a monitor with a 3840x2160 27.8" panel:

http://www.chimei-innolux.com/openc...play/products_medical_R278D1.html?__locale=en

Barco a 3280x2048 30.4" one:

http://www.barco.com/en/products-so...e-screen-diagnostic-color-display-system.aspx

and Eizo a 4096x2160 36.4" one:

http://www.eizo.com/na/products/duravision/fdh3601/

Of course, as it stands now, if you wanted to buy such monitors, or those with comparable resolution going up to around 50" in size, you'd be looking at spending anywhere from $10,000 USD to $50,000 USD, since the market is relatively small and thus only a scant amount of manufacturing resources have been allocated for it.

 

[tkhan456]

For those of you who are anxiously awaiting an update of the iMac, I have a different question: why? What does it do for you that a MacBook Pro and a display would do for you?

I don't see any features that the iMac has that the MacBook doesn't have. Please educate me.

I have a several year old iMac that had its hard disk fail. Repairing it was such a miserable task that I just decided to run off an external disk as my main disk. Grrr. With the MacBook Pro (not Air or Retina), maintenance is easy and I wouldn't have has a problem replacing the hard disk.

Unless there is something I am missing here, I cannot imagine buying another iMac.

Saves me about $1000-$2000 dollars comes with a better GPU, has more storage, larger screen....hmm what else? Probably won't lose an ethernet port or optical drive. Is that enough?

 

[fig]

I disagree. I wouldn't be suprised AT ALL if apple dropped the 13" and 15" MBPs as we know them now next year, and release std def versions of the new MBP Retina.

My question with regards to this is the software side as at the moment it sounds like non-optimized apps can be pretty ugly (at least if the Safari v Chrome comparison is any indication). What do all these other apps that a lot of people use look like on a Retina display? And are all said app manufacturers going to update their apps to high res versions if needed?

I need the Adobe Suite, Maya, Modo, etc., all running looking like they're supposed to, especially if I'm paying a premium for a high resolution display.

 

[bretm]

It doesn't have to be pixel-doubled to be Retina. It'll only take a small-moderate bump in resolution to get iMacs to the pixel density needed to be "retina". That goes for the Thunderbolt display as well.

Yeah, but if you don't it wreaks havoc on the apps that haven't upgraded. It's the only way really. Otherwise what do you map a pixel to? If it's 1pixel equals one pixel now, and then you don't quadruple (pixel double) the new display then non retina apps get mapped to what? They need to retain the same relative size. So they would get mapped to 1pix equals 1.5 or 1.7 pixels. Which means every pixel would be interpolated in some way and fuzzier than before. This is EXACTLY the problem with watching SD tv on HD. It's not sharp for that very reason.

 

[kiljoy616]

Retina display on iMac would be what 4k level? That would be a lot of pixels to be pushed by a M video card and if they made it even thinner well Apple has done it before so you know what bring it on Apple.

----------

Why I straight up don't want a retina iMac this refresh:

3. Even browsing the web. Engadget's review said that images look pixellated on sites that are not retina-optimized. Will companies spend the money to upgrade their sites just to suit a few models from one manufacturer out of thousands and thousands of models of computers out there?

Just my 2 cents.

Companies would be back still in the VGA era if they where not forced by companies like apple to move forward and innovate. Forcing change is now it happens companies for the most will not move forward on their own unless forced to at gun point.

----------

So-called retina displays in those sizes have existed for quite at while, at least for those in medical imaging and geophysical services. For example, Chimei Innolux offers a monitor with a 3840x2160 27.8" panel:

http://www.chimei-innolux.com/openc...play/products_medical_R278D1.html?__locale=en

Barco a 3280x2048 30.4" one:

http://www.barco.com/en/products-so...e-screen-diagnostic-color-display-system.aspx

and Eizo a 4096x2160 36.4" one:

http://www.eizo.com/na/products/duravision/fdh3601/

Of course, as it stands now, if you wanted to buy such monitors, or those with comparable resolution going up to around 50" in size, you'd be looking at spending anywhere from $10,000 USD to $50,000 USD, since the market is relatively small and thus only a scant amount of manufacturing resources have been allocated for it. Granted, as I found out during medical school, they are a dream to work with.

