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I don't see many 27 inch iMac's in living rooms. I see a lot of 27 inch iMacs in home offices and executive offices. The owners aren't technology fanatics. They just want a large screen computer that doesn't look messy and eat up a lot of space.

I agree with you completely. Now they have wonderful products in the Mac Studio & Studio displays. They are not iMacs.
 
... I don't want a basic work station, I wanted a gaming computer. ...
And... you want it to be an iMac? As someone who actually tried that, I'd suggest that maybe your expectations are a wee bit unrealistic -- either that, or perhaps you're undervaluing your other non-gaming priorities.

When I bought my iMac, I actually cancelled the first order I'd made and reordered it with the highest end graphics card that they offered for that machine. I absolutely did not regret that decision; it truly is a great Mac and when booted into Windows, made a halfway decent gaming computer. But -- and let's just be real here -- anyone and everyone who was into PC gaming would (at best) politely chuckle at me when I told them that my "gaming" computer was an iMac. It couldn't hold a candle to their real gaming computers, which (on the two extremes) were either half the cost of my iMac at comparable specs or were twice as fast at the same price.

Mind you, I've owned three different iMacs over the years (2006/2012/2019) and still absolutely love my current one -- and I'm of the very firm opinion that the sweet spot was and always will be that gorgeous 5K 27" display. But these days, the iMac stays booted comfortably into macOS, while a gaming laptop compliments it by picking up my Windows activities: a three-year-old laptop with an nVidia 3070. It does... okay... for what it is.

But that 27" iMac -- while it was never a true gaming computer -- absolutely was the best value you could get, for the unique niche that it filled. At least... for a time. I honestly doubt that Apple will be able to catch that lightning in a bottle all over again.
 
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And... you want it to be an iMac? As someone who actually tried that, I'd suggest that maybe your expectations are a wee bit unrealistic -- either that, or perhaps you're undervaluing your other non-gaming priorities.

When I bought my iMac, I actually cancelled the first order I'd made and reordered it with the highest end graphics card that they offered for that machine. I absolutely did not regret that decision; it truly is a great Mac and when booted into Windows, made a halfway decent gaming computer. But -- and let's just be real here -- anyone and everyone who was into PC gaming would (at best) politely chuckle at me when I told them that my "gaming" computer was an iMac. It couldn't hold a candle to their real gaming computers, which (on the two extremes) were either half the cost of my iMac at comparable specs or were twice as fast at the same price.

Mind you, I've owned three different iMacs over the years (2006/2012/2019) and still absolutely love my current one -- and I'm of the very firm opinion that the sweet spot was and always will be that gorgeous 5K 27" display. But these days, the iMac stays booted comfortably into macOS, while a gaming laptop compliments it by picking up my Windows activities: a three-year-old laptop with an nVidia 3070. It does... okay... for what it is.

But that 27" iMac -- while it was never a true gaming computer -- absolutely was the best value you could get, for the unique niche that it filled. At least... for a time. I honestly doubt that Apple will be able to catch that lightning in a bottle all over again.
Such a Mac fan that also wants real gaming is a good candidate for a separate monitor with a PC and a Mac (either mini, Studio or a MacBook). You can easily switch the display to either the PC or Mac and have it all. More expensive of course but very versatile
 
Still using my 2015 iMac
As I and will continue using it until it can't be used anymore. If I was to ever use a separate computer and screen, I would take my beloved boxed modified cube out of the closet. Then I would see about getting it a mod to become a silicon cube. There's also a mod to make the lamp iMac into a silicon iMac.
There was a time when all computers were the eh box kind meaning a computer and separate screen. Then came the iMac to give computers a eh personality lol.
Apple is now corporate in almost every phase it seems. It's understood why they (it) would not want to devalue their monopoly (the game)money(stock market).
Anyway, some people look at specs and etc...for good reason and see the box is a great purchase which it might be. More power to ya!!! These people will never understand the value that others see in the iMac.
It's the same value that made the first iMac. The iMac is a very capable machine for those that have one and it's fun to look at lol. I still get pleasure looking at this 27" 2015 iMac and it still meets my needs granted I will use Firefox more often lol.
All is not roses. When I play around on my sister's 24" iMac it's different and has me thinking lol until I look at the 27".
I know, it's hard to understand but Apple did a long, long, time ago, lol.
 
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As I and will continue using it until it can't be used anymore. If I was to ever use a separate computer and screen, I would take my beloved boxed modified cube out of the closet. Then I would see about getting it a mod to become a silicon cube. There's also a mod to make the lamp iMac into a silicon iMac.
There was a time when all computers were the eh box kind meaning a computer and separate screen. Then came the iMac to give computers a eh personality lol.
Apple is now corporate in almost every phase it seems. It's understood why they (it) would not want to devalue their monopoly (the game)money(stock market).
Anyway, some people look at specs and etc...for good reason and see the box is a great purchase which it might be. More power to ya!!! These people will never understand the value that others see in the iMac.
It's the same value that made the first iMac. The iMac is a very capable machine for those that have one and it's fun to look at lol. I still get pleasure looking at this 27" 2015 iMac and it still meets my needs granted I will use Firefox more often lol.
All is not roses. When I play around on my sister's 24" iMac it's different and has me thinking lol until I look at the 27".
I know, it's hard to understand but Apple did a long, long, time ago, lol.
I think many (including Apple) understand that many want the simplicity and elegance of something like the iMac. The real question is are there enough people that BOTH want that AND find 24" just too small. Clearly there are some, maybe thousands that fit that combination, but maybe not millions that Apple needs to justify a given line of products.
 
