Apple unveiled the redesigned iMac featuring a vibrant and sleek design along with the powerful M1 chip at its Spring-Loaded event in April 2021, two years have passed since its debut. As we are in the middle of 2023, there is hope among Apple enthusiasts that the new 24-inch iMac will receive an update with a new chip. This expectation aligns with the fact that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the original G3 iMac, making it a fitting time for an upgrade. However, it’s uncertain whether the update will arrive in 2023 or if we’ll have to wait even longer.
Apple has already made significant progress in launching the second generation of Apple silicon. The M2 chip made its debut in June 2022, followed by the introduction of the M2 Pro and M2 Max in January. This leaves the Apple 24-inch iMac as one of the few remaining Macs still equipped with the M1 chip. The question arises: Will Apple release an M2 variant of the iMac in the near future? Let’s delve further to uncover the possibilities.
Release date
Following the introduction of the M2 chip in the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro during the summer of 2022, it is logical to anticipate that Apple will soon update the iMac with the M2 chip. The upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June could serve as a platform for such an announcement.
Notably, new product codes related to desktop Macs have been discovered within the Find My app, potentially hinting at imminent iMac releases. However, there is currently no concrete indication that Apple will unveil a new iMac at WWDC. Instead, the Mac Studio or Mac Pro models appear to be more probable candidates for announcements.
Interestingly, rumors suggest that Apple may bypass the M2 chip altogether and directly transition to the M3 chip for the next iMac. However, M3 chips are not expected to arrive until late 2023 or early 2024. Reports also indicate that the A17 chip, set to feature in the 2023 iPhone 15, has taken precedence over the M3 due to manufacturing challenges with the new 3nm chip-making process. Consequently, the delay suggests a potential 2024 release for the new iMac.
Price
In 2021, Apple introduced new pricing for the iMac, with the base model priced at $1,299. Unless there is a notable redesign similar to the MacBook Air (which is not expected), it is reasonable to anticipate that the next iMac model will maintain the same price point.
However, in January 2023, when Apple introduced the M2 Pro and M2 Max processors for the MacBook Pro and Mac mini, it also adjusted the pricing for existing iMac models in countries outside the United States. For instance, in the United Kingdom, each iMac model saw a price increase of £150. These price adjustments were made to align with exchange rate fluctuations. As a result, it is unlikely that we will see further pricing increases for the iMac in the near future.
Design
The 2021 iMac showcases a notably sleek and compact design, surpassing previous-generation models, thanks to the efficiency of the M1 chip. With a slim side profile measuring just 11.5 millimeters, the updated iMac combines a compact form factor with powerful performance.
The efficiency of the M1 chip has enabled significant advancements in the design of the iMac. The logic board and thermals have undergone substantial consolidation and reduction in size compared to earlier iterations. As a result, the side profile of the iMac has seen a significant decrease. This compact design has effectively reduced the overall volume of the iMac by 50 percent. Consequently, the new iMac takes up less space and can effortlessly fit into a wider range of environments.
Display
The M1 iMac boasts a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with 11.3 million pixels, 500 nits brightness, P3 wide color gamut, and over a billion colors. Its display has narrower borders, True Tone technology for automatic color adjustment, and Apple’s industry-leading anti-reflective coating. So no new changes are expected in the new iMac in terms of display.
Colors
There are whispers in the tech world that the upcoming iMac might be available in not just one or two, but seven stunning and lively colors. Sources suggest that the new iMac will boast slim borders on the front, enhancing the immersive viewing experience. On the back, it is said to exhibit striking and rich colors that will surely catch the eye. Furthermore, there are murmurs about a magnetic power connector and a generously long two-meter cable that perfectly matches the chosen color.
Ports
Every iMac includes two Thunderbolt ports for fast data transfers and connections to external devices, including compatibility with a 6K external display like the Apple Pro Display XDR. The 8-core GPU configuration offers two extra USB-C ports and a 1Gbps Ethernet port integrated into the power adapter, reducing desktop clutter. This is something similar to what we can expect in the new 24-inch Apple iMac.
The power adapter with an Ethernet port is said to be available as an optional add-on for lower-end iMac models, while the four-port setup is exclusive to higher-end models. Additionally, there will be a 3.5mm headphone jack located on the left side of the iMac for wired audio connectivity.
As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), there is a sense of excitement surrounding the potential release of a new iMac. With Apple’s track record of unveiling groundbreaking products and advancements at this event, it is a plausible venue for the introduction of an upgraded iMac model. As speculations circulate regarding the inclusion of the M2 or even the M3 chip, enthusiasts are hopeful for improved performance and enhanced features in the next iteration of the iMac. The wait is on, and the possibilities are exciting.
