Will Apple Release New Macs Soon? Here's What the Latest Rumors Say

[JimmyG]

The notion that a desktop computer must comprise two separate components (computing device and cabled display device) is '90s-think. The world has long moved on and we live in the age of global energy conservation to save our planet's habitability. Both the Mac Mini and Studio were throwback relics from the resource-wasting extravagance-era upon release.

The correct solution for home computing devices is a single device with a single power supply, device materiel goes exponentially down with the elimination of secondary power supplies, secondary device housings and all external connection cabling and ports.

As myself and others have suggested, the computing component needs to be a removable module that integrates with the display for power and to send display data. This approach allows for display device retention while allowing for computing module upgrades.

All external ports for other I/O would be provided with the computing module and not the display.

Apple should be in the display business as well, offering a range of EU-certified 90W (current regulations) displays from the low-20"-to-low-40" range. Users can then mix and match display needs/choices with computing power needs/choices.

It's stupid simple to take the Mini and Studio motherboard guts, miniaturize them and then slap them into less-materiel modules that can be snapped into/onto a display device...

Mac Mini guts...

Mac Studio Guts...

Images found here...

Mac Mini M2 Teardown - iFixit

Mac Mini M2 Teardown

Teardown on the M2 Mac Mini (early 2023). The purpose of this guide is to provide a detailed look into the internals of the device. This teardown...

www.ifixit.com

Mac Studio Teardown: No Upgradable Storage … Yet | iFixit News

Mac Studio Teardown: No Upgradable Storage … Yet

We’ve got storage answers, and heat sink details, and a quick look at the Studio Display, this teardown is chock full of fun.

www.ifixit.com

If the user needs a 42" 8K XDR display for 8K HDR video editing they can purchase the appropriate display and M(x) Ultra module for a custom setup. If the user needs a 24" 4K SDR display for spreadsheets, email, etc. then they can purchase a suitable display and lower-end M(x) module for their configuration. When the modules are no longer supported or the user wishes to upgrade their computing power needs they can retain the display and replace the module with a new one thus prolonging the life of the display while reducing waste and resources.

There is an urgency to eliminating archaic products such as the Mini and Studio and building a future of customizable all-in-ones...we, as a species, are long past the time where every product we produce needs to be recyclable and those costs need to be factored into every product's pricing, there is no "free ride" here. We live on a finite globe, a mere tiny spec orbiting a small star in an incosequential corner within the vastness of the universe, and our population has exceeded what the planet can provide...there is "no place to run to", we either bury our dinosaur notions and grow up...or face extinction for ourselves and every other creature inhabiting this world.

 

[sack_peak]

That's why I finally gave up a year ago and bought a Studio.

Makes you wish that Apple continued with the last Intel iMac's design for the 2021 iMac 27" 5K M1/Pro/Max/Ultra at the price points I listed above and do a body redesign much later.

 

[sack_peak]

The notion that a desktop computer must comprise two separate components (computing device and cabled display device) is '90s-think. The world has long moved on and we live in the age of global energy conservation to save our planet's habitability. Both the Mac Mini and Studio were throwback relics from the resource-wasting extravagance-era upon release.

The correct solution for home computing devices is a single device with a single power supply, device materiel goes exponentially down with the elimination of secondary power supplies, secondary device housings and all external connection cabling and ports.

As myself and others have suggested, the computing component needs to be a removable module that integrates with the display for power and to send display data. This approach allows for display device retention while allowing for computing module upgrades.

All external ports for other I/O would be provided with the computing module and not the display.

Apple should be in the display business as well, offering a range of EU-certified 90W (current regulations) displays from the low-20"-to-low-40" range. Users can then mix and match display needs/choices with computing power needs/choices.

It's stupid simple to take the Mini and Studio motherboard guts, miniaturize them and then slap them into less-materiel modules that can be snapped into/onto a display device...

Mac Mini guts...

View attachment 2292138

Mac Studio Guts...

View attachment 2292139

Images found here...

Mac Mini M2 Teardown - iFixit

Mac Mini M2 Teardown

Teardown on the M2 Mac Mini (early 2023). The purpose of this guide is to provide a detailed look into the internals of the device. This teardown...

www.ifixit.com

Mac Studio Teardown: No Upgradable Storage … Yet | iFixit News

Mac Studio Teardown: No Upgradable Storage … Yet

We’ve got storage answers, and heat sink details, and a quick look at the Studio Display, this teardown is chock full of fun.

www.ifixit.com

If the user needs a 42" 8K XDR display for 8K HDR video editing they can purchase the appropriate display and M(x) Ultra module for a custom setup. If the user needs a 24" 4K SDR display for spreadsheets, email, etc. then they can purchase a suitable display and lower-end M(x) module for their configuration. When the modules are no longer supported or the user wishes to upgrade their computing power needs they can retain the display and replace the module with a new one thus prolonging the life of the display while reducing waste and resources.

