Will Apple Release a Larger iMac Again? Here's What Rumors Say

[MacRumors]

It has been more than three years since Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac, as part of its move away from Intel processors. Since then, the 24-inch iMac has been Apple's only all-in-one desktop computer, with no larger model available.

Will a larger iMac ever make a comeback? Below, we recap the latest rumors.

In November 2023, Apple announced that it had no plans to release a new version of the 27-inch iMac with an Apple silicon chip at that time. Instead, Apple recommended pairing its standalone Studio Display with a Mac Studio or Mac mini. But an even larger iMac could materialize one day, if rumors from the past are still accurate.

In late 2023, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo both said Apple was developing a 32-inch iMac, which Kuo said would launch in 2025. Kuo said the larger iMac's screen would feature mini-LED backlighting, allowing for increased brightness and a higher contrast ratio compared to the current LCD model.

Unfortunately, it has been many months since we received any sort of update about Apple potentially releasing another larger iMac. In February, Gurman briefly mentioned that "Apple also will probably eventually get around to offering a larger-screen iMac," but he has not commented on the topic since as far as we have seen.

All in all, the latest update on a larger iMac is essentially that there is no update, unfortunately. Apple is expected to update the 24-inch iMac with an M5 chip by early next year, though, and that would be the next timely opportunity for the company to release the rumored 32-inch iMac, if such a computer is ever coming.

In the meantime, Apple continues to sell two standalone monitors, including the 27-inch Studio Display from 2022 and the 32-inch Pro Display XDR from 2019.

Article Link: Will Apple Release a Larger iMac Again? Here's What Rumors Say

 

[jz0309]

I had a 2017 27 iMac, it was an incredible value. Unless Apple brings that value proposition back - not interested.
But, since rumors say there will be a <$600 A18Pro MacBook - who knows?

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Either they do or someone is getting a slap, I don't care. Height adjustment, OLED, good speakers, front and rear-facing ports, M-Series Pro & Ultra options, I'd love this:

Potential names: iMac, iMac Pro, iMac Studio

Get rid of current Mac Studio and Mac Pro, releasing a pro desktop Mac between those sizes as "Mac Pro" for a clear, small-er professional modern desktop Mac, like a more mini version of the tower now. Then either replace the current iMac outright with two sizes of this "sunflower", or add this as an additional high-end iMac product with big screen and upgrades across all features, as a kind of pro version of iMac. In the latter scenario, with the product Mac Studio no longer around, "iMac Studio" may work well as the name. This would make an amazing 50th anniversary computer for Apple at WWDC 2026, approaching Mac Pro-like power, without the ability to easily upgrade the machine post-purchase, keeping it distinct from the new Mac Pro.

As a bonus, and given the giant size of the canvas, perhaps an upgrade is offered at checkout where for an additional $600 or so the customer can add "touch" to the display, and pull and tilt the display down to their desk to turn the computer into a digital artist's dream—desktop to easel mode. The name iMac Studio would carry even more weight with such an upgrade option.

 

[LeeW]

I am quite happy with my Studio and bringing my own display, but I miss my iMac and can't say I wouldn't if they did

 

[ifxf]

It was a poor decision on Apple’s part not to allow the display on the iMacs to be driven by another computer.

 

[Scott6666]

How hard can this be? In the interim I’ve replaced my 27iMac with an $800 Mac mini and a Samsung monitor. So Apple has given up a $2000 sale for a $800 sale. Smart.

 

[Smartuser]

A recurring filler subject is what this is. I got the large iMacs because at the time, they were second only to the Mac Pro, but nowadays there are so many more options that don't make you buy a Mac and a display together in one device.

I want to be able to update my displays and computers separately.

A new big iMac would be dumb and wasteful.

 

[TSE]

I hope not. The iMac is perfect the way it is and it is the essence of what it was when it was released in 1998 under Steve Jobs: A simple computer that fits into any living room for the family.

If you are a pro, get a Mac Pro.

 

[funandblindness]

It was a poor decision on Apple’s part not to allow the display on the iMacs to be driven by another computer.

I have one sitting on my floor I would love to use for this purpose.

 

[funandblindness]

I hope not. The iMac is perfect the way it is and it is the essence of what it was when it was released in 1998 under Steve Jobs: A simple computer that fits into any living room for the family.

If you are a pro, get a Mac Pro.

I have a blue M4 that replaced my 2019 27" and I absolutely love it.

 

[DocMultimedia]

Instead of a 27in iMac I bought a nice non-Apple 30in monitor and a Mini. Apple lost possible money. But they make enough. 🤣

 

[Unregistered 4U]

They will release a larger iMac when the massive number of people buying Macs stop buying laptops and start buying desktops, forcing Apple to have a wider variety of the things that people will then be buying. Any day now.

