What to expect from iMac 2012 - Discussion

[lifeguard90]

The GPU update was the only reason I was waiting. From Apples point of view, what's the point of updating now if the main additions are just the GPU... with USB 3 and IB as very minor upgrades. If they don't have a redesign to go along with that there is not much motivation to release a new machine from my point of view. The 7970m is still going to be a great card 6 months from now so they don't really have a reason to rush out a release if they are working on a redesign.

With the new Apple TV rumors that have been popping up and past rumors of it being built into the iMac I could see them pushing release of a new machine to really wow the market. People want retina? That has been estimated as being year(s) out... another 9-12 months they could release a redesigned iMac that includes Apple TV, a retina display and whatever new processor/graphics card is available. That would also be around the same timeframe where HDD constraints should be minimized.

First- Why would Apple not release a 2012 imac
Second - why would they wait 6+ months, ruins calling it a 2012,year model
Third - retina for a 27" imac is not for 2012 + $$ for that and tv function are way too high when buying a computer
Fourth- to do so,Apple would loose a new product / sales margin
Fifth- all imac parts are in, competition is shipping Ivy now. Cant wait much longer + each revision does not have to be major design
Sixth- some people will still complain about a refresh while others love it
Seventh- wwdc is the latest & for sure well know news before then

 

[Confuzzzed]

Actually, I am pretty sure your post was sarcastic.

I don't think he was you know! Well, I also thought he was being sarcastic until he used the iPod classic example.

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Well if they release in mid to late June, that equals extended long no point delay + no real ability to gain a lot of mac sales this quarter

Don't you understand? The profit margin of the 2011 machine is MUCH greater than the first 6 months of the new range.

 

[theSeb]

Don't you understand? The profit margin of the 2011 machine is MUCH greater than the first 6 months of the new range.

This is true, however, it's clear from the last earnings speech that sales of the Macs were down last quarter so the average public is indeed waiting for the refresh. Apple will be keen to address this as soon as they can. The only possible reason for delaying any refreshes at this point would be parts availability. From what I am reading Ivy Bridge CPU and appropriate GPU supplies are constrained.

 

[lifeguard90]

This is true, however, it's clear from the last earnings speech that sales of the Macs were down last quarter so the average public is indeed waiting for the refresh. Apple will be keen to address this as soon as they can. The only possible reason for delaying any refreshes at this point would be parts availability. From what I am reading Ivy Bridge CPU and appropriate GPU supplies are constrained.

where are you reading that parts are contrained? Intel even said they have more stock on hand 50% extra i believe to meet demand

Also why would all these PC vendors release products with ivy and amd7970m now ?

 

[Smartie]

Also why would all these PC vendors release products with ivy and amd7970m now ?

It is restricted in the sense that no PC vendors are shipping before may 22, some not before may 29. They've released their products but they are not shipping as of yet. Apple is known for having good stock when launching, i.e. for them it is no good to launch until certain volumes are delivered.

 

[lifeguard90]

It is restricted in the sense that no PC vendors are shipping before may 22, some not before may 29. They've released their products but they are not shipping as of yet. Apple is known for having good stock when launching, i.e. for them it is no good to launch until certain volumes are delivered.

Ahh valid point makes sense. I still think before wwdc

 

[Confuzzzed]

where are you reading that parts are contrained? Intel even said they have more stock on hand 50% extra i believe to meet demand

To be precise, the incremental 50% refers to inventory levels compared to levels initially available for the launch of the previous generation (Sandy Bridge) processor

 

[AppleDApp]

This is true, however, it's clear from the last earnings speech that sales of the Macs were down last quarter so the average public is indeed waiting for the refresh. Apple will be keen to address this as soon as they can. The only possible reason for delaying any refreshes at this point would be parts availability. From what I am reading Ivy Bridge CPU and appropriate GPU supplies are constrained.

I dont think ac sales are down because users are wating for a new computer. Apple's mac business has never been as hot as there iOS business.

Ahh valid point makes sense. I still think before wwdc

I hope so.

 

[Confuzzzed]

This is true, however, it's clear from the last earnings speech that sales of the Macs were down last quarter so the average public is indeed waiting for the refresh.

Suspect this is the first of many as iPad cannibalises computer sales, be it desktop or laptop. Not for you or me BUT for housewife in middle England, an iPad does 99.9% of what she wants to do AND she's every so familiar with the setup seeing she's been using her iPhone for a good few months now, so why buy a laptop?