There is an urgency to eliminating archaic products such as the Mini and Studio and building a future of customizable all-in-ones...we, as a species, are long past the time where every product we produce needs to be recyclable and those costs need to be factored into every product's pricing, there is no "free ride" here. We live on a finite globe, a mere tiny spec orbiting a small star in an incosequential corner within the vastness of the universe, and our population has exceeded what the planet can provide...there is "no place to run to", we either bury our dinosaur notions and grow up...or face extinction for ourselves and every other creature inhabiting this world.

I have a 2012 iMac 27" 2.5K. After nearly 4,000 days of daily 8+hr use I just want to go with a 5K or 6K display for another 3,650+ days use. After a decade's use I want a fresh new display.

The most consumer-friendly way to upgrade a desktop is not opening up any device and just connecting them by cables. For those who upgrade every 4-6 years then retaining the display's is + factor but not worth the extra $1k over an iMac.

 

[AlexJaye]

It's beyond me why we don't even have a 27" version. I know a couple of people who will not upgrade untill the screen gets bigger

I am one of them. Still rocking a 2012 Fusion iMac 27".

I've come to terms that it could be the last iMac I buy. Apple is focused on phones and iPads these days.

 

[sack_peak]

I've come to terms that it could be the last iMac I buy. Apple is focused on phones and iPads these days.

How so?

 

[newyorksole]

I’m excited to see the next iMac, but don’t think it’ll sway me from my future 15” MBA + Studio Display setup.

 

[terminator-jq]

I just can’t see Apple doing a press release for their M3 launch. The M2 was more of an evolution from the M1 but the M3 is definitely more revolutionary with 3nm and hardware raytracing.

 

[Chuckeee]

I just can’t see Apple doing a press release for their M3 launch. The M2 was more of an evolution from the M1 but the M3 is definitely more revolutionary with 3nm and hardware raytracing.

I think calling M3 a revolutionary upgrade (as compared to M2) is a bit of a subjective evaluation. Perhaps for a few users with very specific applications or use cases. I think for most users will find the update to be more evolutionary. Similar to the improvements from A15 to A17.

RT is a good example. Adding some RT hardware functionality into the GPU could be important for some users (I.e. game developers). But for most users, the improvements over software implemented RT functionality will be barely noticeable (e.g. game special effects can be set one notch higher)

 

[svish]

iMac could get an update soon. An update to the 13" Air with M3 seems unlikely this year as the 15" Air will have to be updated too. Too soon for the 15" to get an update.

 

[Mac2004]

The iMacs currently in the stores are too old now. It’s been almost 900 DAYS since they made any updates to the iMac.

 

[picpicmac]

There is an urgency to eliminating archaic products such as the Mini and Studio

You are overlooking uses for which, say, a Mac Mini is still preferable.

For example, using it headless as a server.

Also, people transport Minis when they go on trips.

And a Mini can be plugged into a TV via HDMI. Many people still have TV's, and huge flat screens are still popular. Lament that all you want, but it is what is.

A well constructed display can last 10 or even 15 years, no problem.

It is unlikely that an AIO computer board will be wanted for that long. And SSDs are probably not going to perform well (if used heavily) for that long.

You want user replaceable computer modules... which is fine, I guess, but beyond what most people want to do. I know people who are afraid to plug in cables, and you want them to take off the back of a computing device?

And the heavy things in a Mac Mini: the copper in the power converter and cable, and the aluminum box, are the most recyclable things going. Only the plastic bottom and the actual ICs in a Mac Mini are not recycled.

As for Mac Studios: they are big because of the heat sinks. You can't squeeze those heat sinks into the back of a display unless you want to go back to displays with bulbous back ends, which makes them heavier, and bulkier, all of which makes their transport more costly (and carbon-heavy.)

The inescapable fact is that a modern information-heavy lifestyle is energy intensive. Eliminating the two box paradigm for personal computing is not going to be very effective in countering that.

 

[gpat]

The Apple Silicon platform as a whole is incredibly friendly to the planet as far as power consumption goes.
Performance per watt is one of the main reasons the switch happened.

And I'm pretty sure 2-box computing is way more ecological than an AIO design, because you can recycle the monitor and that trumps any small energy savings of the AIO design.

The AIO design remains more elegant in its operation, but there is one thing Apple could do to fix that.
Release a Studio Display that can be powered by a Mac Mini or Studio without the need of a second power cable.