Most things have existed for long time, but if the price is for the 001% of the population then who cares if it exist or not. Its no better than saying its a prototype. Its when it to the level that is possible for say at least 40% of the population that you then have a real product. I hear nuclear power plants have existed for some time, but not like I can buy one for 4 grand and spend the next 10 years not paying one cent of electricity.

 

[bretm]

Smaller iMac

You can probably expect the same shift with iMacs. New design like the rmbp AND an updated standard iMac. On the RiMac you'll see smaller size screens at first, and they might ditch the 27" on the standard iMac. Notebooks first. Work out unforeseen bugs. Introduce iMacs in a few months.

If you've got an iPad 3, you quickly realize everything looks amazing. I don't notice fuzzy anything. Nothing out of the ordinary. They definitely fixed the interpolation of the original Rex iPhone apps on it, and retina iPhone apps are amazingly good.

 

[fig]

Why I straight up don't want a retina iMac this refresh:

1. I use a lot of professional apps. Autodesk and Maxon aren't going to jump on the retina bandwagon anytime soon because not only does the Mac not represent the majority of their sales, but retina displays are currently the minority within the Mac lineup. There's also been no word on whether After Effects and other Adobe apps than Photoshop will be getting retina anytime soon. I also don't have CS6 because some of my After Effects plugins won't work with it, and I'm certain that CS5 probably won't get retina support.This is all a problem because as per Engadget's review of the retina MBP, non-retina apps look terrible on the screen. I don't want blurry crap.

I missed this and posted something similar a post or two back, but you nailed it. I need Illustrator, Flash, Maya, and a few other pro apps looking like they're supposed to, I've also got an older version or two of some apps that I know won't get updated.

I'm hoping one of the review sites will get around to testing out the Adobe suite in the next few days so we can get a better idea of what everything looks like.

 

[ipedro]

iMac @ Upcoming AppleTV event

I believe that the Apple HDTV and the next generation iMac will be linked. An upcoming event -- probably in the fall -- will unveil Apple's tv offerings and the iMac will probably receive an AppleTV interface. This will be the appropriate time to announce it.

 

[pschonig]

Like everyone else here, I too was disappointed about no new iMac being announced this week, but here is my thought. As I understand it, you can't upgrade the new RMBP..ie RAM. Will this be the way Apple is going, to include the new iMac..whenever its announced? Apple RAM is too expensive..updated current MBP and iMac at a fraction of the cost of Apple RAM..current 27" iMac maybe the way to go for now...where is the crystal ball when you need it...

 

[Swordylove]

Ohhh a happy news (or rumor) for me!! Thank you thank you thank you!

I do hope for at least a minor redesign though. Maybe make it chinless, but please... not thinner!

 

[lephelps]

Thanks for the report.

I've been waiting a while to get a new iMac to replace my 2005 G5 PM and not about to drop $2000 on the current model. I really want USB3 and the new Ivy Bridge CPUs, a matte screen option would be a nice bonus.

I'm hoping the new iMac comes out with the next OS X update in July or August. So I can save a few more $$$ to get a better model.

Same boat here and I'm really hoping for just those few minor updates too (don't care about or want Retina or SSD, especially for the price) as we might be a winner in the "oldest Mac" category. I've been patiently waiting for a few months now for a 2012 iMac update to replace our 2002 PowerPC G4 MDD. While I would delight in throwing it a 10th birthday party in August, it is ready for retirement and heading downhill fast.

I love being able to say we've only had to buy two Macs to cover more than 16 years (can't complain about the premium pricing when you get that kind of ROI). That Mac history is actually the source of my only concern with switching over to an iMac -- we loved our PowerMac and PowerPC because we could upgrade and keep current for much longer than any Windows PC or Mac all-in-one system. Going to an iMac with very limited upgrade options will be something new for us but the MacPros are well out of our price range and computing needs.

