New iMac Not Expected to Launch Until Late 2023 at Earliest

[ADGrant]

I bit the bullet. It’s more expensive right now, but presumably I can stay with the same Studio Display down the road and just replace the Mini to recoup some cost.

That's the point. The 2020 5k iMac was not much more expensive than a 27" 5k standalone monitor but you can only ever use that 5k panel in that Intel iMac. When you upgrade the machine you will need a new monitor.

That same Studio Display could be used with a Mac Book and non Apple displays can be used with Windows and Linux laptops and desktops.

Aside from the built in monitor, the other cost saving with the 2020 iMac is RAM, it was the last Mac released with user upgradable RAM.

 

[JazzyGB1]

I understand your frustrations. Today's Apple incessant desire for upselling and margins are quite abhorrent. Them cutting corners by using less NAND chips (halving the SSD speed) even on their premium Pro laptop is a clear indication that the main focus towards profit is just sickening.

However, imo iMac is not selling is more due to majority of consumers today simply gravitates towards laptops for their computer of choice. I doubt that the sales would differ much even if Apple made the iMac configurations more appealing for the money.

I don't agree, I just think Apple have manipulated it to be that way.
For example, despite being a desktop the base iMac ships with no more storage or RAM than a Macbook air and has exactly the same processor and the same limits on expandability. In fact the base model iMac is even more limited than the MacBook Air as that can be upgraded to 2TB of storage compared to just 1TB on the iMac.
The only USP for the iMac then is it has a 24" display rather than the 13" on the MacBook Air and the iMac is is $300 more than a MacBook Air - you can buy a decent 24" display for that.
That makes the iMac poor value, so I'd argue it isnt that people no longer want iMacs, it's that they don't want that iMac at that price point, when it offers no advantage over a laptop with the same spec that's $300 less.

 

[ADGrant]

Imo it's simply Apple is now prioritizing more on sales volumes in their business strategy. Apple probably saw that All in one desktops are simply not selling as well anymore. Consumers prefer laptops, while Pros prefer headless units with monitors of their choice. Thus the decision for (surprisingly) reviving the Mac mini to be more compelling (putting an M2 Pro in it).

The iMac imo will simply be a product token only, the image for Apple consumer desktop, but it will get the step child treatment in terms of refreshes.

The only place I've seen these new iMac in the wild is as a point of sales computer in a fancy restaurant. 😆

I am sure they are also popular in children's bedrooms and on reception desks in offices. Two places laptops are not an advantage.

I agree with you point though. Most people are going to be buying laptops and many desktop users will prefer a headless unit that they can pair with any monitor they want or several monitors. A single monitor can be limiting.

 

[Warped9]

Here is why I will never buy a laptop, not even a Mac: I dislike the configuration. Besides the small screen I absolutely detest the keyboard and how you have to position your hands with the keyboard recessed away from the edge of the device. Compared to a desktop keyboard it’s atrocious.

I understand the appeal of a laptop for many, but I can’t stand it.

I love the iMac and it’s elegant configuration. I loved my Indigo G3, I liked by G4 eMac and I’ve been very happy with m 2011 21.5. But as the iMac progressed from the G3 to the Intel iMacs they became more capable, but also less interesting. It looked nice, but wasn’t exciting anymore. The iMac feels like I was using something special.

The current 24 iMac brought the fun and cool factor back in tandem with being a capable device for my needs. Sure a Mac Studio with Studio display is much more capable, but it’s boring as hell sitting on the desk. At least a Mac Studio looks more substantial. A Mac Mini is as capable as the iMac, but looks more boring than the Studio.

 

[AL2TEACH]

Prices have and are continuing to go up. That is life.

More like greed and not life

 

[Rookbird¥]

I guess they don't plan on releasing a larger one. Too bad, was a great machine and 24" is too small.

Apple is going to end up killing the iMac because they are going to drive sales way down. Then they are just going to discontinue it because they don’t think people like the iMac as much anymore. The problem is a lot of people won’t buy the iMac with such a small screen. They need to bring back the 27” iMac. Apple is taking good product lines and destroying them. Their product lines are getting so confusing and convoluted.

 

[AL2TEACH]

I love the iMac and it’s elegant configuration.

Likewise and those stating to get something else just don't understand.

 

[AL2TEACH]

a 27" iMac would be a $4000 machine without a base M2/M3 option.

