What we expect From the Next iMac Update from Apple’s all-in-one desktop
Oct 28, 2023 / GMT+6
There are rumors circulating that Apple is planning to release a new version of its 24-inch iMac during its upcoming "Scary Fast" event on October 30th. The new model is expected to feature an M3 processor and will address some of the areas where the previous version fell short. When the iMac made its debut in May 2021, it was in desperate need of a complete overhaul, including a more modern aesthetic, updated components, a larger screen on the entry-level model, an improved webcam, and reconfigured ports. While some of these improvements were made, it has been a while since the last update, and it is about time for another round of upgrades. These could likely include enhanced components and possibly some design adjustments, such as the long-awaited port reconfiguration.
Let's start with the previous.
Apple is currently in the early stages of developing a larger iMac with a display size of approximately 30 inches. This highly anticipated model is set to be released in 2025. Reports claim that the display will measure around 32 inches, making it Apple's biggest display yet. Similar to the Pro Display XDR, this iMac is expected to utilize mini-LED technology.
The design of the new iMac may resemble that of the 24-inch iMac, the Pro Display XDR, and the Studio Display. It is rumored to have black bezels and a potentially slimmer bezel compared to the Pro Display XDR. There may also be a smaller bottom chin on the device.
Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has stated that the 32-inch display on the iMac will be similar in size to the Pro Display XDR.
Apple's debut System on a Chip (SoC), the M1 chip, seamlessly merges various components like the CPU, GPU, and RAM. Boasting an 8-core CPU, it includes four powerful cores for high-performance tasks and four efficient cores. Additionally, it houses an integrated GPU with a maximum of 8 cores. Notably, this groundbreaking M1 chip initially premiered in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.
Apple states that the M1 iMac offers significant improvements over its predecessor, the 21.5-inch model. The M1 iMac boasts up to 85% faster CPU performance, up to 2 times faster GPU performance, and up to 3 times faster machine learning capabilities. However, similar to the previous entry-level 21.5-inch iMac models, the maximum RAM capacity remains at 16GB.
The M1 chip facilitates the sleeker design seen in the 24-inch iMac. The logic board and thermal components have been greatly consolidated and reduced in size, allowing the iMac to take up less space and fit more conveniently in various environments. Additionally, the M1 chip's thermals and the new cooling system contribute to a much quieter operation compared to its predecessor.
The M1 iMac has significant external design changes. It now boasts an incredibly thin and compact design, measuring just 11.5 millimeters thick. Additionally, the iMac comes with a newly redesigned slim stand that allows users to adjust the angle of the display.
Apple offers the iMac in a vibrant array of colors, including green, blue, pink, silver, orange, yellow, and purple. The front of the iMac features softer, pastel colors, while the back showcases bolder and brighter hues. Furthermore, the iMac is powered by a magnetic power connector that comes with a color-matched woven cable.
The 24-inch 4.5K display of the iMac delivers top-notch image quality. It boasts a resolution of 4480-by-2520, housing 11.3 million pixels. The display is capable of producing 500 nits brightness, supports the P3 wide color gamut, offers over a billion colors, and features True Tone technology. This allows the iMac to adjust the color temperature of the display according to the ambient lighting, providing users with a more natural viewing experience.
The M1 iMac from Apple features an upgraded 1080p FaceTime HD camera that incorporates a new image signal processor, resulting in enhanced performance in dimly lit environments. Additionally, the Neural Engine within the M1 chip enables superior noise reduction, wider dynamic range, and enhanced automatic exposure and white balance capabilities.
Furthermore, the iMac boasts top-notch studio-quality microphones and a powerful six-speaker sound system that delivers rich bass, crystal-clear mid-tones, and high-quality highs. Additionally, it supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, further enhancing the audio experience.
The iMac is equipped with two Thunderbolt 3/USB-4 ports and four USB-C ports (for certain models) at the rear. It has the capability to connect to a 6K external display and has a headphone jack on the side. The higher-end model also includes a 1Gb/s Ethernet port in its power adapter, enabling a neater cable arrangement.
For maximum Wi-Fi speed, the iMac supports Wi-Fi 6 technology. Additionally, it can be customized with up to 2TB of solid-state drive (SSD) storage.
Complementing the iMac are color-coordinated accessories, such as a keyboard, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, power cord, and Lightning to USB-C cable, all available in custom colors. The iMac is offered with a matching Magic Keyboard, with or without a numeric keypad. Furthermore, some models feature a built-in Touch ID on the keyboard.
The Magic Keyboard includes the first-ever wireless Touch ID implementation, which utilizes a specialized security component on the keyboard. This component directly communicates with the Secure Enclave in the M1, allowing for effortless unlocking and convenient Apple Pay purchases.
You can purchase the base model of the M1 iMac for $1,299, or opt for an upgraded version starting at $1,499. Previously, Apple offered the 24-inch iMac alongside a 27-inch iMac powered by Intel. However, the 27-inch iMac was discontinued in March 2022 with the introduction of the Mac Studio. Apple now recommends the Mac Studio and its accompanying display as a more powerful alternative to the 24-inch iMac.
Starting at $1,299, the new M1 iMac models are available for ordering through the online Apple Store or for direct purchase at Apple retail stores.
The upcoming iMac for 2023 will not feature the anticipated M2 chipset, but rather it will come with the M3 chipset, as suggested by a recent report. This report reveals details about the specifications of the iMac, which is expected to be launched later this year. In this article, we will show you a review into the information provided by the report while discussing the potential inclusion of either the M3 or M3 Pro chipset in the new iMac. Moreover, we will explore the projected release date and price of the iMac 2023, providing you with all the essential details about Apple's latest desktop offering.
Here is a review from Matt Talks Tech -