My next Mac will be a mini with 32" Dell display - but a 32" iMac would give me pause
 
Wasting a beautiful 27” 5k display every few years is just not feasible these days.

Apple exploiting the cost of a Mini+Studio display is morally even worse.
 
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It once made sense but those days are over. Apple desktop market share is smaller each passing year, and the 24” iMac does a good job being “the cute Mac downstairs.”

I moved on to a studio and 42” panel a long time ago. It’s not as elegant as some nonexistent 32” iMac but that’s never gonna come.
 
I just wish that we could get a black one, or at least a silver one with a black bezel and black Apple logo. That's why I chose the Mac mini with a Studio Display over an iMac. I guess a plus is that I don't have to replace an entire setup if something goes wrong.
 
I think many (including Apple) understand that many want the simplicity and elegance of something like the iMac. The real question is are there enough people that BOTH want that AND find 24" just too small. Clearly there are some, maybe thousands that fit that combination, but maybe not millions that Apple needs to justify a given line of products.
I think you’re spot on. I’m sure if the numbers added up we’d have a 27” or larger option. I want to get an iMac for my wife and daughter, though that’s a couple of years away as I will wait until my daughter is a bit older and get the latest chip at the time. I’d much prefer a 27” but if the 24” is the only option so be it. The all-in-one simplicity is perfect for what I want so a Mini + external display is not on the menu.
 
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.
I wish their managers and analysts would get that. Their losses are flying under their radar.

Also if my i9 iMac 27" could work as external display I would've bought M1 Mini and now M4 Pro Mini while waiting for the M-update for the larger iMac simply because I like new gear. Instead I'm quite happy with the Intel iMac and the only thing I miss is lack of full h265 support that is solvable with proxies.
 
Just release a 27-inch iMac (same design and specs as today) and with black bezels. Otherwise no change. No need for a pro version, or with mini-led. Keep the price down. Will sell quite good I think...
 
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Displays last a lot longer than Macs. It makes perfect sense to keep using your expensive display and update your Mini or Studio several times with the same display.

The experience of using an Apple display with a Mac computer is seamless and like using an iMac.

With a separate display you have many more options to match different macs with different size displays.

Think of it as having a modular iMac, separately updatable and replaceable elements!
 
It was a poor decision on Apple’s part not to allow the display on the iMacs to be driven by another computer.
I agree. If I remember correctly, there was an iMac at some point that could be used as an external monitor. That adds so much value to the entire deal? iMac - as a computer - becomes too slow? Just use it a few more years as an external monitor.
 
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My move to the Mac world was with an iMac many years ago, and after my frustrations with Windows it was a like a breath of fresh air.
And subsequently I owned two iMac which each lasted around 6-8 years from memory.

On my first iMac the video card starting failing and on the second one it was just starting to slow down noticeably when photo editing or doing processor intensive work.
What was nice is that I remember adding RAM to my first iMac, although it was not possible on the second.
I always went for 27" version.

Now I have a Mac Studio and Studio display for home use, and am very pleased with the combination.
The outlay was greater than an iMac would have been but I guess in the future only one item would need replacing at a time rather than whole unit.

I still like the idea of the iMac, and if a 27" option had been available I may have stuck with it.
But now I think I would stick with separate options for the foreseeable future.
Who knows what the options will be when my mac Studio gets too old though, maybe I'll have new options and choices.

So I am not wedded to the idea of a 27" iMac but can see the benefit.
For me the 27" monitor size is ideal as it leaves me space on my desk for other equipment and I have a 27" Samsung display I use as well as either a separate display for my work laptop or to extend my Mac display. Two 32" displays may take up too much space, although i guess I would make it work!🤷‍♂️
 
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.
I am guessing they saw people buying a Mac Mini or Mac Studio and a Studio Display.
It would be interesting to see how many people followed this option.
Possibly not a bad move by Apple?

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.
I imagine 27" or 32" iMac would sell for the reason any iMac sells, it is easy to setup and gives a nice minimlaist installation. i could find very little to fault with my iMac.

A larger iMac is pointless in the current Mac lineup
I am sure many people would use, especially those doing any sipkle design or photo editing type processes.
The larger scrfeen would be ideal in some circumstances.
Also there may be certain demographics where a larger screen has advantages.
I would maybe still be using an imac if the 27" option had still been available, although to be fair I do now like the separate options as I can use my Studio Display with my engineering MacBook pro as well which is great.

Different people different opinions, options an choices are great.
 
Move on folks.

I've had my Mac Mini Pro and ACD for two years now and I'm happy. Initially I thought I missed my 27" iMac but really it's actually better. Now I have flexibility if I want to change out the mini or whatever.
 
For my usage (mostly research and writing), the size of the iMac 24’ is almost perfect, almost…
It lacks :
- a 75 or 90 Hz refresh rate display
- Return of Target mode so that you can use it as a display if you want to « recycle » it in monitor after 7/10 years
- Height ajustable
 
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.
For what I see here, AI does a pretty good job for bullet-point posts (20 differences between X and Y, 18 reasons to prefer this to that...). On some Apple-related papers (like this very one), one can feel the AI touch on unassuming, over-balanced statements. And as a rule, every paper starting with another brand than Apple is an ad.
 
Maybe eventually some years from now. Think it might be even larger at 32". However I think if a new one were to be released it will be a 'Pro' computer with much higher price than $1799 which the 27" iMac used to start at.

I still use my 27" iMac and love it. Would like to see a similar sized or even bigger one with $1999 starting price tag. Just want a bigger screen with M series chip and fun colors like the 24".

Replacing my 27" iMac is difficult. 24" is not bad but would like to keep it at 27" or more and not happy going the mini + display route.
 
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