Those machines would be on shelves collecting dust

 

[Abazigal]

One of the comments above gave me pause for thought.

One cannot deny that a Mac Studio + studio display combination is more expensive than a 5k iMac, but it's also cheaper than an iMac Pro (while offering superior performance).

Are we using the wrong yardsticks for our comparisons all this while?

 

[ian87w]

Here is why I will never buy a laptop, not even a Mac: I dislike the configuration. Besides the small screen I absolutely detest the keyboard and how you have to position your hands with the keyboard recessed away from the edge of the device. Compared to a desktop keyboard it’s atrocious.

I understand the appeal of a laptop for many, but I can’t stand it.

I love the iMac and it’s elegant configuration. I loved my Indigo G3, I liked by G4 eMac and I’ve been very happy with m 2011 21.5. But as the iMac progressed from the G3 to the Intel iMacs they became more capable, but also less interesting. It looked nice, but wasn’t exciting anymore. The iMac feels like I was using something special.

The current 24 iMac brought the fun and cool factor back in tandem with being a capable device for my needs. Sure a Mac Studio with Studio display is much more capable, but it’s boring as hell sitting on the desk. At least a Mac Studio looks more substantial. A Mac Mini is as capable as the iMac, but looks more boring than the Studio.

Sure, but don’t complain if you have to pay up through the nose for so so configurations of old spec. It’s simple supply and demand. If your demand is something that majority of people are not interested in, you will be in the more niche market, and as such you will be paying more premium.

 

[ian87w]

Apple is going to end up killing the iMac because they are going to drive sales way down. Then they are just going to discontinue it because they don’t think people like the iMac as much anymore. The problem is a lot of people won’t buy the iMac with such a small screen. They need to bring back the 27” iMac. Apple is taking good product lines and destroying them. Their product lines are getting so confusing and convoluted.

I don’t think Apple will kill the iMac completely. The brand and the looks are iconic and it’s still the face of Apple’s consumer desktop. It still have its niche markets, such as front offices of high end businesses, fancy restaurants, etc, as a basic computer that also serve as a fancy ornament. Just don’t expect special attentions given such as timely refreshes and optimal configurations/specs.

 

[Warped9]

2 year old tech is not “old” tech. 5-10 year old tech is “old.”

24 ins. is not too small except for those who need to brag.

I suspect Apple knows their market and customers better than a lot commenting here.

 

[loby]

One of the comments above gave me pause for thought.

One cannot deny that a Mac Studio + studio display combination is more expensive than a 5k iMac, but it's also cheaper than an iMac Pro (while offering superior performance).

Are we using the wrong yardsticks for our comparisons all this while?

With all of the interesting comparisons and options on this discussion thread, it seems (my thought) that at the end of the day it comes to preference and really (for macs now) determines someone’s purchase (including what you are willing to pay) with Macs now.

Looks like one argues form or function, or just function or just form or wanting function and form etc. This summarizes the responses, so there is not a one conclusion or solution.

Apple is driven now by sales and the numbers. All business’ have to do to survive, but Apple’s product decisions are bottom line profit per unit volume completely now. If it is not matching their target profit margins…it is axed. It does not matter if it is popular or people like it etc. If they don’t sell enough or can find a profitable reason to continue, it is gone.

Yes, Mac Pro does not “sell” a lot or the profits are not much from the unit. But they saw the small marketing segment exit their ecosystem along with their purchasing power gone for their other products…(Mac Pro users mostly have money or willingness to buy expensive stuff or have the need). so unless Apple finds worth or reason if profits are not there…it’s axed too.

Mac Studio and monitor, including Mac Mini and Mac mini Pro seems to have been more profitable for Apple to focus on instead of the iMac, thus the slow down to upgrade or forget the 27” imac.

Apple makes more money on people buying mini’s or Mac Studio to upgrade every few years instead of iMac people who keep their iMac for 6 years or more before buying another.

I am afraid the the 27” iMac is gone now for some time or it is now gone to the pasture..

 

[DavidSchaub]

One cannot deny that a Mac Studio + studio display combination is more expensive than a 5k iMac, but it's also cheaper than an iMac Pro (while offering superior performance).

Are we using the wrong yardsticks for our comparisons all this while?

