So where do us 27” iMac owners go from here?

[NightOne]

So apparently only me and 3 other people were upset by the latest Apple reveals and everyone has basically said that consumer 27” iMac users are not the audience for the new Studio Macs. OK, fine.

So I’ve owned an iMac since the G5 plastic white one and I’ve got a new one about every 2 years or so. Currently I have a 2019 model. Apple has made it clear that Apple silicon is the future and Intel products are dead men walking now. So the Mac Mini is a step down from the iMac and we don’t need some pro solution. The 24“ iMac is also a downgrade.

So what is the path forward? Where’s the direct replacement for the Intel 27” iMacs? or are we chopped liver now?

What are we going to buy and when?

 

[dugbug]

Wouldn't it be as simple as:
27' imac = mac mini + studio display
27' imac pro = mac studio + studio display?

 

[dimme]

There will be a new 27" or later iMac it's just ready yet.

 

[JPack]

Be patient, wait until 2023 as Kuo said.

Apple won't leave the 27" gap open. The iMac emphasizes aesthetics over performance (e.g. iMac doesn't have front USB ports even though it's common sense). Mac Studio is the other way around.

Based the performance of the M1 Max/Ultra, it's very difficult to justify keeping the Intel-based 27" iMac. If you watch the presentation, Apple would have cut the price by 2/3 to justify keeping it. Obviously, that won't happen but Apple doesn't want to sell you a brown banana either.

 

[JMacHack]

I’m gonna bet on an eventual iMac Pro, you can wait for that if you like.

 

[Realityck]

So apparently only me and 3 other people were upset by the latest Apple reveals and everyone has basically said that consumer 27” iMac users are not the audience for the new Studio Macs. OK, fine.

So I’ve owned an iMac since the G5 plastic white one and I’ve got a new one about every 2 years or so. Currently I have a 2019 model. Apple has made it clear that Apple silicon is the future and Intel products are dead men walking now. So the Mac Mini is a step down from the iMac and we don’t need some pro solution. The 24“ iMac is also a downgrade.

So what is the path forward? Where’s the direct replacement for the Intel 27” iMacs? or are we chopped liver now?

What are we going to buy and when?

previous I posted
I daresay Apple has been scheming for a long time about what to do with the 27" iMac being a great bargain and drawing people to buy it over and over again when they want to have different desktop Mac lines (low end, middle, and high end) to market to consumers.

The offerings of the 24" iMac, then the M1 Pro/Max 14"/16" MBPs that could use an external display, then the Mac Studio seem to be a peeling away the iMac customers to a broader array of offerings.

If the 27" iMac had been marketed earlier likely that would have very well appreciated, but interfered with AS transition it seems.

Recently I posted
Don’t you find the fact that you could have ordered that as CFO for any options and get it fairly quickly and now that is removed suddenly? There was a blip when a user made a thread and said the 27” was missing 2 days before the show, neither myself and another a few mins later saw that happen. There was no ordering delays reflected to show it becoming EOL, it’s just gone after the peek performance. One could say Apple brought down the curtain on it at the last moment. It’s a mystery.

27" Inch Imac no longer on sale in Apple Store? New model Tuesday?

Hmm haven't see anything change for US web pages. None of the Mac store hierarchies have it absent? https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/imac-imac

forums.macrumors.com

Then you have this rumor

Kuo: iMac Pro Won't Launch Until 2023, 27-inch External Display Without Mini-LED Coming This Year

Apple will not launch an iMac Pro or a Mac Pro until 2023, while it still plans to release a 27-inch external display without mini-LED sometime this...

www.macrumors.com

I really think Apple is being very secretive with the disappearance, that they wanted to clear out the intel inventory then show this finally later this year. or next until after the Mac Studio games are really going well for all the people that wanted that.

 

[JPack]

One of the easiest ways to read Apple's intentions to read their press release on the product.

If the Mac Studio was intended to replace the 27" iMac, they would make it clear, with something along the lines of "We think current iMac users will love it." That message doesn't exist. There are plenty of comparisons to Intel which are natural.

Apple unveils all-new Mac Studio and Studio Display

Apple introduced Mac Studio and Studio Display, a desktop and display designed to give users everything they need to build the studio of their dreams.

www.apple.com

 

[stradify]

I've a late 2015 27" iMac, BTO with a 4.0Ghz chip. It works well but having recently purchased a 2021 base 14" MBP I'm thinking of selling off the iMac to get an upgraded Mac mini, 16gb of ram and 1 TB SSD, for the increased performance.

That said, the Studio Max with a 1 TB HD is $2,200 vs. $1300 for the upgraded Mac mini which has 16GB less RAM. The price difference, $900, amortized over 7 years, it's around $10 extra a month. I use my computers for that long so I'm thinking the base Studio is the better choice for the long term.

I know that people on this forum hate it when someone says they're 'future proofing' but if you're like me and use your computer for a long enough time it can work out well. It certainly did for me with my 2015 iMac.

For a monitor I'll go with a 3rd party 27" 4K for around half the price of Apple's new display. I don't need speakers or the bennies that the A13 chip provides. The ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV or something a little nicer will probably be just fine.

