The iMac has been a mainstay of Apple's desktop portfolio for years. Despite its clean design and the switch to Apple Silicon, the fundamental concept has remained largely unchanged. While no major update appears to be planned for 2025, there are increasing indications that Apple is planning bigger steps in the long term. These include new chips, potential Pro models, larger displays, and a move to OLED technology.
Apple has always pursued a conservative update strategy for the iMac. Instead of annual redesigns, the company focuses on targeted technical improvements and long product cycles. This is precisely why current rumors are particularly relevant. They reveal how Apple might position the iMac over the next two to three years and what role it will play in the future compared to the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and external displays.
Current status: iMac with M4 chip
The current iMac was last updated in October 2024. At that time, the 24-inch model received the new M4 chip. Additionally, up to 32 GB of RAM is now possible. Also new is a 12-megapixel camera with Center Stage functionality, primarily intended for video conferencing.
For the first time, Apple is offering a Nano Texture Display on the iMac. It also features Thunderbolt 4 ports and new color options. However, the fundamental design remains unchanged. The form factor is still the same as it was introduced in 2021 and has remained unchanged since then.
Next update: iMac with M5 chip
An iMac with an M5 chip is expected next year. There are currently no concrete indications of design changes or new display technologies. Therefore, it is currently assumed that Apple will limit itself to a pure performance update.
Should the iMac receive similar improvements to the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip, it could be equipped with up to 4 TB of internal storage in the future. That would be double the current maximum of 2 TB. Furthermore, significantly faster SSD performance is expected, potentially up to twice that of the previous model.
iMac Pro with M5 Max chip
A potential iMac Pro is currently attracting considerable attention. Earlier this year, Apple accidentally released a macOS kernel debugging kit containing internal product code names that have recently been discovered. One of these code names suggests an iMac with an M5 Max chip.
It's unclear whether Apple will offer the standard 24-inch iMac with both M5 and M5 Max processors in the future, or whether a separate, more powerful model is planned. Such an iMac Pro would be a continuation of the earlier Intel-based model that Apple discontinued in March 2021.
Larger iMac: Is a 32-inch model coming?
Since the discontinuation of the 27-inch iMac as part of the move away from Intel processors, the 24-inch iMac has been Apple's only all-in-one model. A larger display has been completely absent from the lineup for almost four years.
In October 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that Apple would release a high-end 32-inch iMac with mini-LED backlighting in 2025. With that year now almost over, this prediction is considered unlikely. Kuo has not commented on a larger iMac since.
In November 2023, Apple also officially stated that there were no plans for a new 27-inch iMac with Apple Silicon. Instead, the company recommended the combination of the Studio Display and a Mac Studio or Mac mini. Whether this statement permanently rules out a larger iMac remains unclear, as strategic decisions at Apple can change at any time.
Regardless, the desire for a 32-inch iMac Pro with an M5 Max chip and mini-LED backlighting remains, even though there is currently no concrete evidence of this.
OLED display: Long-term plans for the iMac
A major technological leap is on the horizon. The South Korean publication The Elec reports that Apple plans to launch a 24-inch iMac with an OLED display between 2027 and 2028.
OLED offers significant advantages over current LCD displays. These include a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks, and overall better image quality. Similar to the iPad Pro, Apple could also gradually transition the iMac from LCD to Mini-LED to OLED.
iMac in transition: Continuity with a view to the future
In the short term, the iMac will remain a relatively conservative product, with a focus on new chips and improved performance. The anticipated M5 chip is expected to bring primarily technical improvements without altering the fundamental concept. However, more significant changes are anticipated in the medium to long term, including a possible iMac Pro, a larger display format, and a switch to OLED technology.
Even though many of these developments are still based on rumors, they clearly show that Apple continues to consider the iMac an integral part of its ecosystem. The next few years will determine whether the iMac regains prominence or continues to occupy a clearly defined niche role. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: ifeelstock / DepositPhotos.com)
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