Mac Studio and monitor, including Mac Mini and Mac mini Pro seems to have been more profitable for Apple to focus on instead of the iMac, thus the slow down to upgrade or forget the 27” imac.

Apple makes more money on people buying mini’s or Mac Studio to upgrade every few years instead of iMac people who keep their iMac for 6 years or more before buying another.

I think the question is good, and the answer both tricky and probably simple.

Breaking the tricky part down, if you take the M2 Pro Mac mini + Apple Studio display and compare it to a pretend (but plausible) M2 Pro 27" iMac with the same panel:
- the iMac will be cheaper for Apple to build: one power supply, one motherboard, fewer ports / chassis / wires / packaging, cheaper shipping, etc);
- the iMac would probably be cheap enough that Apple could take a slightly higher percent margin and get the same profit...

... but there is one other thing: If the Studio Display breaks, or the Mac mini breaks, the customer spends less money than a new iMac would cost to replace it. Apple might make more initial money on a single sale of a Mac mini + display, but replacement/upgrade profits are almost certainly lower.

Between the higher long-term profits, Apple appreciation for simpler computers, and Apple's feels that the Mac, at heart, is an all-in-one: Apple's historical push for All-in-ones makes lots of sense.

... but why is the real answer probably way simple; because of what we don't: How well are all these things selling, and what are Apple's projections for future sales. All of the above is kinda moot, what sells more is probably king.

 

[supercharge]

Apple has no plans to launch a new 24-inch iMac until late 2023 at the earliest, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his newsletter today, he reiterated his expectation that Apple will skip updating the iMac with the M2 chip and instead wait to release a model with the M3 chip, which has yet to be announced.

"I haven't seen anything to indicate there will be a new iMac until the M3 chip generation, which won't arrive until the tail end of this year at the earliest or next year," wrote Gurman. "So if you want to stick with the iMac, you'll just have to sit tight."

Apple's M3 chip is expected to be manufactured based on TSMC's latest 3nm process, providing additional performance and power efficiency improvements. The M3 chip is also expected to be used in a new MacBook Air rumored to launch by the second half of 2023, and potentially in future versions of the 13-inch MacBook Pro and Mac mini. By comparison, the M2 chip is built on TSMC's second-generation 5nm process.

Apple last updated the iMac in April 2021 with the M1 chip and a new ultra-thin design available in seven colors, including green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. It is currently the only iMac available new, as the Intel-based 27-inch iMac and iMac Pro were both discontinued within the past two years. Gurman has previously claimed that a larger iMac could return, but he did not share any new info about that possibility today.

Article Link: New iMac Not Expected to Launch Until Late 2023 at Earliest

Apple is a wreck.

The M3 should go to the MacBook Pro lines first. That’s the premium price point and so many people have skipped the M1 for potential bugs. Many saw the M2 Pro/Max as just the M1-overclocked with a worse heatsink in some cases so they skipped it too.

Why would they get the M2 when waiting a year could bring >50% battery and 20% performance improvement from the 3nm process alone!?

I know I’ve bought some cheaper Windows laptops to handle image processing in the meantime — still no M1 or M2, just waiting on the M3.

Apple needs to get their **** together and come out with M3 on the MBP. The MBA doesn’t need to be the flagship performer; the M1 is more than enough chip for its use cases. They should have gave the iMac a refresh with the M2 and skipped to the M3 Pro/Max for the MBP. That’s it.

They don’t understand their own product lines. First they come out with a silly touchbar on the MBPs and now they trickle out performance for their performance lines. Get with it already.

It doesn’t make sense to make major performance announcements for the Macbook Air. It makes the company look dysfunctional or confused and I know that’s not the case, so just surprise everyone and give a quicker-than-expected bump to the Pro line.

 

[ahaslam]

This is all so frustrating. I've been wanting to upgrade my 2013 27-inch iMac for several years now, but the options and timing keep throwing me off... It's this awful game of speculating and waiting -- and for nothing possibly! I just hope my old iMac can hold on a bit longer. I've never had a computer for ten years...

I was about to bite the bullet and get an M1 iMac in 2021, but then there was only a 24-inch model and I stopped, thinking that a larger one was surely around the corner. No matter the product, Apple always gives us size options... Well, here we are two years later and there's still no larger model or even a hint one's coming.

