What are the chances of seeing a 27" iMac again?

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Good luck with that idea. If it was cheaper to drive the ASD with something other than "phone" tech guts, Apple would have used the cheaper option and padded the profit.

I fully expect iMac "bigger" to revive at towards about 2X the old "starting at" price range... even if Apple swaps "phone" controller for something else.

However, I'll hope right with you... that an iMac "bigger" will return with traditional (relative) bargain pricing. I see towards 0% chances of that but hope can be applied to even long shot scenarios.

 

[AL2TEACH]

He's talking the customer out of the larger, more expensive (yet discounted) model.

The iMac model in the link is really less expensive when you consider the extra ram and more storage space and should be upgradable for another 2/3 years.

' = feet
" = inches

😂 thanks for pointing that out.

The M1 iMac really is one million times better.

If you want to do more than browsing the internet, it is without a doubt.

I am and iMac lover. I still run my ever lovin 27"(thanks again for pointing that out) late 2015 iMac. It does what it needs to do and Ventura is not worth the price of an upgrade to me.
Only going with the OP's post, I do believe that if he thought the 24 was worth it, he would get it or wait until the rumored 27" iMac comes along but I doubt he would get that one so his father could browse the internet.

If this was a question about which machine is better then it's going to be most likely the new one. Would his father be okay with a 24"? Sure, after he got use to it.


I don't know how old or the condition of the OP's father. All I know is that he likes the 27" and would use it to browse the internet. Just for those 2 reasons, I say the linked model is the best buy at Best Buy. lol. I thought that was sort of a good word play.

 

[Gudi]

The iMac model in the link is really less expensive when you consider the extra ram and more storage space and should be upgradable for another 2/3 years.

It's already obsolete and flawed, because of the power-hungry Intel chip. You can't upgrade the x86 architecture away.

Only going with the OP's post, I do believe that if he thought the 24" was worth it, he would get it or wait until the rumored 27" iMac comes along, but I doubt he would get that one so his father could browse the internet.

He's considering it. And especially if you "only" browse the internet, the cool and quiet (7 decibel) operation of the 24" iMac is a blessing. People reading in the library love their silence.

All I know is that he likes the 27" and would use it to browse the internet. Just for those 2 reasons, I say the linked model is the best buy at Best Buy. lol. I thought that was sort of a good word play.

I recommend the model, not the BestBuy deal. Go buy an "as new" used one from one of your neighbours! M1 iMacs are everywhere and lots of people bought them despite having a laptop and no time to use it.

 

[AL2TEACH]

It's already obsolete and flawed

It can upgrade to Ventura.

You can't upgrade the x86 architecture away.

The iMac in the link can get Ventura.

operation of the 24" iMac is a blessing.

It just might be but again, he likes the 27" screen. If he doesn't mind the 24" then by all means get the 24".

 

[AL2TEACH]

Looking to buy an iMac for my Dad

How about a little update?
We are on pins and stakes here
Don't leave us on the ledge of a 60 story building

Will he come back?
Stay tuned, Same bat channel, same bat time!!!!

 

[ADrunkenMarcus]

I may be faced with a dilemma in a few years as to what to replace my current machine with.

I'm currently running a iMac 27" from 2019. I tend to keep my machines running as long as possible and I hope I will still be able to have the latest OS until about 2024-25. After that, maybe I can run the most recent supported OS provided security patches are kept supported. However, in a few years I'll be having to consider my options and it looks like a replacement 27" model won't be available in the line up (it may change, naturally).

Looking at the iMac 24" specs, it seems you can only go up to 16 GB memory and 2 TB of hard drive storage. My current machine has 64 GB memory and 3 TB hard drive (I've used 1.8 TB). It is, of course, an Intel so I do not know how to compare performance, but solely on GB my current machine has 4x the memory. This is probably not the case if allowing for the better processor on the 24"...

