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macOS Big Sur 11.3 Beta 5 Includes References to Two Unreleased iMacs
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Dunno how legit this is, but it seems like a logical progression; https://www.cpu-monkey.com/en/compare_cpu-apple_m1x-1898-vs-apple_m1-1804
I really hope they can do better though, twice as fast would just be equal to an Intel i9 9900X (2018) or a Ryzen 3800X (2019).
If Apple refreshed the 21" Intel iMac one last time I'd probably get at least one of them, maybe three. I would be surprised if that happened though. If there isn't a new 21" Intel iMac I'll probably look to get the last Intel Mini.
I am now convinced that we will see Apple announce new AS versions of the iMac before the end of April. It very publicly signaled the drying up of its supply lines on the Intel versions and it needs to maintain a presence in that space. Initial supplies may be quite limited, but the announcement will be made.
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
The 23-24 would be the replacement for the 21.5”, which means the larger version should be bigger than 27” to maintain a gap. I’m hoping for a retina version of the old 30” Apple Cinema monitor as the size.
Oh how I miss the ACD’s from the 2000’s. The 30” CCFL LCD was amazing. I really wish Apple would return to a dedicated display line especially as a $6000 display and $999 stand is niche. I would love to replace my LG 5K UltraFine displays with Apple models with upgraded panels, etc.
That mockup looks like an inflated iPad Pro with a $300 metal stand and MacOS running instead of iOS 
Hope the new iMacs will be a unique design statement not the same old same old.
Hope the new iMacs will be a unique design statement not the same old same old.
Changing screen size isn’t really a new design though. When Apple transitioned to Intel, they kept the iMac design, but did quickly add a 24” model based on the 20” design, just with a bigger case design.
It may also be possible to fit a 24” display (23.5” nominal) into the current 21.5” iMac (true display size) by decreasing the matte area and using a thinner panel technology. I am not sure of that, as I don’t own one to look at. But the iMac has ancient bezels.
I'd buy a better display like those expensive Japanese brands if you care that much about displays. I remember those CCFL ACDs, I could care less now given how photography and video industry has taken the high-quality displays to the next level of affordability and quality.
It really doesn’t need saying. Because you are wrong.
The most exciting times for the Mac were when you didn’t know what was coming because anything was possible.
Then the Intel transition happened, where you knew exactly what was coming: machines based on whatever chip Intel was able to spit out not-so-late enough that it Apple could use it, machines that were going to burn your lap or deafen you from fan noise.
It got so bad that Apple couldn’t design new machines because they never knew what chip would eventually be available at release time, how hot it would get, which video they would need.
Now we are back to surprises again, and it’s more interesting to be in the Mac community again
2019 iMac 21,5" 19,2, iMac 27" 19,1
2020 iMac 27" 5300/5500 XT 20,1, 27" 5700/5700XT 20,2.
2021 iMac 24" 21,2, iMac 27" or 32" 21,1?
The codes could also be for just two models of iMac 24" with different configurations but MB Air with 7 or 8 GPU cores have both the same code name 10,1 so either there can be two significantly different configurations with the same screen size or two different sizes.
2020 iMac 27" 5300/5500 XT 20,1, 27" 5700/5700XT 20,2.
2021 iMac 24" 21,2, iMac 27" or 32" 21,1?
The codes could also be for just two models of iMac 24" with different configurations but MB Air with 7 or 8 GPU cores have both the same code name 10,1 so either there can be two significantly different configurations with the same screen size or two different sizes.
Still don’t think there will be one larger. Because I think the 4k 24” works for most people who are seeking an AIO.
People who need a larger screen may need 6k, or 5k, or 4k with no latency, or just a large cheap display. So there is a mini pro/pro mini coming.
Or, as one poster postulated, the new design coming later moves the guts to the base like the iMac G4, and the display is a configurable option. So you have some stock configs, but also any of a few display options attached to various base configs.
WOW I hope it's not another M1 this time in an iMac ?
It's going to be a very boring year for the Mac.
It's going to be a very boring year for the Mac.
Currently not waiting to jump into a new iMac (just got one, although it would be great for sure), I dig the M1 craze and would get one one day, etc... yet when I read your comment I could relate 1000%, goddamn these supposedly latest and greatest redesigns have been feeling “just around the corner” for too freaking long.
If the iMac ends up looking like nothing more than a screen, what's the point of it? Might as well get a nice screen or two & a Mac mini. Far more versatile.
What you’re missing is that rumors suggested new iMacs may not be released til fall (at least June). This new information seems to indicate that the release may be sooner(maybe April). For someone who is looking to purchase an iMac timing can be crucial. And yes, this site is Mac rumors.
Whether people like it or not, people watch this site so they can be as informed on purchases or potential purchases as they can. I think it would be a disservice to the macrumors community NOT to report something that has been found as a fact that could indicate a release timeline. I mean, I don’t need an iMac, but that’s why I watch this site...
For you maybe. 24 is the sweet spot for me, and I use the LG 4K all day every day.
Not a chance
The imac is from 2012, those macbooks are from 2016 design language
i think these 2 imacs are 2 default configuration of the new 24” imac
Yeah, I have a 25” display and I am fine with 24” over 27”. Even at 25”, have to move my head ever so slightly to focus on the edges. It’s the limit of ergonomics for a primary display unless you are video editing or gaming. 24” for a primary display with a second display to the side works for me.
The volume of iMac are much much smaller. So it wouldn't be as big as a problem compared to MacBook, ~85% of Mac sold are MacBook or MacBook Pro.
The one thing I really like about the rendering showing this iMac, is that the screen is more like 3:2 Ratio. For some reason I am increasingly wanting more vertical space in all form of my computing. iMac is currently still at 16:9 Display Ratio. I would love to have at least 16:10 as they do on MacBook.