 

[Mac4Brains]

When Apple went with the dummied down processors for the iMac, I stoped getting them. I don't want a basic work station, I wanted a gaming computer. I was forced to get a MacBook Pro and use it in clamshell mode instead.

 

[justanthonylee]

I hope not. The iMac is perfect the way it is and it is the essence of what it was when it was released in 1998 under Steve Jobs: A simple computer that fits into any living room for the family.

If you are a pro, get a Mac Pro.

It's not about pro, but just getting a slightly larger display. Something some people do want.

 

[whitby]

The iMac was a very neat and tidy solution and the 27" was an unexpected hit with the serious user with demanding requirements. I suspect they want you to get the Mini and an Apple Studio display as a replacement, which, although perfectly functional, is a lot messier solution with cables etc. strewn everywhere. And of course the Mac Studio which is a lot more expensive (but overlaps with the higher end configurations of the Mini) to satisfy the power hungry nerds amongst us. I miss the 27" iMac but its time has past I suspect, so I will use my my M4 Pro Mac Mini wishing I had waited for the Mac Studio and use it for the next few years in peace.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

How hard can this be? In the interim I’ve replaced my 27iMac with an $800 Mac mini and a Samsung monitor. So Apple has given up a $2000 sale for a $800 sale. Smart.

Yes, but they DID the $800 sale, plus sold about 2-5 iPads (depending on the year) with each of those iPads generating additional sales via the App Store. They still make out ahead and can avoid tying up valuable aluminum in something that won’t generate as many App Store sales.

 

[ridgero]

Sure they will

Why? Because it's free money.

 

[newtestleper]

I will now spend two minutes scrolling the comments to see announcements of what iMacs people currently have and likely an even split on whether or not a return to a larger screen is necessary.

 

[satchmo]

Well Asus recently released their 32” ProArt 6K display, so maybe there’s a manufacturer pumping out 6K panels

 

[bradman83]

The iMac was a very neat and tidy solution and the 27" was an unexpected hit with the serious user with demanding requirements. I suspect they want you to get the Mini and an Apple Studio display as a replacement, which, although perfectly functional, is a lot messier solution with cables etc. strewn everywhere. And of course the Mac Studio which is a lot more expensive (but overlaps with the higher end configurations of the Mini) to satisfy the power hungry nerds amongst us. I miss the 27" iMac but its time has past I suspect, so I will use my my M4 Pro Mac Mini wishing I had waited for the Mac Studio and use it for the next few years in peace.

The 27" iMac was an unexpected hit because Apple's other desktop offerings were terrible for most of the 2010s. For users wanting a speedy K-series desktop Intel chip and integrated graphics for a decent-ish price it was the only option. The Mac Mini used clock throttled B-series Intel chips and weak integrated graphics, and the Mac Pro became priced into the stratosphere with Apple's decision to exclusively use Xeon chips. Add in the Mac Mini and Mac Pro languishing for four and six years, respectively, between updates, and demanding users really didn't have a choice but to go with the 27" iMac. The fact that it came with a great display is, of course, icing, but I'm sure it pained plenty of people to have to discard the display when it was time to upgrade.

 

[Jean Claude]

It's really a no-brainer for me ... a higher-end all in one, 32" of pure edge-to-edge glass with zero bezels or chin - would sell like absolute hot cakes. Everyone saying it's "less customizable", blah, blah, blah .... are completely ignoring Apple's core audience that has, and always will, pay for simplicity and convenience. Which is the heart of what makes the iMac so great.

 

[Sully]

A recurring filler subject is what this is.

100%.

I know it’s hard to come up with content. But, it seems like the MacRumors staff could use an AI to come up with something better than this.

 

[AF_APPLETALK]

I have a blue M4 that replaced my 2019 27" and I absolutely love it.

I have an orange M4 and it's perfect. Literally no problem at all for me with the 24" screen size. I also have a 27" Apple Studio plugged into and sitting directly next to the iMac, and... it's not that much bigger and doesn't offer much more desktop real estate compared to the 24" monitor. It's just a tad bit wider.

32" would just be too big for one monitor imo.

I will say that if Apple had offered a iMac config with the M4 Pro chip, I probably would have selected that upgrade. But so far, the M4 has been handling everything I throw at it (heavy software development) with ease. So again, perfect machine!

 

[omarjanak]

I was very disappointed when they stopped selling iMac with bigger screen. If they start selling the 27 in I will be first to buy it. Loved that size. 24 in is not good enough for me. On my other Macs I have been buying other displace so apple is losing money to other companies.

 

[alexandr]

I hope not. The iMac is perfect the way it is and it is the essence of what it was when it was released in 1998 under Steve Jobs: A simple computer that fits into any living room for the family.

If you are a pro, get a Mac Pro.

Yea... most living rooms can't house a 27" comfortably...