 

[bobcomer]

I may be faced with a dilemma in a few years as to what to replace my current machine with.

I'm currently running a iMac 27" from 2019. I tend to keep my machines running as long as possible and I hope I will still be able to have the latest OS until about 2024-25. After that, maybe I can run the most recent supported OS provided security patches are kept supported. However, in a few years I'll be having to consider my options and it looks like a replacement 27" model won't be available in the line up (it may change, naturally).

Looking at the iMac 24" specs, it seems you can only go up to 16 GB memory and 2 TB of hard drive storage. My current machine has 64 GB memory and 3 TB hard drive (I've used 1.8 TB). It is, of course, an Intel so I do not know how to compare performance, but solely on GB my current machine has 4x the memory. This is probably not the case if allowing for the better processor on the 24"...

It's not worth worrying right now, the 24" iMac really isn't a competitor to the 27" and I bet Apple wil come out with a better iMac. You could always go with a Studio / Studio Display now, but I don't see the need for that as your 27" is still a nice machine!

 

[ADrunkenMarcus]

It's not worth worrying right now, the 24" iMac really isn't a competitor to the 27" and I bet Apple wil come out with a better iMac. You could always go with a Studio / Studio Display now, but I don't see the need for that as your 27" is still a nice machine!

It's a sound plan. I kept my 21" iMac (2011) going until 2019! (I was going to get another 21" iMac but the improved specs I wanted were only available on the 27". I seem to remember the 21" iMacs available then didn't have more memory than my 2011 model, which IIRC had 16 GB.

 

[JamesMay82]

I fully expect an iMac "bigger" (not necessarily 27") will return. However, I suspect it will be labeled PRO and priced like Apple priced the prior incarnation of iMac 27" PRO.

Apple has successfully launched the iMac 27" monitor at the former "starting at" price of the same monitor with all of the iMac computing guts inside. Logically, when they later add those guts back inside, the new (improved?) price will reflect the addition. I approximate that by looking at MBpro pricing and then subtract something for the parts that wouldn't go inside (screen, speakers, camera, etc) since they are already there. My best guess is an iMac "bigger" with a "starting at" $3499.

If Apple really pinched the base configuration and made keyboard and mouse accessories instead of "included" (as it used to be), MAYBE that gets down to $2999. However, I suspect the "nicely configured" versions above the "too little..." specs is probably NORTH of $4K.

In all these threads dreaming of a return of the 27", I suspect a driver of that dream is former (relative) "bargain" pricing. I'm not so sure the market will be as receptive when the new one does arrive at much higher pricing than the traditional level. Again, now that ASD is established at what used to be a whole iMac 27" price, I see no way for iMac 27" or so to return at former price points.

For OPs situation, I mostly agree with post #10: pair a Mini with a third party monitor. If so, I might wait a bit longer for the debut of the Samsung Viewfinity S9 to see what that 5K monitor will cost. If Samsung doesn't demand so much margin, that may be THE best choice to pair with any Mac desktops.

Also consider the LG that was formerly endorsed by Apple themselves by being THE 27" for sale in stores until ASD. Apple fans have dramatically turned on it since ASD launched but it was apparently just fine when Apple was pushing it themselves. It can be had for a LOT less than ASD and performs just as well as it did when Apple was pushing it and thus fans liked it.

#10 is right that a 4K screen will cost a LOT less than the oddball 5K and with some screen config choices, OP can probably find a setting that looks good anyway (try hooking any Mac to any 4K TV and the result is not the "terrible" often spun in support of "5K and only 5K" arguments). If so, a 4K monitor also unchains the choices from 27." For example, perhaps 30" or more... and maybe ultra-wide can come into the consideration?

Ha I hope you're wrong as I want a reasonably priced 27 inch iMac.

I need to upgrade my computers and was planning on going laptop only with a studio display but I've grown to realise I just prefer working on the 27 inch iMac. plus a MacBook Pro and studio display is big bucks and so is a studio display and Mac mini studio. I've just received a MacBook Air for work and I never use it as I just find the small screen hard work.