 

[ctdonath]

The ONLY reason to delay iMac 2012 launch until OS X Mountain Lion is ready is retina display, which everyone agrees ain't happening this year. Can't think of any other major new/upgraded hardware feature which needs a new OS version to support it; everything we anticipate (USB3, SSD-only, no DVD, etc.) can be supported with just a patch to the current OS.

The "iPod Classic" theory is interesting, but not entirely viable. Yes, the iMac may be about as good as it's gonna get - but the industry still has incremental improvements in processors, memory, graphics, and storage, and Apple must keep up to keep dominating. There may not be a fanfare introducing the improvements, and the form factor may remain the same, but at some point they've got to improve or sales will plummet. Only thing keeping this theory viable is that the Mac Pro has been stale for so long; don't see it happening with the popular iMac.

 

[HuskyMac]

After everything I have read on this forum and others, I've come to this conclusion. As much as I think it would be awesome if there was a iMac refresh within the next month or so, I don't think we will see one. With mountain lion set for a "late summer" release, that is a perfect time to have a Mac refresh on all their computers. iMac, MBP, and air. That is also in line with the new school year shopping season.
I guess if I were apple, I would want my newsest and most powerful computers to go out with the newest OS so why release anything months before when users would be inconvenienced with a OS Upgrade. I know a lot of people are chomping at the big here, but we haven't had any word for what, two months now? Just my thoughts...

 

[lifeguard90]

After everything I have read on this forum and others, I've come to this conclusion. As much as I think it would be awesome if there was a iMac refresh within the next month or so, I don't think we will see one. With mountain lion set for a "late summer" release, that is a perfect time to have a Mac refresh on all their computers. iMac, MBP, and air. That is also in line with the new school year shopping season.
I guess if I were apple, I would want my newsest and most powerful computers to go out with the newest OS so why release anything months before when users would be inconvenienced with a OS Upgrade. I know a lot of people are chomping at the big here, but we haven't had any word for what, two months now? Just my thoughts...

People want to buy before the last days and weeks leading up to school. OS updates have not held back new hardware. Theres no point. Simply change the box.

 

[Mister Bumbo]

They would earn more if iMac users bought Mountain Lion as an ugprade when it does come (small cost, but still) and since when is the iMac a school-computer? Doesn't make sense in my mind to refresh due to school, especially not if you look at an international market.

 

[Digital Skunk]

After everything I have read on this forum and others, I've come to this conclusion. As much as I think it would be awesome if there was a iMac refresh within the next month or so, I don't think we will see one. With mountain lion set for a "late summer" release, that is a perfect time to have a Mac refresh on all their computers. iMac, MBP, and air. That is also in line with the new school year shopping season.
I guess if I were apple, I would want my newsest and most powerful computers to go out with the newest OS so why release anything months before when users would be inconvenienced with a OS Upgrade. I know a lot of people are chomping at the big here, but we haven't had any word for what, two months now? Just my thoughts...

Good thoughts, and while Apple has at times released a new machine then turned around and updated the OS (and given discounts to those that just purchased) I agree that we won't see an iMac anytime soon . . . meaning at least two months.

I was holding out for at the very least USB3.0, Ivy Bridge, and the satisfaction of getting the "just-now-updated" iMac goodness. I figured that even if they thing came out the day I opened my box I'd would really only miss the USB3.0 ports. Since I don't have a USB3.0 drive . . . . I am like meh.

 

[lifeguard90]

Good thoughts, and while Apple has at times released a new machine then turned around and updated the OS (and given discounts to those that just purchased) I agree that we won't see an iMac anytime soon . . . meaning at least two months.

I was holding out for at the very least USB3.0, Ivy Bridge, and the satisfaction of getting the "just-now-updated" iMac goodness. I figured that even if they thing came out the day I opened my box I'd would really only miss the USB3.0 ports. Since I don't have a USB3.0 drive . . . . I am like meh.

Why would you guess 2months+. Makes no sense. Imac/ ML release have almost no relation. Its called mac app store. Some people may not want ML or even like new imac. Thus you loose that many customers $ if you bank on ML in late summer on a new imac. & there wont be retina people
If it took how long for ipad to get it post small iphone how do people think a $$$$$$$$27" imac would get it

 

[AppleDApp]

I think it's safe to assume to we've run out of things to talk about directly related to the features of the 2012 iMac.

