Apple fans and technology enthusiasts have been curious about the future of the iMac for years. Since the discontinuation of the 27-inch iMac as part of the switch from Intel processors to Apple's own silicon chips, the question has been: will there ever be a larger iMac again? Currently, Apple only offers the 24-inch iMac, which leaves many users looking for more screen space unhappy. Below we summarize the latest rumors and speculation surrounding the return of a larger iMac. The question remains: what does Apple have planned for the future?
There hasn't been a larger iMac model on the market for over two and a half years, which has been a step backwards for many users, especially creative professionals and power users who appreciated the larger workspace of the 27-inch model. Instead, Apple now recommends using the standalone Studio Display with the Mac Studio or Mac mini. But there are rumors that Apple may be working on an even larger iMac model that could fill the gap. So what's the truth behind these rumors?
Current iMac Models: An Overview
The 24-inch iMac is currently Apple's only all-in-one desktop model. It is designed to provide a fast, seamless experience with the M chip. While the device is sufficient for everyday tasks and even some professional applications, many users miss the larger screen area that the 27-inch iMac used to offer. Apple has shifted its focus for now to separate desktop solutions, such as the Mac Studio combined with the Studio Display or the Mac mini.
What does Apple itself say?
In November 2022, Apple officially announced that there are no plans to release a new 27-inch iMac using Apple Silicon chips. This news came as a surprise to many, as many had hoped that Apple would develop a larger model to succeed the popular 27-inch iMac. Instead, Apple suggested that users could combine the Studio Display with a Mac Studio or Mac mini for a larger display option.
Rumors about a 32-inch iMac
Despite Apple's official statements, speculation continues. Both Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that Apple is working on a 32-inch iMac. Kuo even went so far as to claim that this new iMac could feature a mini-LED backlight, which offers some distinct advantages over traditional LCD technology:
- Higher brightness: Mini-LEDs enable much higher peak brightness, which delivers impressive results, especially with HDR content.
- Better contrast ratio: Blacks appear deeper and bright areas appear clearer.
- Energy efficiency: Despite the improved performance, mini LEDs are more efficient in energy consumption.
There has been speculation that this larger iMac could possibly launch in late 2024 or 2025. However, there has been no new information on this model for some time, which raises the question of whether Apple is going ahead with the plans.
Will the larger iMac ever come?
In August 2023, Mark Gurman reported that Apple is still considering a larger iMac. Whether this will be a model with the upcoming M4 chip or if it will appear later is unclear. Apple could be in the early stages of development, and it is possible that the project will either be postponed or realized in another form. It remains to be seen which direction Apple will take.
What awaits us in the meantime?
While rumors are rife about the larger iMac, several other Apple products are set to receive an upcoming update. The 24-inch iMac will reportedly receive an upgrade to the M4 chip in October 2024. New versions of the MacBook Pro and Mac mini could also be released along with this update.
Is the larger iMac coming back? Everything we know so far
The future of the iMac remains exciting. While there is currently no concrete timeline for the return of a larger model, the rumors of a possible 32-inch iMac suggest that Apple has not given up on the idea. Creative professionals and power users will have to remain patient, however, and resort to either the 24-inch iMac or separate display solutions in the meantime. Overall, the question remains: will Apple bring back a larger iMac? The answer seems to be more in the distant future, but the possibility remains. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and updates, as Apple is always good for surprises. Looking for the best accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront and discover a variety of products from top providers, including for HomeKit! (Photo by Unsplash / Quaritsch Photography)