That was one of the main complaints by 27" iMac users. That way you only have 1 power cable and the Studio Display being plugged in as just another peripheral.

Studio Display draws 30W maximum, XDR 32" draws 105W at max brightness, that's well within USB-C PD specifications. It could happen.

 

[Gudi]

At this point, I believe it when I see it. Gotten tired of this long standing rumour. Rumour has it "this"... rumour has it "that". Sigh...cue Adele's song?
.
All I want is a 27" or 32" iMac and a new 12" MacBook (MacBook SE ?). Oh, and comes in RED. Like, the bright and fiery iPod nano Product(RED).

There never was much of a rumour, just public demand and technological plausibility. A large and flat iMac needs more power than an M1, but can't handle the heat of an M2 Ultra. So the upcoming M3 Pro is likely the sweat spot for such a machine. We will see.

PS: And colourful consumer MacBooks are also more of a wish. I never heard anyone saying, he knows from some little birdie that Apple is actually working on them.

 

[Warped9]

PS: And colourful consumer MacBooks are also more of a wish. I never heard anyone saying, he knows from some little birdie that Apple is actually working on them.

It would be interesting to see sales figures regarding the various colours of iPad 10, iPad Air and iMac 24. While it can be subjective I do see some colours having broader appeal than others. Since a lot of the purchases for iPad tend to be current in-stock rather than ordering most people seem fine with Space Grey, Silver or Blue. How many are really going out of their way and willing to wait a few days extra for Yellow, Pink and Purple, particularly since you likely won’t even see the colour if the iPad is going to be in a case? Apple could have gone with Space Gray and Blue for iPad 10 and Air and hardly anyone would have complained. The same could possibly be said for the iMac 24—even when being ordered how popular are the more non-mainstream colours?

That said I find the muted colour selection of the M2 MacBook Air rather meh.

 

[Gudi]

I had a silly thought a while ago that the iMac should have a built-in battery so you can move it around the house in a more flexible way. Especially since Apple show it off casually dumped in the kitchen or at the dining table. etc.

They invented that, it's called a MacBook. Even mouse and keyboard are integrated in an All-in-One form factor and the display can be folded in on the keyboard for protection of both during transportation. You know, like a book! It's silly and useless, how often do you actually need to bring your iMac to the kitchen? But it's doable, I suppose some people would like such a design.

 

[killhippie]

I loved the AIO model but rather like hi fi separates which were always better quality than all in ones, I now prefer a monitor and a computer being separate, having had the PSU go on my maxed out 27" 2017 iMac die and realising there was no point in getting it fixed at the cost I was quoted from a few local computer shops I moved on.

Apple love their tape and glue and money. no way would they make a AIO modular even though its a great idea. I like the fact I can remove a part of the system if it fails get it fixed and not have the whole machine ripped apart, and if needed slot in a older unit until I get my main Mac back, and in a few years if I want to update I don't end up with a 27" 5K display that's pretty unusable pretty due to Apple design <cough> decisions to remove display ports on my old mac.

I can also use what monitor I want, what speakers I want, what webcam I want, if I want to go down that route. Dont get me wrong I loved the black bezel iMac but detest the ultra slim 24" design with a headphone port sticking out the side as the whole thing is thinner than a 3mm headphone jack. A desktop does not have to be that thin. Also as has been mentioned I can pick up my Mac Mini Pro M2 and take it with me and plug it into a TV or cleinst monitor should I need, the flexibility is great.

I picked up a refurb Studio display as I really missed that 5K screen and the built in webcam suits my needs because I have good lighting and for a chat to friends and family and clients its fine for my useage, obviously eveyones milage vary. I have a setup I'm very happy with, but there was something iconic about the 27" iMac, but times are moving on and right now I personally dont like the fact that the iMac is now the home everyday funky computer with its white bezels so it blends in to the home along with all the fun colours, which does kind of show its current trajectory I think.

 

[norwaypianoman]

Truly. Thank you every person working at the Macrumors. This is the types of articles I like and need, and it is the reason why I use this as my primary Apple page through over 15 years.

I am very glad for the work you do, and making it easier to make conscious Apple choices

 

[norwaypianoman]

They invented that, it's called a MacBook. Even mouse and keyboard are integrated in an All-in-One form factor and the display can be folded in on the keyboard for protection of both during transportation. You know, like a book! It's silly and useless, how often do you actually need to bring your iMac to the kitchen? But it's doable, I suppose some people would like such a design.

I am astounded sometimes, at the amount of people who are not using the MacBook with a 27 monitor or more at home. It is so stable, and you get the best of both worlds: An iMac and a MacBook in one. Try it

 

[Warped9]

I personally don’t care for laptops. I find the screen too small and I dislike using their keyboard. I also don’t like trackpads. I sell lots of laptops, but I’d never buy one for myself. I also don’t need the mobility element—I have an iPad for that

But thats me.