My 2014 iMac is 27 inch and I paid £2,200 for the quad core version and I upgraded the graphics for this price but kept the SSD at 256 and Ram at 8GB.

For the new 27 inch iMac I'd like to achieve a M2 Pro, 1tb and 16Gb of ram for £2,200... not sure how realistic that is?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I'll hope I'm wrong too... but I just don't see a scenario where Apple would be selling ASD and basically ASD with "a whole computer inside" too for around the same price.

So either ASD pricing comes way down to fit in the traditional "starting at..." price of iMac 27" again or the iMac "bigger" revival arrives at ASD prices PLUS whatever Apple wants for the "whole computer inside."

Thinking about how modern Apple Inc. is more focused on maximizing revenue & profit than ever before, I don't foresee the ASD price cut. If so, that seems to practically demand a much higher "starting at" price for the iMac "bigger" whenever it arrives.

To best estimate the exact configuration you want, I suggest looking to ASD for the screen portion + Mac mini configured as you want the new iMac, MINUS a bit for the Mac mini case. ASD $1599 + Mac mini Pro 1TB 16GB $1499 = $3098. Subtract a little something for the Mac Mini case? Add something for a ASD stand option? Add keyboard $199 + Magic Mouse $99?

$3098 - (Mac mini case discount prob washed by desirable stand option) + $199 keyboard + $99 Mouse = $3396. Give it a year+ for more "inflation"/"supply chain"/"covid" and that probably puffs some of that up a bit more. End result (guess): somewhere in the $2999 (minimal config) to $4499 (nicely config) range... branded iMac Pro.

Look back at the "starting at..." for the last iMac PRO to get a sense of probable pricing by Apple's own precedent...

To further rationalize it, Apple and Apple fans will spin BETTER display, MORE cores, BETTER graphics, FASTER Thunderbolt and same ethernet. You'll apparently dial it down to half that much RAM. Look at that 201X price and jack it for "inflation"/"supply chain"/etc. How can a new one NOT end up NORTH of $3K?

Let's try. Drop the PRO chip down to regular M2 (or perhaps M3 at the time). Subtract about $500 or so. Instead of 10Gb Ethernet, use 1Gb Ethernet for maybe $100 more. Cut 1TB SSD down to 512GB or 256GB. Subtract a few hundred more. MAYBE, that minimum config version gets it towards $2600? My own suspicions though is the "bargain" version MIGHT be "starting at $2999" at best and those specs will be generally viewed as "too little" by anyone with reasonable tech knowledge.

 

[Fishrrman]

My guess (and it's only "a guess") is that if we don't see a new 27" iMac by the time of WWDC NEXT year (2024), that we're not going to see one again.

 

[JamesMay82]

@HobeSoundDarryl yes I think those figures are more realistic (sadly). if that is the case it might make me consider a laptop and ASD set up as I suppose that maybe does give better value for money with the portability side of it.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Or, in pursuit of former iMac 27"-type pricing, perhaps consider a refurb MB (or maybe this rumored MB Air) and either a refurb ASD or non-Apple-branded alternative. The ASD "clone" from Samsung- Viewfinity S9- is due to drop just anytime now...

It looks like it will have many of the most desirable features of ASD (probably) MINUS Apple's big fat margin, resulting in a more attractive price. It comes with desirable monitor stand features and includes a more robust hub built in vs. just a few ports of a single type. Here's a bit more about it from what is usually an Apple-defending fan...

Another alternative: the previously-endorsed-by-Apple-stores LG screen has only fallen out of fan favor since Apple rolled out a same-sized screen alternative. Prior to ASD, it was THE monitor because Apple pushed it themselves in their own stores. It is available NOW for much less cost than ASD.

