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I'm curious for any real justification for why the iMac should skip the M2 and be on unannounced M3 silicon instead. Nobody in the real world gives a **** about 5nm vs 3nm (especially on the desktop side) and it seems really pointless for Apple to upstage their own current lineup, especially with demand for laptops being soft and giving them more free production capacity for the base M2 chip.

I don't understand why people expect big surprises. Apple computers that will be released this year will be a 24" iMac with M2/M2 Pro chips and a Mac Studio with M2 Max/Ultra chips.

They aren't skipping to M3, they aren't making a Mac Pro, and I don't think they are going to make a VR headset (maybe AR glasses, but that's it).
Why do you say demand for laptops is soft? Link?
 
There was a lot of YouTube video content editors that used the larger 23.5" screen to make multiple video sourced content that ran out of memory about 1/2 hour into content editing, hence the need for a 32 GB RAM 24" iMac. The M2 Pro would provide that. 16 GB Ram is just too little for that type of usage. M2 offering 24 GB Ram is marginal. This was found out back in the days people bought these for content creation when they first came out almost 2 years ago.

Although capable, I wouldn't think that an iMac would be the correct tool for multicam editing - especially if you are trying to make a living doing it. If they ever made an Apple silicon iMac Pro, perhaps that would be the thing, however, I think they've opted for the Mac Studio for people trying to get that sort of work done.

My question was really about iMac 24" M1 vs M2 (base not M2 Pro) for stuff like surfing, email, Office, photos. The kind of stuff that 'normal' people do, not the sort of heavyweight computing that we geeks on the forums get into!
 
Why not have both? Regular iMac goes from 24-inches to 27-inches and the iMac Pro gets a 32-inch display
Except that I prefer the size of the 24”. It’s the Goldilocks size for me. The 27” I used to use was just a bit too large. IMHO the sweet lineup would be the 24” and a 32” with higher specs.
 
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Although capable, I wouldn't think that an iMac would be the correct tool for multicam editing - especially if you are trying to make a living doing it. If they ever made an Apple silicon iMac Pro, perhaps that would be the thing, however, I think they've opted for the Mac Studio for people trying to get that sort of work done.

My question was really about iMac 24" M1 vs M2 (base not M2 Pro) for stuff like surfing, email, Office, photos. The kind of stuff that 'normal' people do, not the sort of heavyweight computing that we geeks on the forums get into!
You have to remember that the Late April 2021 24" iMac was a all in one larger than using the intel 16" MBP at the time. The Mac Studio was March 8th 2022. That is a year later almost. Trying to use a Mac mini with a external display was a lot more cumbersome to use then simply pick up the 24" iMac and take a its brick, wireless mouse/keyboard around your house or work area as needed as a example.
 
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Except that I prefer the size of the 24”. It’s the Goldilocks size for me. The 27” I used to use was just a bit too large. IMHO the sweet lineup would be the 24” and a 32” with higher specs.
The 27" design was just awkward to transport, oversize stand, sharper edges around the panel. Walking some distance with those might even be described as painful. :D
 
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So out latte 2024? I just read that Apple stalled making more M2 chips.

And why not a 32-inch iMac? heck, even a 30-inch would be awesome.
It won’t be late 2024. Far more likely it will be late 2023.

M2 was essentially a stopgap measure. M3 is where it’s at and will show a significant upgrade over M1 and M2.

If Apple saw profit in a large screen iMac they would have made it. That they didn’t tells you something. Just because a small group of vocal naysayers on these boards cry otherwise doesn’t mean thats what Apple’s market research is showing. Also a large panel AIO with 6K display would be expensive—just look at the Studio Display and it doesn’t even have a computer in it. Apple could mitigate this some by opting for a 5K rather than 6K display, but they still have to put a computer in it.

All the crying doesn’t change Apple saw it more advantageous to have the Mac Studio and Studio Display rather than an integrated large screen AIO computer.
 
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"The 27-inch ‌iMac‌ was discontinued in March 2022 and was ultimately replaced with the Mac Studio and matching Studio Display."