The only question left is what's going to happen with the next version of the Mac mini. Will it get a M1 Pro chip and the option to add more RAM? If so, that's going to raise the price and further narrow the delta with the Studio Max.

It looks like I've done an excellent job of convincing myself to buy a Studio Max. How about you OP? Which way you leaning?

 

[EntropyQ3]

The statement at the end of the presentation was quite unambiguous. Hoping for a 27" iMac replacement is not a good idea.
Arguably the 24" iMac is a Goldilocks happy medium. Regardless of how we might feel about that, it appears we’ll go back to having a single iMac form factor.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Just my opinion, but Apple could still release an M2 iMac 27”.

Note that when John T referred to the Mac Pro being the last Mac to complete the transition, he’s referring to existing products.

The fact that Apple discontinued the existing 27” iMac speaks about how much more value is in Mac Studio. Yes, the iMac had a cheaper entry price for the complete setup, but I believe Apple is shifting its focus here.

In the past the 27” iMac was almost the unnamed ‘pro’ variant of the family, most likely because the enclosure was larger and allowed for better cooling, speakers etc. Yet not all customers want this size purely for the performance aspect - they literally just want a large all in one computer.

It would make a lot more sense for Apple to release an M2 27” model because that would satisfy both consumers and many creative professionals still. Apple Studio on the other hand is for users who want extreme performance, modularity with regards to display, mouse, keyboard and connectivity.

Further, there was a rumour lot too long ago that said a larger 27” enclosure was coming in multiple colours.

I could be wrong, but I hope this is right.

 

[EntropyQ3]

I've a late 2015 27" iMac, BTO with a 4.0Ghz chip. It works well but having recently purchased a 2021 base 14" MBP I'm thinking of selling off the iMac to get an upgraded Mac mini, 16gb of ram and 1 TB SSD, for the increased performance.

That said, the Studio Max with a 1 TB HD is $2,200 vs. $1300 for the upgraded Mac mini which has 16GB less RAM. The price difference, $900, amortized over 7 years, it's around $10 extra a month. I use my computers for that long so I'm thinking the base Studio is the better choice for the long term.

I know that people on this forum hate it when someone says they're 'future proofing' but if you're like me and use your computer for a long enough time it can work out well. It certainly did for me with my 2015 iMac.

For a monitor I'll go with a 3rd party 27" 4K for around half the price of Apple's new display. I don't need speakers or the bennies that the A13 chip provides. The ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV or something a little nicer will probably be just fine.

The only question left is what's going to happen with the next version of the Mac mini. Will it get a M1 Pro chip and the option to add more RAM? If so, that's going to raise the price and further narrow the delta with the Studio Max.

It looks like I've done an excellent job of convincing myself to buy a Studio Max. How about you OP? Which way you leaning?

I went with the Studio Max, 16GB is too harsh a limit going forward. Huawei Mateview (the new feature stripped version) is the top contender atm. No hurry - I’ll start out by plugging it into … my 27" iMac from back when iMacs could be used as general monitors! ?

 

[Kardinal1911]

So apparently only me and 3 other people were upset by the latest Apple reveals and everyone has basically said that consumer 27” iMac users are not the audience for the new Studio Macs. OK, fine.

So I’ve owned an iMac since the G5 plastic white one and I’ve got a new one about every 2 years or so. Currently I have a 2019 model. Apple has made it clear that Apple silicon is the future and Intel products are dead men walking now. So the Mac Mini is a step down from the iMac and we don’t need some pro solution. The 24“ iMac is also a downgrade.

So what is the path forward? Where’s the direct replacement for the Intel 27” iMacs? or are we chopped liver now?

What are we going to buy and when?

As a former 27" imac lover... You're now going to have to graduate to Mac Studio. Here's the rationale; most people /pro's complained about the lack of an Apple Monitor for their devices and very few wanted to purchase the XDR. On the other hand several people who are studio workers but not necessarily "PRO" Users felt the Mac Pro was over kill... Enters the Mac Studio as the sweet spot. for the average youtube, social media, vlogger, space you can configure a Mac Studio. For the hardcore pro users movie producers, video game designers, ultra rich gotta have the toy buyers you have both or a Mac Pro. The 27" imac pro wouldn't be able to handle the heat of an M1 Ultra crammed behind the screen in an imac. M1 Max also generates significant heat for that form factor. Comibne that with speakers and the heat of the screen and it becomes a major issue very quickly. I think the 27" is dead for the foreseeable future and Mac Studio is the way forward. Apple can sell more individual units of Mac studios for the same price point than they can 27" iMacs on the other hand the monitor is nicely priced at 1500.00 which will drive most portable workstation lovers like myself to purchase monitors. Also they can target the educational segment as well.

 

[UltimateSyn]

I am betting the next-gen M1 iMac gets two things: the ability to configure it with the M1 Pro, and a second screen-size (27"?) option.

 

[Kardinal1911]

I am betting the next-gen M1 iMac gets two things: the ability to configure it with the M1 Pro, and a second screen-size (27"?) option.