In my own case, I went Silicon Mac with Mac Studio, but really wanted the much rumored (at the time) Mac Mini MAX to replace the computing parts of my long-term iMac 27. For screen, the "separates" push means that one is not obligated to take the one-and-only-one offered by Apple. So I paired it with a 40" ultra-wide 5K 2K screen from Dell for about the same cost as ASD. If I was willing to keep checking THEIR refurb page, this same monitor has sold for considerably LESS than ASD and some mainstream retailers will offer it for less than the Dell site price too. Price seems to fluctuate every week.

Screen looks as great as the former iMac 27" but now there is much more of it. That Dell also comes with a built-in hub with a good mix of ports (vs. just a few of one kind of port), including more than one video input (4 actually) which makes it simple to persist bootcamp too (using a Mac Mini-like PC for full Windows vs. trying to get by on ARM Windows).

This screen will even split so that BOTH Mac and PC can take up portions of the screen AT THE SAME TIME, making this more like parallels (minus the annual subscription) instead of traditional one-or-the-other bootcamp approach.

I can't say enough about the ultra-wide benefit. This screen is about the same height as iMac 27, but simply adds much more usable screen RE to the left & right. Having multiple windows open at the same time and all in view is much preferable to scrolling & re-sizing in what now feels like a very cramped 27" screen when I use one of those. I could not go back to nearly "square" screens at any price.

If I was re-making the new Mac purchase now, I'd probably go new (or preferably soon REFURB) Mac Mini PRO plus this same Dell screen. However your idea of laptop plus a good screen would be a close second consideration for me. I have since discovered the sharp dock option from Brydge and would be VERY tempted to merge my separate desktop + laptop budgets into a great laptop with one of those docks and this Dell screen.

In both scenarios, I still end up spending much more than the traditional "starting at..." price of iMac 27" but I have zero expectation of that "bargain" coming back again. And since this screen is not married to iOS, it should not get deprecated (aka "vintaged") when that generation of A-series chips is vintaged. A good monitor should last for about 10+ years and I fully expect to be taking this forward for the next Mac (or maybe next TWO Mac) purchase(s) instead of tossing it because the monitor OS is made obsolete by corporate choices.

Maybe this will give you some food for thought in your own purchase decision. I hope you find a great combination of new tech for your needs.

 

[JamesMay82]

@HobeSoundDarryl that Samsung looks great! fingers crossed they announce a reasonable price for it.

Do you know much about current TV's that can double up as monitors? They are always a lot cheaper than monitors but I think id be worry about burn in.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

For that topic, I suggest doing searches for "using a TV as a monitor" to learn all about the pros & cons in that. Be sure to also go Apple specific in that search too" using a TV as a monitor for the Mac". Perhaps I'm just programmed this way, but I personally see them as fairly different things. However, you would not be the first to slug in a TV as a monitor. And I've had many occasions where I've temporarily had a Mac hooked to a TV, especially for presentations. Often it can look pretty good on a TV screen.

The one, somewhat-unique "catch" is a peculiarity of macOS: it tends to work better on odd-resolution screens. Thus, instead of the much cheaper 4K monitors (and TVs) readily available, there is a pretty good case made for needing an odd-ball 5K screen instead. While it is rarely referenced this way, basically, Windows is better at scaling the OS to a variety of resolutions than very finicky macOS. So while Windows works just fine at 4K or 5K, macOS looks best on 5K vs. 4K. There's more detail to that than I'll write here... but again a search for that topic (too) will reveal much.

Best I know, there are no 5K TVs, so if you are married to Mac and you want a great screen for Mac, you probably have to go with one of the 5K monitors: Apples, Viewfinity S9, LG, an off brand or two, etc. I chose a 5K 2K monitor, so while I have the 5K, the vertical is not quite as high as those others. Versus the old iMac 27", I can't see the difference but my vertical has about 7XX less pixels than ASD, S9, LG, etc.