I hate that Apple did this. They sell the studio display for about the same price as the old iMac 27in 5k. It was practivally the same display and you got your Mac included. Now we have to fork out more if we want that. They know a 27inch iMac will canabalise sales of the displays. I am still running a 27inch 5k iMac and just couldnt go down to 24in now.
 


Apple in 2021 introduced the 24-inch iMac, with the redesigned machine featuring an array of bright colors and the new-at-the-time M1 chip. Since its 2021 debut, Apple has not refreshed the smaller iMac and the iMac line has all but been forgotten, but rumors suggest there is a new 24-inch iMac in the works.

Hello-Tim-Cook-iMac.jpeg

This guide highlights everything that we know so far about a future 24-inch iMac.

Design

We are not expecting any external design changes to the 24-inch iMac, with rumors indicating it will use the same 24-inch display and the same bright color options. The iMac comes in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver, and so far, there hasn't been an indication that Apple plans to add new colors.

imac-pink-red.jpg

The iMac features a brightly colored back with a softer color of the same shade for the front, along with a matching stand. All models have matching accessories, including mice, keyboards, and cabling. There are thick bezels around the iMac's display, including a thick chin, which has been an iMac design staple for years.

While there are no internal changes expected, Apple could tweak the internal design somewhat to accommodate updated chip technology. There may also be a new manufacturing process for the stand, which could be indicative of minor design changes to the stand's look or functionality. The Studio Display, for example, has a height and tilt-adjustable stand, so Apple could perhaps add a height adjustment option to a future iMac.

For more on the current iMac, we have a dedicated roundup.

Chips

A refreshed 24-inch iMac is expected to use the next-generation M3 chip that will follow the current M2 chip. The M3 chip will be built on TSMC's 3-nanometer process, bringing notable power and efficiency improvements.

m3-feature-black.jpg

An iMac with an M3 chip would see significant performance improvements over the 2021 M1 chip model, both in terms of the CPU and GPU.

Launch Timing

A new 24-inch iMac is in an "advanced stage of development," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. It could come in the second half of 2023 at the earliest, and given that there are no design changes, it's likely ready to go and waiting on Apple to have new M3 chips ready.

A Larger iMac

Along with a refreshed 24-inch iMac, Apple may have plans for a larger-screened iMac Pro, but rumors about such a machine have been mixed. The 27-inch iMac was discontinued in March 2022 and was ultimately replaced with the Mac Studio and matching Studio Display.

There was talk of an "iMac Pro" with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips that would be sold alongside the 24-inch iMac, but we haven't heard much about it since last year.

Guide Feedback

Have questions about the upcoming 24-inch iMac or want to offer feedback on this guide? Send us an email here.

Article Link: Is a New 24-Inch iMac Coming in 2023? What We Know So Far
I don’t think people want 24” iMacs anymore. Let alone 27”
Both sizes have kinda outlived their usefulness. I’m sure a $999 24” iMac would be extremely appealing or even a $899.99 device.
Even the price point of the base Mac mini feels out of touch.
We need 27” and 32” iMacs. Seeing how neglected the current iMac has been it’s going to be difficult to push the same of a new version. It’s as if Apple is ignoring the entire segment.
 
I love all the comments regarding Apple doesn’t know what they’re doing. Looking at how it’s been going for them I think they have a pretty reasonable idea what they’re doing.

At this point I would be very surprised if we see an M2 iMac. It’s far more likely the iMac upgrade will be M3. And I suspect we will see it by the end of this year. Indeed I think we could be surprised and see it at anytime by the end of this year.

Unless it’s actually advantageous for them I think Apple could whittle down two or three colour choices or swap out to a couple of new ones. I’m also sure the off-white bezels are here to stay. And while a new larger iMac isn’t impossible I wouldn’t hold my breath for it.

I can’t see this really as a new iMac given it’s the same chassis, but it’s more a significant upgrade. Regardless the M3 iMac is what I’m waiting for. Bring it on.
Laying off employees when they are worth more than the moon we look at night might lead me to believe apple doesn’t in fact know what they are doing.
 