From an objective standpoint I easily see the appeal and versatility of laptops for lots of people. Just not me.

 

[Gudi]

You can add me to that list. Just can’t go back to a 22 after years on a 27.

21.5" (4K) ➞ 27" (5K) ➞ 23.5" a.k.a 24" (4.5K) next up ➞ probably 30" (6K)

Don't go back, go forward. You have never before experienced a 4.5K display. Are you sure you can tell the difference between 11.3 and 14.7 megapixels at arm length? Because the 27" won't come back either, just as the 21.5" didn't come back. The next large iMac will be even larger and it won't be cheap. The 2021 iMac is available right now at bargain prices. There's no reason to complain about three inches, unless you want six more inches. Remember, it's not the length, it's what you do with it.

 

[brofkand]

As it has a larger logicboard it likely has a chip outside of the A14 or A15 to allow such speeds.

Certainly a possibility. Tough to say because iFixit got cheap and quit writing full detailed teardowns with Chip IDs.

 

[HackMacDaddy]

You are overlooking uses for which, say, a Mac Mini is still preferable.

For example, using it headless as a server.

Also, people transport Minis when they go on trips.

And a Mini can be plugged into a TV via HDMI. Many people still have TV's, and huge flat screens are still popular. Lament that all you want, but it is what is.

A well constructed display can last 10 or even 15 years, no problem.

It is unlikely that an AIO computer board will be wanted for that long. And SSDs are probably not going to perform well (if used heavily) for that long.

You want user replaceable computer modules... which is fine, I guess, but beyond what most people want to do. I know people who are afraid to plug in cables, and you want them to take off the back of a computing device?

And the heavy things in a Mac Mini: the copper in the power converter and cable, and the aluminum box, are the most recyclable things going. Only the plastic bottom and the actual ICs in a Mac Mini are not recycled.

As for Mac Studios: they are big because of the heat sinks. You can't squeeze those heat sinks into the back of a display unless you want to go back to displays with bulbous back ends, which makes them heavier, and bulkier, all of which makes their transport more costly (and carbon-heavy.)

The inescapable fact is that a modern information-heavy lifestyle is energy intensive. Eliminating the two box paradigm for personal computing is not going to be very effective in countering that.

The Mini could still exist as such if a case/housing was available to slide it into instead of the AIO Display unit. There could also be a dedicated server rack case for several MacMini compute units without each of them being enclosed in their own aluminium housing.
The idea of seperate compute units which go into an AIO or other form factor cases (imagine a Mac Pro with 3-5 Ultra compute units 🤯) is indeed pretty nice. Of course it needs to be done the Apple way so its seamless and esthetically pleasing.

 

[Gudi]

That is true if you limit yourself to an Apple display. A new M2 Mac mini and a new 3rd party 27” display can easily be less than the cost of a new 24” M1 iMac.

That's true if you limit yourself to buying new product at Apple Store prices and ignore the costs of good quality speakers, webcam, keyboard and mouse. A used 24" M1 iMac is incredibly good value compared to a used M2 Mac mini. You won't come cheaper.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

I just bought a MBA M1 base model at the Amazon sale for $750, but if there's an M3 MBA coming out I might just have to return this (depending on the pricing). I've been reading that the M1->M2 jump is incremental compared to the leap that M3 will be.

IMO folks make too much of the M2-->M3 jump at the low end, i.e. MBAs. M3 MBA performance will be constrained to far less than M2 is already capable of - - because MBA is the lower end. And M2 MBAs already have Bluetooth 5.3 and excellent battery life. M3s will likely get WiFi 6E, however, and that can be a big deal as WiFi 6E networks become more common (I am using using it now with M2 MBP).

I agree that M3 will likely make a big jump at the high end, Mac Pro in particular. I look forward to seeing what Apple does with M3 with the Studios and especially the Mac Pro.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

That's true if you limit yourself to buying new product at Apple Store prices and ignore the costs of good quality speakers, webcam, keyboard and mouse. A used 24" M1 iMac is incredibly good value compared to a used M2 Mac mini. You won't come cheaper.

Correct. But keyboard and mouse are moot to your comment since they are independent and all solutions need them. And the the costs of good quality speakers, webcam and display are actually what is wrong with buying all-in-one computers like iMacs. With AIOs when any individual component needs upgrading the whole setup is affected.

You ignore the display, which is very important. Displays wear out and/or folks change their display needs separately from whatever they are changing in their performance needs. It is a huge benefit to have display independent of computer. IMO better to have everything separate, including using iPhone as webcam.