Recently, I decided I might just have to settle on a 24 inch. Progress! But should I wait now, if the M3 is actually coming this year...? These premium computers have a premium price tag, and I'd hate shelling out the dough to get two year old tech. When I got my 2013 iMac, I pulled out all the stops to future-proof it some. So is anything I hope for actually coming? It's maddening.

 

[Jwinnin]

This is all so frustrating. I've been wanting to upgrade my 2013 27-inch iMac for several years now, but the options and timing keep throwing me off... It's this awful game of speculating and waiting -- and for nothing possibly! I just hope my old iMac can hold on a bit longer. I've never had a computer for ten years...

I was about to bite the bullet and get an M1 iMac in 2021, but then there was only a 24-inch model and I stopped, thinking that a larger one was surely around the corner. No matter the product, Apple always gives us size options... Well, here we are two years later and there's still no larger model or even a hint one's coming.

Recently, I decided I might just have to settle on a 24 inch. Progress! But should I wait now, if the M3 is actually coming this year...? These premium computers have a premium price tag, and I'd hate shelling out the dough to get two year old tech. When I got my 2013 iMac, I pulled out all the stops to future-proof it some. So is anything I hope for actually coming? It's maddening.

I was exactly in the same place. I liked the all-in-one design but hate throwing away a good screen because the CPU is old. I’m going for a Mac mini.

 

[DavidSchaub]

This is all so frustrating. I've been wanting to upgrade my 2013 27-inch iMac for several years now, but the options and timing keep throwing me off... It's this awful game of speculating and waiting -- and for nothing possibly! I just hope my old iMac can hold on a bit longer. I've never had a computer for ten years...

I was about to bite the bullet and get an M1 iMac in 2021, but then there was only a 24-inch model and I stopped, thinking that a larger one was surely around the corner. No matter the product, Apple always gives us size options... Well, here we are two years later and there's still no larger model or even a hint one's coming.

Recently, I decided I might just have to settle on a 24 inch. Progress! But should I wait now, if the M3 is actually coming this year...? These premium computers have a premium price tag, and I'd hate shelling out the dough to get two year old tech. When I got my 2013 iMac, I pulled out all the stops to future-proof it some. So is anything I hope for actually coming? It's maddening.

It is definitely possible that the M3 iMac won't be out until around Spring 2024, but waiting is always a good plan.

I'd wait to see if the Samsung 27" monitor is any good and maybe just get the M2 Pro Mac mini with it?

 

[Warped9]

I think if the iMac was going to get the M2 we’d have gotten it by now. It would or could have been the same M2 in the new MacBook Air and thus have given us a 24GB RAM option. I could have accepted that. Certainly an M1 or M2 Pro option would have been sufficient as well. But Apple has chosen to wait for the M3 and thus a more significant upgrade for the iMac. So now it’s a matter of waiting.

An M1 8/8 core is a significant upgrade over any Intel core chip you could have gotten in the old iMac. The question is does 16GB RAM unified memory have any advantage over even 32GB RAM in the old iMac. Or does that 16 negate any advantage the M1 over Intel would give you? Thats the question I’m trying to find out. The current 24 iMac wth 16GB RAM and 512GB-1TB storage should be a solid upgrade over any old iMac with an Intel i5 or i7 with 512GB-1TB storage. The question is the RAM.

Everything I’ve seen and read so far seems to indicate the configuration I’ve specified above will most likely suffice for my needs, but I’m not certain enough. I‘d like reassurance. That means finding examples of an iMac optioned as I’ve stated being used in at least a similar manner as I’d be using the machine.

No question a base Mac Studio will blow away anything you could have had in an Intel iMac. And that you don’t have to wait for it. You could even save a few bucks by getting an Apple refurbished Studio and utilize your previous keyboard and mouse with it. But then you still have to get a display and getting one as solid and as nice as what you had before or as nice as the 24 iMac’s display could be problematic. There is also the matter of audio unless you commit to Apple’s Studio Display, which you can also get Apple refurbished to save some money.

You can also get a Mac Mini with M2 or M2 Pro which could cost you up to near as much as a Mac Studio, but you still need a display. I don’t like this option because I think the Mini, while respectable, looks…dinky. At least the Studio looks more substantial on the desk.

Apple refurbished M1 iMacs optioned as you like are available and can save you a decent amount of money.

