Mike Wuerthele
Apple has issued a nontraditional statement that a new, Apple Silicon 27-inch iMac isn't in the works — but that doesn't mean that there isn't something else coming.
In a response to a question from The Verge, Apple's Starlayne Meza confirmed that Apple will not make an Apple Silicon 27-inch iMac. Instead, like it suggested at the turbo-speed Apple Event on October 30, the company feels that the 24-inch iMac splits the difference between the 20-inch and 27-inch Intel iMacs for upgraders.
We've already seen chatter online that this is some kind of disinformation scheme from Apple to throw leakers off the case. We don't believe that's true.
While it is accurate to say that Apple compartmentalizes information, it does not directly lie through public relations channels. We've spoken to the PR source cited in the report, and we've found them to be a straight-shooter with us in the past.
The confirmation, however, is unusual. Generally, when Apple is queried about an unannounced product, they either address it with silence, or the typical "Apple does not comment on unannounced products" that we've heard for two decades.
Apple says what it wants to say given the reality of the market at the time. The reasoning behind the statement is clear. Apple wants Intel hold-outs to buy the M3 iMac, and not wait for some 27-inch iMac that may never arrive.
iMac has gone from from crown jewel to ladder-rung
Apple's iMac went from the savior of the company, to a herald of a re-focus on the "pro" user, to a minor player in the product line to not an afterthought, but a minor consideration in 25 years. Apple's portable line has the main driver of the company's Mac sales for some time, and desktop-only Mac users appear to be a dying breed.
Apple probably did this to themselves, though. While there were clearly mobile phones before the iPhone, that single product has done the most to facilitate being away from the desk for Apple users than anything else, original Mac Portable and PowerBook included.
It was only logical that the shift from desktop to portable happened, at the cost of desktop sales.
The Apple Silicon iMac exists for education, and as a ladder-rung in the pricing ladder. It bridges the Mac mini, and the Mac Studio.
It is the ultimate computing appliance, a set-and-forget computer. It's not clear if Apple has anything else in mind for it, given how poorly the iMac Pro was received overall.
All this said, this denial does not preclude a rumored much larger iMac. The rumor mill has been cranking on about a 32-inch Pro-directed iMac for a few years now — but it's one of those rumors that always seems like a "next year" release that never quite arrives.
But time will tell on that. For now, though, given Apple's response, we're pretty certain that the 27-inch iMac isn't going to be resurrected with Apple Silicon.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
54 Comments
I don't see the iMac as being a "ladder rung" and I definitely don't believe it will be an afterthought in a couple decades. Everything changes but the iMac was revolutionary when it first came out (mine was delivered on the first day it was released) and it will continue as a consumer all-in-one for years to come. Apple keeps pushing laptops because they feel portability is what everyone wants. This might be true but there is a maximum size a laptop can be and still remain portable. There will continue to be a use in businesses and government installations where computers are not allowed to leave the building. This is where an iMac fits in with its power and simplicity. Sure, go ahead and use a PC in a box attached to a small screen and see how long people can work before their eyesight is ruined (same with laptops). I know schools are using garbage chromebooks, usually because they are cheap and can be replaced easier than real computers, but that doesn't mean they're what students really need or want.
I've said elsewhere that Apple can only do so much within the space limitations of the 24" iMac. It's an amazing computer, especially for its light weight and power consumption. To me it's perfect for higher grade students and some college computer labs. That said, when Apple released the Mac Studio, the Mac Pro was dead. Every user who wants the power the Mac Pro provided can now get more power in a computer smaller than the Apple Cube (which I used at work for a few years). For those of you/us who want the latest technology and most power, going backwards a little to separate components, should be looking at the Mac Studio and whatever display they can afford. Apple enjoys building top of the line hardware, which, unfortunately comes with top of the line costs and their displays are the prime example of this. Of course, Apple's displays are actually 3/4 of an iMac just missing the user computer. The guts of their displays can't be touched by any other company and, I repeat, you pay for it. My 2019 Core i9, 8core (almost) fully loaded iMac cost well over $5K. I put together a Mac Studio M2 Max with similar specs along with a Studio Display and the new hardware is not only less expensive but knocks the socks off my Intel iMac. I bought this iMac from my son who bought it for doing animation (he changed directions and the market for Intel iMacs has crashed so I bought it for $1500). The combination of Mac Studio with Studio Display is going to become the best way to replace the 27" iMac, allowing the user to keep the display longer while upgrading just the computer portion. This is the future iMac Pro available right now in two size options, 27" and 32" displays. When looking at professional systems that use multiple displays, why force yourself into having a display that can't be moved or positioned like the others. Just buy the version of a Mac Studio you want to have for a few to several years then add on the size and number of displays your business requires.
I am ordering the new iMac to replace an older PC. I was strongly considering a Mini and using it with my existing monitor or buying a new monitor. I can not find a monitor, short of a Studio Display, that looks anywhere near as good as what's built into the iMac.
Well, remember that Jobs said of the iPad that if that was going to cannibalise their laptops, then Apple should be the one to do it. Fast forward, if the laptops are cannibalising iMacs…
Apple practically invented the home computer, and practically invented the mouse, but those are the two main products it still can't win customers for.
I am an older retired guy that has been an Apple Fanboy for DECADES. I just ordered a new iMac because I appreciate the quality their AIO represents. I just enjoy putzing with email and the Internet with a computer and the iMac is perfect for me. I also have an M1 13" MacBook Pro for out in the living room. I looked at the Studio and Studio Display and compared that setup to the iMac. At 40% of the cost, the iMac at 24" is just fine for me. As a home hobbyist, the Studio and attendant display (I don't want to cheap out with a cheaply built alternative) are simply too large for my home office desktop. There IS a home market out there for the iMac.