Except that I prefer the size of the 24”. It’s the Goldilocks size for me. The 27” I used to use was just a bit too large. IMHO the sweet lineup would be the 24” and a 32” with higher specs.
Makes more sense for them to go to a 27” ultra wide and a 32”
The 27” would be exactly the same height
The 27" design was just awkward to transport, oversize stand, sharper edges around the panel. Walking some distance with those might even be described as painful. :D
Makes sense because it wasn’t designed for that. If someone needs that then umn. MacBook Pro lol
The 27" design was just awkward to transport, oversize stand, sharper edges around the panel. Walking some distance with those might even be described as painful. :D
Walking with one would be annoying huh.
Good thing they make just the thing for that.
A laptop.
 
No external design changes would be disappointing. The current iMac has a great shape but the overall design with the white bezels and pastel chin are unsightly. I wouldn't order them for our company and my father refused to get one based on the pastel chin. There has to be something they could do better.
You're opinion and your loss. I'm reasonably sure you don't represent the majority.
 
No external design changes would be disappointing. The current iMac has a great shape but the overall design with the white bezels and pastel chin are unsightly. I wouldn't order them for our company and my father refused to get one based on the pastel chin. There has to be something they could do better.
So you want to compare old vs new.

IMG_1103.jpeg


I had several of these. Well the massive black bezel surrounding the LCD panel would have allowed almost a 30" display (29.5") on that 27". The older chin vs new chin isn't really any different except accented with black. The stand for the 27" really takes up too much space comparably. Notice in this image of both side by side, that the silver model literally blends with the room look at it towards the wall behind. The black bezel reminds of a few years ago with HDTVs or earlier 4K TVs, made use of some surround frame that was dark. Lately most 4K TV are ascetically pleasing with minimal bezel or some kind of minimal frame protecting the edges. The 24" cooling is better than that square opening above where you change RAM slot configurations. The LG C2 series panel edges without any bezel is what apple should utilize.
 
Screw the 24" bring back the 27" iMac with a M3 that would be great. Don't need all those stupid colors. Make it thicker like the old ones and lots of ports on the back.
It's okay, don't worry. We will get off your lawn.
For those waiting on an M2 chip vs. an M1 chip. Why? Especially if you can get a deal on the M1. The difference isn't that much in real-terms and the M1 is still a hell of a chip. I would argue that if not for benchmarks, it would be hard to know if a computer had an M1 or an M2 without checking the specs - especially when used as intended (i.e. general purpose computing).
Some people need more than two screens for their workflow. Some of us could probably do with six screens other than the neck pain from looking left to right to up to down all the time.
 
I'd like a 61" Mac. I'd hang it in one of my rooms and call it my "Wall-O-Mac Studio", but say it rapidly, like Wallomack!

Wallomack for the win! ;)
He was the unknown co-founder of Apple Computer. One of the Three Steves. Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Steve Wallomack.

Rumor has it he suddenly disappeared one night, after going out to a work meeting with Steve Jobs at a local Denny’s diner in Salinas. Steve Wallomack has not been heard of since.
 
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So you want to compare old vs new.

View attachment 2184077

I had several of these. Well the massive black bezel surrounding the LCD panel would have allowed almost a 30" display (29.5") on that 27". The older chin vs new chin isn't really any different except accented with black. The stand for the 27" really takes up too much space comparably. Notice in this image of both side by side, that the silver model literally blends with the room look at it towards the wall behind. The black bezel reminds of a few years ago with HDTVs or earlier 4K TVs, made use of some surround frame that was dark. Lately most 4K TV are ascetically pleasing with minimal bezel or some kind of minimal frame protecting the edges. The 24" cooling is better than that square opening above where you change RAM slot configurations. The LG C2 series panel edges without any bezel is what apple should utilize.
Great comparison! We have iMacs at our company, still have a few 2009 models with CD drives to phase out. I'm all for smaller bezels!

They have always been aesthetically pleasing. Even the bulbous iMacs used speaker spots and a colored Apple logo on the forehead for bright accent coloring. If white is so pleasing, why not make it all white with a vivid apple logo front and center on the chin?

I have personally always disliked white bezels. I had to wait a long time to get a red iPhone with black bezels. And I know my opinion is inconsequential, but I just think the one on the right looks balanced and complete. But I guess they needed to be really different this time. That's ok.

They also could curve the screen corners to match the current MacBook and iPad line.
 
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