macOS Big Sur 11.3 Beta 5 Includes References to Two Unreleased iMacs

[MacRumors]

Apple is rumored to be working on new versions of the iMac desktop computer, and a launch could be coming in the near future, based on new signs found in the macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta that was released this morning.

According to 9to5Mac, there are references to two new iMac models in macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta 5, identified as "iMac21,1" and "iMac21,2." The new Macs use the code names J456 and J457, which were first revealed earlier this year by Bloomberg.

We don't yet know when Apple will refresh the iMac lineup, but there are new versions of the 21.5 and 27-inch iMac models in the works. Rumors suggest the new iMacs will feature a design similar to the Pro Display XDR with slimmed down bezels and no metal chin.

Rather than a curved rear design, the new iMac models will feature a flat back, and at least one of the new models will measure in at 23 to 24 inches. Apple silicon chips will be included, and some dubious rumors have pointed toward color options that match the iPad Air colors.

Apple recently discontinued the iMac Pro, which was a high-end iMac option that was first released in 2017. With signs of the new iMacs in the current Big Sur beta and the iMac Pro discontinued and out of stock, we could see the refreshed iMac models in the not too distant future.

Article Link: macOS Big Sur 11.3 Beta 5 Includes References to Two Unreleased iMacs

 

[munpip214]

I wonder if they will do the same form factor for this first Apple silicon iMac release, similar to the laptops, to have a faster release cycle and for lower cost market. Then have the redesign for the next release.

 

[Eduardo1971]

The wait is killing me!
Hurry up Apple!!!

 

[Realityck]

According to 9to5Mac, there are references to two new iMac models in macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta 5, identified as "iMac21,1" and "iMac21,2." The new Macs use the code names J456 and J457, which were first revealed earlier this year by Bloomberg.

Seems like they identified them. Wonder if anyone can capture what they are using.

 

[Harrycooke]

I

I wonder if they will do the same form factor for this first Apple silicon iMac release, similar to the laptops, to have a faster release cycle and for lower cost market. Then have the redesign for the next release.

I hope not. I’m hoping to get one that’ll look nice and sleek

 

[nathansz]

not that i can likely afford it, but i’d be interested in a high powered apple silicon 32”

 

[JPack]

I wonder if they will do the same form factor for this first Apple silicon iMac release, similar to the laptops, to have a faster release cycle and for lower cost market. Then have the redesign for the next release.

I doubt it because the 21.5" and 27" iMac designs are from 2012.

With the MacBook Air and Pro, it was expected and understandable because they're relatively new and had been incrementally updated with modern display components and keyboard designs.

 

[apparatchik]

Surely the next crop of Macs is getting announced at WWDC in 3 months time.

 

[ignatius345]

I hope not. I’m hoping to get one that’ll look nice and sleek

I actually don't care, personally, so long as it's runs fast and cool and they don't introduce any weird new hardware issues or cost a fortune. People get all worked up about the bezels (cue pearl clutching) and "chin" but honestly it doesn't matter to me. It sits on my desk so it's not like I'm trying to keep it compact to put it in my bag or something.

My current 5K iMac is from 2014 and I use it a LOT, so this is definitely a "take my money" item for me.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Yup, these are coming much sooner than the ‘towards the end of this year’ previously stated by Gurman. Wouldn’t be surprised if we saw them next month.

 

[Acidsplat]

Press release launch or do we expect an event before WWDC?

 

[LFC2020]

Press release launch or do we expect an event before WWDC?

April event ?

 

[Internet Enzyme]

My 2017 iMac is gonna seem pretty sad pretty soon. It already feels a little antiquated compared to my M1 MacBook Air, albeit not as much so as people had led me to believe.

 

[Harrycooke]

I actually don't care, personally, so long as it's runs fast and cool and they don't introduce any weird new hardware issues or cost a fortune. People get all worked up about the bezels (cue pearl clutching) and "chin" but honestly it doesn't matter to me. It sits on my desk so it's not like I'm trying to keep it compact to put it in my bag or something.

My current 5K iMac is from 2014 and I use it a LOT, so this is definitely a "take my money" item for me.

I’m using a 15” MBP 2013 so just a little older than yours.

I would like something that looks good as well as functions well. That’s generally why I choose Apple. For form and function.

 

[qoop]

Ideally, I'd like another iMac where the display starts to display dark imperfections — but only in the area where the processor lives. Then, upon reporting this to a certain forum, members will inform me it must be because I have a dirty house or smoke heavily. Upon taking it apart and proving to all that it's a polariser issue, they'll call me a hater. Thanks.

 

[ThunderSkunk]

My 2017 iMac is gonna seem pretty sad pretty soon. It already feels a little antiquated compared to my M1 MacBook Air, albeit not as much so as people had led me to believe.

Well it’s not too far off from the final intel imacs, so if your buyer is one of the insignificant Mac/Windows dual users, they’re in need of intel chipsets, which makes late model intel iMacs the most valuable of all. ...of course, it’s also the end of the road for Apple for us, so we may be more inclined to just jump ship entirely rather than throw money to the wind on a dead-end product line at this point, but that’s the calculation each individual has to make. So for some subset of the subset, your 2017 has an increased value, now that supply has been capped.

 

[rp2011]

They will look beautiful as All Apple products, but if just contains an M1 the same as the Mac Mini, I think I will pass.

 

[Populus]

Damn, each time I see those renders with an giant iPad-like iMac, I love it!!

Sadly I won’t purchase one, because I’ve never liked big desktop computers, I prefer laptops and tablets.

 

[Sasparilla]

Getting the feeling these are coming sooner (Big Sur 11.3 isn't going to be around for the fall shopping season), unless they are going to refresh the Intel iMac's one last time.

Outside of that, wondering if they'll keep an Intel version available at the top of the line (like they did for the mini).

These new ones will look great.

 

[snow755]

looks like a big giant iPad lol

 

[hoodafoo]

Without the "chin" it would look like a cheap device - like someone glued an iPad onto a stand

 

[Madonepro]

Whilst I understand that this site is titled ‘MacRumors’, but for the life of me, I cannot understand these kind of news stories.
Of course, at some point, references to new hardware will be found in code. Add to that; the continual speculate mark that a new product is coming, is churlish, as what tech company would not be planning new things.
No doubt this post will disappear as I’ve dared to challenge the site, but it needs saying.

 

[macsplusmacs]

I have my money set aside for as many cores as I can.

 

[BWhaler]

I’d love a 30“ iMac that runs silent

 

[Maconplasma]

The wait is killing me!
Hurry up Apple!!!

Yep, hurry up and we'll get bugs. Take their time and we'll get a solid product. Pick your poison.