I don't think Apple will cannibalize the sales of the new monitor/ nor mac studio in this way. It would make no sense... They literally said there's only one mac left to be upgraded and that is the Mac Pro

 

[B.A.T]

To the o/p. You have a 2019 iMac. Be patient. You have many years left in that machine before you have to worry about a new machine and by that time the desktop Mac lineup will be sorted out. I'm typing this on a maxed out 2013 iMac that's still got lots of life left in it

 

[Abazigal]

So apparently only me and 3 other people were upset by the latest Apple reveals and everyone has basically said that consumer 27” iMac users are not the audience for the new Studio Macs. OK, fine.

So I’ve owned an iMac since the G5 plastic white one and I’ve got a new one about every 2 years or so. Currently I have a 2019 model. Apple has made it clear that Apple silicon is the future and Intel products are dead men walking now. So the Mac Mini is a step down from the iMac and we don’t need some pro solution. The 24“ iMac is also a downgrade.

So what is the path forward? Where’s the direct replacement for the Intel 27” iMacs? or are we chopped liver now?

What are we going to buy and when?

I am currently using at 27” 5k iMac at home. If I ever had to replace it, I guess the next best alternative for me would be the 24” iMac. I agree it does seem like a downgrade, spec-wise, but I am satisfied with the performance of my M1 MBA, and I think the 24” iMac will suffice for what I do with it.

 

[UltimateSyn]

I don't think Apple will cannibalize the sales of the new monitor/ nor mac studio in this way. It would make no sense... They literally said there's only one mac left to be upgraded and that is the Mac Pro

There is one Mac left to be upgraded, right. The 24” iMac was already split out to its own new, separate product line and given Apple Silicon. An expansion of that product line does not constitute a newly transitioned product. Just because they only have “one Mac left” to transition doesn’t mean that the Mac lineup will forevermore go unchanged after that point. A 27” consumer iMac, with the option of going up to M1 Pro (not Max or Ultra) also doesn’t cannibalize the Studio, IMO.

 

[pshufd]

I will just keep using my 2014 iMac 27 and my 2010 iMac 27. These old beasts do my office stuff and a little of my professional stuff.

You can always get an Intel iMac 27 on the used market and they might be fine for your workload. Or you can spend $3,600 minimum for a Mac Studio system, not including keyboard and mouse of course.

 

[B.A.T]

^^^^ Don't forget the trackpad!!!! ??

 

[Jonathan.T.Harpur]

I do think apple will make a bigger size iMac for consumers and not just keep that size screens for just pros users and I would like to see the air dropped from MacBook Air and jus call in MacBook and offer it in the same size as the pro laptops and let those who need a pro machine get it and let us consumer have the same size laptops offered to uthe pro consumers

 

[sb in ak]

The higher-end iMacs have always been a bit of an oddity to me. The computer part is probably obsolete before the screen is, which is problematic from several angles, including sustainability. Makes more sense to me to combine a mini or a studio with a 27" monitor.

 

[kinghuang]

I'm still on a 2013 iMac that can't even run macOS Monterey! I was really hoping for a larger-screen iMac, but I've ordered a Mac Studio + Studio Display. Just can't wait any longer!

 

[pshufd]

I'm still on a 2013 iMac that can't even run macOS Monterey! I was really hoping for a larger-screen iMac, but I've ordered a Mac Studio + Studio Display. Just can't wait any longer!

Looking forward to reviews of people using the thing. I spent $6K on Apple Silicon gear last year so I have some idea what it can do and how much compute power it can manage.

 

[darngooddesign]

I don't think Apple will cannibalize the sales of the new monitor/ nor mac studio in this way. It would make no sense... They literally said there's only one mac left to be upgraded and that is the Mac Pro

Sure but you're assuming that "iMac" only refers to one iMac. Up until now, MBP only referred to two sizes, but here we are with three. In the end it doesn't really matter what Apple says now, they can easily turn around and release an iMac Pro later.

 

[ADGrant]

So apparently only me and 3 other people were upset by the latest Apple reveals and everyone has basically said that consumer 27” iMac users are not the audience for the new Studio Macs. OK, fine.

So I’ve owned an iMac since the G5 plastic white one and I’ve got a new one about every 2 years or so. Currently I have a 2019 model. Apple has made it clear that Apple silicon is the future and Intel products are dead men walking now. So the Mac Mini is a step down from the iMac and we don’t need some pro solution. The 24“ iMac is also a downgrade.

So what is the path forward? Where’s the direct replacement for the Intel 27” iMacs? or are we chopped liver now?

What are we going to buy and when?

I have a 2020 27" iMac. I bought it in because I was not interested in being an early adopter of Apple Silicon Macs and it was the only viable desktop Mac in the summer of 2020. I plan to keep my iMac for several more years.

However, I like the flexibility of a separate monitor so when I do replace my Intel iMac, I won't replace it with another iMac if I can buy a monitor like the new Studio and a headless Mac like the studio for a price I consider reasonable.

The 27" iMac did present the best value proposition in the Intel Mac line IMHO. Partly because the Intel Mac minis were terrible value for money and the Mac Pros absurdly expensive but also because the only 5k 27" monitor option was the LG (4k in a 27" doesn't work for me). The user upgradable RAM slots were also an attractive feature.