So, while I would love a new Mac right now I can still limp along with what we have. Even the current iMacs are worlds above what we currently have so we'll be blissful owners of yet another new Mac regardless. Having said that, I'd much rather hold out a bit longer for that "latest and greatest" iMac to take us as far into the future as possible.

 

[pimentoLoaf]

My last desktop was a 6100/66 DOS Compatible circa 1997 or so. You think I should get something newer?

 

[Ping Guo]

For those of you who are anxiously awaiting an update of the iMac, I have a different question: why? What does it do for you that a MacBook Pro and a display would do for you?

Unless there is something I am missing here, I cannot imagine buying another iMac.

One reason would be the MBP + external screen is a much pricier proposition, especially if you go with the Thunderbolt Display. Base retina MBP w/TB display is $3200.

You could buy a base 27" iMac + a 13" MBA for $300 less, or a 21.5" + 11" MBA for $1000 less, and not have to worry about plugging and unplugging, overheating your expensive laptop, etc.

Another reason is some people don't want to carry a $2K laptop when they travel, that also happens to be their only computer. Risk of theft, damage, etc. For some, an iMac + MBA or netbook, or iPad, is a much better solution, and much cheaper too.

----------

I believe that the Apple HDTV and the next generation iMac will be linked. An upcoming event -- probably in the fall -- will unveil Apple's tv offerings and the iMac will probably receive an AppleTV interface. This will be the appropriate time to announce it.

As long as it can be jailbroken to run Plex.

 

[iSayuSay]

Oh I don't know, saves me $1,000 and gives me better graphic performance?

Spot on! .. and 1 TB 7200 HDD .. and desktop CPU .. and gorgeous bigger screen .. and user replaceable 4 RAM slots .. and who knows, updated SSD option

 

[BobCollins]

One reason would be the MBP + external screen is a much pricier proposition, especially if you go with the Thunderbolt Display. Base retina MBP w/TB display is $3200.

You could buy a base 27" iMac + a 13" MBA for $300 less, or a 21.5" + 11" MBA for $1000 less, and not have to worry about plugging and unplugging, overheating your expensive laptop, etc.

Another reason is some people don't want to carry a $2K laptop when they travel, that also happens to be their only computer. Risk of theft, damage, etc. For some, an iMac + MBA or netbook, or iPad, is a much better solution, and much cheaper too.

When I asked the question, I never considered the idea of buying the external monitor from Apple. While not exactly equivalent to Apples offering, you can get a fine 1080p 27" monitor for under $200. Couple that with the MBP of your choice and it should give an iMac a run for the money.

You do make an interesting claim w.r.t. carrying around your only computer. Obviously redundancy has a cost, but it may be important for you. I handle it this way: I always have a backup on an external drive using Time Machine. If my computer breaks or is lost, I can buy whatever the latest computer Apple has, restore to it from Time Machine, and I am back in operation in a couple of hours. I guess that may not work for everyone.

 

[ScottishDuck]

This will be a direct attack and answer to MS's Metro interface.

The only answer we need is laughter.

 

[iSayuSay]

When I asked the question, I never considered the idea of buying the external monitor from Apple. While not exactly equivalent to Apples offering, you can get a fine 1080p 27" monitor for under $200. Couple that with the MBP of your choice and it should give an iMac a run for the money.

You do make an interesting claim w.r.t. carrying around your only computer. Obviously redundancy has a cost, but it may be important for you. I handle it this way: I always have a backup on an external drive using Time Machine. If my computer breaks or is lost, I can buy whatever the latest computer Apple has, restore to it from Time Machine, and I am back in operation in a couple of hours. I guess that may not work for everyone.

It might be an old argument but you can't compare 27" 1080p display to high end 27" with1440p. Doesn't have to be Apple, even Dell and NEC sell them at similar price, and note that only Apple feature Thunderbolt hub on their display.

1080p for 27" is not high enough. Remember it's a monitor, not TV.

So yeah, it's quite fair to compare iMac vs MBP/A + Apple display.

 

[theSeb]

The only answer we need is laughter.

That is true, but the average consumer will think, "wow".

 

[AppleMacFinder]

If it will be locked down with proprietary shjt, like Retina Macbook "Pro", I will LOL