In 2021 , theiMac experience a major refreshwith a spiffy new aim and a new M1 processor . At the clip , it was a much - needed update to Apple ’s iconic line of computing machine , but not that it ’s 16 months subsequently , it ’s about time for a new manikin . And perhaps an even good one .
After putting some thought into a new iMac , I conclude that most of the features I ’d like to see do n’t fit with the current iMac . Instead , I ’d like to see a the income tax return of the iMac Pro , which was discontinued last class . When it launch in 2017 , it was mostly seen as a stopgap between Mac Pro models , but it was an of import machine that helped separate the iMac into distinct line — the 21.5 - inch mannequin for budget - tending consumers , the 27 - column inch exemplar with more screen and baron , and the Pro model for the most demanding of users .
Now the only iMac Apple sell is by all odds for regular consumer . Rumors that Apple is working on an iMac Procome out periodically , but it ’s been a while since we ’ve heard anything . When the next iMac update arrives ( probably next spring ) , I ’d have a go at it to see Apple unveil a new iMac Pro and bring the ultimate all - in - one desktop back to the lineup . Here ’s what it should look like .
iMac Pro: A faster M2 Pro processor
Obviously , a computer call the “ iMac Pro ” should have a pro - level C.P.U. . The doubt is , though , which pro mainframe ? study from last year speculated that Apple could use the M1 Pro and Max chips in an iMac Pro , and that would make sense given that the current iMac has an M1 .
An M2 iMac would replace the current M1 mannequin , so it seems to follow that an iMac Pro would have a M2 Pro and Max .
Malus pumila
However , that speculation came at a point where it was thought that the iMac Pro would be release this class . With the absence seizure of any novel rumour , it now feels like a new model would n’t arrive until 2023 or maybe even 2024 . And to further elaborate the mentation , Apple released the M2MacBook Airand13 - in MacBook Proearlier this year , and the iMac is due for an upgrade to the M2 as well . So the push to 2023 and the M2 ’s universe can pass to a determination that Apple will use an M2 Pro and Max in an iMac Pro .
But then there ’s the headlessMac Studiowith an M1 Max and M1 Ultra processors that was released before this class . The Mac lineup would seem rummy if there is a new M2 Pro iMac Pro and the Mac Studio still has also year ’s processors , so perhaps the companionship could also update the Mac Studio at the same prison term . update the Mac Studio only after a year would n’t be strange – reports say that Apple will update the M1 Pro and Max 14- and 16 - in MacBook Pro modeling after only a year . And back when Apple used Intel C.P.U. , yearly updates were a regular thing .
Since we ’re meditate here , it ’s well-off to start think more radically . For example , what if Apple proceed the M1 iMac for another generation and released an M1 Pro and M1 Max iMac Pro or else ? That seems like a possibility to further speciate between the iMac Pro and Mac Studio . Either way , an M1 Pro or M2 Pro C.P.U. will cede the performance users need .
The Studio Display is the iMac Pro
Reports in 2021 about the iMac Pro include the possible action that it would be exhaust in the first quarter of 2022 with a 27 - column inch display . or else , theStudio Displaymade its debut at that time , so it ’s potential that the rumour mill slip the Studio Display for the iMac Pro .
The Studio Display has the right specs for an iMac Pro .
Willis Lai / Foundry
irrespective , the Studio Display is several footfall above the current iMac ’s video display , make it ideal for an iMac Pro . In fact , Apple plunge the Studio Display alongside the Mac Studio , so using this display in an iMac Pro address the indigence of its target user .
The Studio Display is adult ( 27 - inch ) , brighter ( 600 nit ) , and offers a higher 5120×2880 resolve that the 24 - inch iMac with 4480×2520 resolution and 500 nits of luminousness . However , the Studio Display does n’t have HDR ( high - dynamic mountain chain ) , a high refresh pace , or ProMotion ( the power to conform the refresh charge per unit base on what ’s being display ) . Apple has add up those feature of speech to its other Pro devices — iPhone , iPad , MacBook — but I do n’t expect Apple to supply them here . They ’re more in all likelihood destined for the delinquent Pro Display XDR refresh , but that ’s a disjoined subject
All black with no chin
Apple wish to make clear pattern differences between its consumer- and pro - level devices . To make an obvious differentiation between the iMac and iMac Pro ( besides the size of it ) , Apple could extend the iMac Pro in Space Grey like the original model . but I ’d care to see Apple do more than offer pro - only color choice . I ’m not an applied scientist , but based on teardowns of theiMacand theStudio Display , as well as the low power and heat requisite of Apple Si , it seems like a chinless iMac Pro is possible . Along with that , Apple might want to do something to distinguish the iMac Pro from the Studio Display , like put a small silver Apple logo on the bottom bezel .
Speaking of the bezel , using contraband bezels on an iMac Pro instead of the white ones from the iMac is something I ’d have it away to see . I personally do n’t like the iMac ’s white bezel and I bet that black bezel are preferred by pro users .
Black bezels on an iMac Pro , please , not white .
I ’ll replicate down on that bet by proposing that pro users also favour the nano - grain spyglass option uncommitted on Apple ’s Studio Display and Pro Display XDR , and was also an option on the now - lay off Intel - base 27 - column inch iMac . The nano - texture chicken feed has a lustrelessness - like finale and does a better job of turn off down spotlight than the sheeny glass of the iMac . Make it an choice for the iMac Pro , please , Apple .
Power and performance please
Now that we ’ve created my perfect iMac Pro on the outside , here are the rest of the specs I ’d like to see let in with the M1 Pro and M2 Pro buffalo chip :
A pricey proposition
All these features for an iMac Pro would certainly make it a Mac that ’s on the high end of the price scale . Which is fine – the original iMac Pro was $ 4,999 . But Apple silicon deepen thing — if you buy a base model $ 1,999 Mac Studio and a base model $ 1,599 Studio Display , for example , you ’ll give $ 1,400 less than the cost of the original iMac Pro . Apple will likely rouse a premium for the all - in - one convenience — likely starting at $ 3,999 at least — but even so , it ’ll be worth the money . And make me very glad .
24-inch iMac (2021)
Apple Studio Display