There's no way to resolve that issue with a television at any price. The cheaper options in 4K monitors/TVs can still be connected and display, but you get into all these clashes of what "retina" means and sometimes it means UI elements are sized in less than ideal ways (too small most commonly).

There's also a "goldilocks" issue in place where 4K is "too small" and 8K is (currently) "too big", leaving 5K-6K as "just right." This will inevitably change in the future but probably to another oddball target when Apple chooses to support some higher resolution screen size (is that 10K-12K or something else). Whatever it is, it's a good bet that being oddball means it will cost much more than embracing 8K or eventually 16K resolutions. So just as we now have great 4K monitors/TVs for relatively cheap vs. 5K alternatives, we'll have 8K and then 16K monitors/TVs for relatively cheap vs. whatever becomes Apple's next "Super Retina XL Pro Max" resolution target hop... unless Apple would make a major change to macOS so that it will target any resolution much like Windows already does. I presume there is more profit in much-higher-priced, oddball resolutions, so I don't foresee that happening.

 

[AF_APPLETALK]

I think they will bring the 27" (or larger) size back eventually, the problem is when. Based on what we're reading about the M3 chip production yield issues, I would be surprised if we see one before 2024.

It seems like they are holding off on updating the 24" iMac to M2, maybe because they thought they could wait until M3. But if the M3/3nm chip production is actually as bad as is being reported, I wouldn't be surprised to see an M2 iMac refresh this summer. I'm waiting patiently for an update to the iMac line myself. I can't live with a max of 16 GB RAM. 24 would be acceptable, but really I need 32 GB minimum these days.

As for your dad, I agree with the Best Buy rep - get the 24" iMac and keep things simple.

 

[Algr]

The one, somewhat-unique "catch" is a peculiarity of macOS: it tends to work better on odd-resolution screens.

Hi Darryl!

I'm using a 4k TV as a monitor, and I recommend it highly! The trick is this: Mac OS X was supposed to become resolution independent, but it seems that they never completed work on this. It is the DPI that matters, not the resolution. MacOS works well at 100 dpi or 200 dpi, but gets awkward between 120-180 dpi. So I bought a 42" TV. It's probably about as wide as your Dell, but taller, and costs a quarter as much. It's not curved though. I'd like to try that someday.

 

[SuperMiguel]

How about a little update?
We are on pins and stakes here
Don't leave us on the ledge of a 60 story building

Will he come back?
Stay tuned, Same bat channel, same bat time!!!!

Hahaha so i bought both and returned wait for it…….



The 24 haha

So he test drove both for 1 week, and hated few things about the 24”, the color, the keyboard/mouse color and the size, speed wise for internet browsing he said the same but liked having 2 windows open on the 27” ….

 

[AL2TEACH]

i bought both

Good for him for keeping what he liked.

 

[Backslashnl1]

Hahaha so i bought both and returned wait for it…….



The 24 haha

So he test drove both for 1 week, and hated few things about the 24”, the color, the keyboard/mouse color and the size, speed wise for internet browsing he said the same but liked having 2 windows open on the 27” ….

And that just goes to show that people make choices for different reasons. I myself am a fan of the Apple designs coming from Jony Ive. I bought a Macbook Air 2020 M1 in silver color, and an important reason was the classic Apple design with the tapered chassis. The updated design of the M2 Macbook Air was a step backward in my opinion.

Likewise with the iMacs. The 27" models clearly show the work of Jony Ive, with rounded corners, slim-looking design, which was abandoned with the Apple silicon models. Since then, the Apple iMacs have been more square, and MacBooks looking a bit clunky.

It just feels less like "Apple" to me. Personally, I love my 27" iMac, too. The design is simply beautiful, and even though I love the powerful M1 chip, I also would have gone for the 27" version in your father's situation.

 

[AL2TEACH]

I love my 27" iMac, too. The design is simply beautiful,

Yes and the luv affair is still ongoing.