 

[lifeguard90]

Also note that imac shipping times are still 2-4 on many BTO and nations

Also stock is slowly shrinking. even if mtn lion theory made more sense, apple wouldnt let stock and shipping be like this for months to come

 

[Mister Bumbo]

Also note that imac shipping times are still 2-4 on many BTO and nations

Also stock is slowly shrinking. even if mtn lion theory made more sense, apple wouldnt let stock and shipping be like this for months to come

Exactly.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Why would you guess 2months+. Makes no sense. Imac/ ML release have almost no relation. Its called mac app store. Some people may not want ML or even like new imac. Thus you loose that many customers $ if you bank on ML in late summer on a new imac.

Just threw 2 months out there. WWDC is a month away and Apple doesn't care if you don't like ML or not, it'll be in your next Mac. Anyone that doesn't like the new iMac won't like any iMac. Whatever Apple releases as the new iMac will be the iMac. I don't like Lion but I know every machine I buy between now and ML will have Lion on it.

I wouldn't stand by two months at all, since no one knows but Apple when an update is coming. What would you guess? Would you guess? The App Store has nothing to do with this conversation.

I agree about Retina. We will see Retina in the panels of Samsung/LG monitors before be we see Apple releasing it.

 

[Mister Bumbo]

Seen some people say that it'd be unwise to push out models when there's so little time before WWDC, since WWDC would suck up all attention and the brand new models that came out just a month ago would be forgotten. Sure, fair point... but - if Apple were to release iMacs, Mac Pro's, Mac Mini's, announce new iPhone, new iPod, whatever - a juicy WWDC, that itself would also damage sales in a similar manner to some degree because there's just so much information at the same time and could cause confusion for some less-than-nerdy users. I think it'd be better to release products every now and then and let the hype calm down and then go on with new stuff, which then would make it sensible to release the new iMac, which is due for a release and is sought for, prior to anything else that's bigger, newer and fresher that'd cast it into shadow sooner.

I think that if an iMac is coming now in May, the biggest cause of waiting would be initial stock, they need the new models all over the world for a silent upgrade, right? Time may go slow when we wait for something, but in reality not much time has passed since all the availible components were released.

As for waiting for ML - sure... but what's in it for them? I can't see waiting for an update for something that already works (OS) as a profitable tactic at all.

 

[Fifemacuser]

This is really starting to drive me nuts!!

If it wasnt for the updated graphics thats coming i would probably have already bought a top end 27", but i do a fair bit of gaming and i want this machine to last a while and i didnt see much point in buying one a month or so ago when i started looking as I 'knew' an update was on the cards.

Really tempted to just say bugger it and get one from refurb, but i just know if they release a redesign next month I will be majorly unhappy!

I think i am going ration my visits here to once a week and assume i will get one in a month. Maybe then i will stop obsessing!!!

 

[Broseidon]

I think it's safe to assume to we've run out of things to talk about directly related to the features of the 2012 iMac.

Best post in the last 30 pages

 

[Scrapula]

I agree. I own lots of music and the iTunes store does not have a lot of the music that I want. If they would open up the iTunes store so we have access to other countries, then I might be okay. I suppose I could just buy an external drive.

When I buy software, I prefer to have the media with me and not everything is available for download. I want to have the option to install "extras" when I need them, not when I purchase.

I really don't understand why people are anticipating the drop of the disk drive. To me it seems like a strange move.

I use the disk drive to watch DVDs, import DVDs, import CDs, install software, deliver Pro Tools/Logic mix downs, submit university work and the other odd job. I probably use the DD around ten times a month, I'd be slightly annoyed if I didn't have the option to use it.

 

[Scrapula]

Your average home computer user is not going to know Ivy Bridge from Sandy Bridge or any other processor. The iMac has always been geared to that average home user. Power users want something that they can upgrade, not an iMac. Many people are very used to the interface on their iPad/iPhone and Mountain Lion is going to give them that on a desktop. For that reason only, I expect the iMac to be released with Mountain Lion. They can run commercials showing that interface on an iMac.

 

[Moonjumper]

I agree about Retina. We will see Retina in the panels of Samsung/LG monitors before be we see Apple releasing it.

I doubt that. What would be the point for Samsung/LG if nothing supported it?

Apple have lead the charge for retina on phones and tablets. The presence of HiDPI in Lion suggests they intend to do the same on computers.

I don't see any great technical hurdles to overcome as retina computers would have a lower PPI than phones / tablets.