So it’s a matter of patience. I’m 64 even though inside I can sometimes feel 24. After going on 12 years I want a new Apple computer—I prefer the elegance of a new iMac. I never expected to be using my 21.5 for ten years plus, and thats a testament to the machine and the OS. But I’m not desperate, because I’m no longer 24 years old and my current setup works well enough. But others might not be in a similar situation as myself and they really need a new computer.

If someone could tell me with some definitiveness the current iMac configured as I specified above would be a significant upgrade over what I have now that might be enough for me to pull the trigger. If not I think an M3 iMac would be worth the wait.

And there is always the Mac Studio even if I don’t prefer that alternative. As someone said upthread the Mac Studio with Studio display is a better option than the old and very expensive iMac Pro.

 

[Rychiar]

I suspect it's the reverse. Apple is "demoting" the iMac wholly to the consumer Mac segment when previously, it doubled as both a consumer and a professional Mac. They then had to release the iMac Pro as a stopgap measure to fill the gap between the iMac and the trash can Mac Pro.

The iMac, with its myriad of colour combinations, is meant to be placed in locations where it can readily seen by other people, like at the cashier in a shop. Or as a family computer in the living room where minimal clutter matters.

Conversely, a Mac Studio + Studio Display combination, at $3600, is actually very affordable when you consider that prior to this, a Mac Pro + XDR display would easily set you back $11,000 at least.

Based on this new paradigm, I find there really isn't any place for a 27" iMac, especially when you consider that pros have been championing modularity all this while.

The original “iMac pro” was always a huge waste of money and was quickly overtaken by the 2019 regular iMac and then forgotten… kinda like how the new Mac mini just killed the studio

 

[Rychiar]

The base Mac mini costs 599. The Studio Display 1599. That's not double the cost of a base 2020 iMac

The Mac mini with m2 pro and decent ram and storage would knock the cost well above 3 grand. I used to get a solidly loaded iMac for $2200

 

[Damian83]

I really hope Apple releases something this year, because I've got the nagging suspicion that my 2017 iMac isn't going to get any more software updates once the new version of macOS comes out. 😅

No updates available = no issues. I dont update even if i can

 

[JazzyGB1]

Based on this new paradigm, I find there really isn't any place for a 27" iMac, especially when you consider that pros have been championing modularity all this while.

Pro's have been championing expandability, not modularity.
That's why the Mac Studio and Mac Mini will never be a suitable replacement for a Mac Pro.
The problem with Apple's current lineup is it's all variations of the same.
You can either have an unexpandable MacBook, Mac Mini, iMac or Mac Studio - all of which have no user upgradable parts which then means you have to 'future proof' at the point of purchase which then sharply increases the cost, or buy a Mac Pro which is $6000!!!!
When first released and for many years after the iMac, Mac Mini and even the MacBook were user expandable.

 

[Adelphos33]

Apple is saying the iMac is a machine for consumers / general productivity people... The M2 Mac Mini, with 16GB RAM / 512 GB SSD (which will last most people several years) costs $899... The issue remains that you have to get a keyboard/trackpad ($300 or so) and Apple monitor ($1,599) to get the full "Apple" experience, putting the machine at over $3,000. A similarly spec'd iMac 24 inch is about $2,000. The current M1 iMac remains a good deal - if you are OK with the screen.

 

[Bodhitree]

Buying on a “want to” basis vs. “have to” makes a lot of difference. I’ve always preferred the latter, for both economic and psychological reasons. My one real “guidepost” is that I like to be able to run the current OS on both.

Agreed, but I would add the ecological argument. Buying a durable product and using it for the majority of its life is a more environmentally-friendly approach than buying a new device every year and reselling, with the possibility that the second-hand buyer thrashes the device in another year or two.

In 2021 I made these upgrades…

iPhone 7 -> iPhone 13 Pro
MacBook Air 2011 -> 24” M1 iMac

That’s six years for the iPhone and ten years for the Mac. I had the money, I could have upgraded earlier, but I choose to hang on a while, my iPhone was still getting updates and the MacBook Air had just gone out of support altogether. But I wanted an Apple Silicon Mac, because I’m fairly certain there won’t be long support for the Intel Macs.

If your device is still fast enough and runs the software you want, is there really any need to buy new? I think you can happily use an older device for many years, and my old MacBook Air is still being used by my ex-girlfriend, who I gifted it to. But like NSully59 I like to run the most recent OS in order to stay secure and up-to-date so that has my preference.