Rumors of a 32-Inch iMac: Is Apple’s Bigger iMac Finally Coming Back?
- A bigger iMac could be making its comeback, but not the one you think.
- The future of the iMac might involve a massive 32-inch display—ready for it?
- Rumors are swirling, and Apple’s next move could mean a game-changing desktop.
- Think a bigger iMac isn’t happening? You might want to read this.
More than two years have passed since Apple pulled the plug on the beloved 27-inch iMac, a move closely tied to its shift away from Intel processors. Since then, the iMac lineup has been capped at 24 inches, leaving many wondering: is a larger iMac in Apple’s future?
Here’s what the latest rumors suggest about a potential return of a larger iMac.
The Status of the 27-Inch iMac
In November 2022, Apple officially announced that it had no plans to release a 27-inch iMac featuring its own Apple silicon chip. Instead, users were directed to the Mac Studio or Mac mini, paired with the standalone Studio Display. This effectively ended hopes for a return of the 27-inch model.
But some rumors have persisted, pointing toward an even larger model.
Rumors of a 32-Inch iMac
Nearly a year ago, reliable sources like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo both indicated that Apple was actively working on a 32-inch iMac, potentially for release in late 2024 or early 2025. According to Kuo, this model could feature mini-LED backlighting, promising enhanced brightness, deeper contrasts, and superior overall image quality compared to traditional LCDs.
"A larger iMac remains something Apple is exploring as well," Gurman stated as recently as August 2023. However, he noted that it's uncertain whether this product will debut alongside the M4 chip or later. Since then, little concrete information has surfaced about the project.
Photo via AppleInsider // Apple's 24-inch iMac remains the current all-in-one desktop solution—but will it get a bigger sibling soon?
Filling the Void: A Larger iMac for Professionals
For many Apple users, the 24-inch iMac is perfectly adequate, but for power users—especially in fields like design, video editing, and software development—a larger screen is critical. The absence of a larger iMac has left a notable gap, particularly for creative professionals who once depended on the 27-inch model for its display size and processing power.
Apple has addressed this need with alternatives like the Mac Studio and Studio Display, but the hefty price tag of that combination isn’t for everyone. A 32-inch iMac would offer a more affordable, all-in-one solution for those craving additional screen real estate without breaking the bank on separate components.
Key Features We Might Expect in a Larger iMac
While concrete details remain scarce, a few features seem likely should Apple decide to release a larger iMac in the near future:
M2 or M3 Chipsets
The iMac would likely come equipped with Apple’s latest silicon, whether the current M2 or the highly anticipated M3, expected to arrive in late 2024. This could deliver even more powerful performance for high-intensity tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and gaming.
Photo via 9to5Mac // Could Apple’s M3 chip supercharge a new 32-inch iMac? Here's what the latest rumors suggest.
Mini-LED Technology
Rumors suggest the larger iMac could adopt the mini-LED backlighting seen in the Pro Display XDR, offering stunning brightness and contrast that’s ideal for creative professionals.
ProMotion Display
Apple’s 120Hz ProMotion technology could make its way to the larger iMac, providing smoother scrolling and improved visual responsiveness—particularly useful for gamers and video editors.
Expanded Storage & RAM Options
A larger iMac is expected to offer higher RAM configurations and expanded storage, making it an attractive option for users handling large projects.
Could a Larger iMac Cannibalize Mac Studio Sales?
One question on many minds is whether a larger iMac would eat into the market share of Apple’s Mac Studio and Studio Display duo. However, it's important to note that these two products target different audiences.
The Mac Studio is designed for power users who require extreme performance, while the iMac's all-in-one convenience caters to a broader group, including casual users and professionals who prefer simplicity. A larger iMac would fill the gap for those who need a bigger screen but don’t necessarily need the top-tier power or separate monitor that the Mac Studio setup offers.
The Wait Continues
For now, the tech world waits. Despite rumors, Apple has not officially confirmed the development of a new, larger iMac. But with demand still strong among creative professionals and tech enthusiasts alike, many are hopeful that the company will eventually deliver a product that blends cutting-edge performance with the convenience of an all-in-one desktop solution.
As we look to October 2024, an update to the 24-inch iMac with the M4 chip is expected alongside new MacBook Pro and Mac mini models. Will a 32-inch iMac follow? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s clear that Apple is keeping its cards close to the chest.
Key Takeaways:
- No Plans for 27-Inch iMac: Apple confirmed it won’t reintroduce the 27-inch model, instead offering the Mac Studio paired with a Studio Display.
- 32-Inch iMac Rumors: According to sources, Apple is exploring a 32-inch iMac that could arrive in late 2024 or 2025, possibly featuring mini-LED technology and the M3 chip.
- Creative Professionals Hungry for Larger Screen: The lack of a bigger iMac has left some creative users seeking more affordable alternatives than the Mac Studio/Studio Display setup.
As it stands, Apple’s future plans for the iMac are still shrouded in mystery, but the next year or two could bring exciting developments for those who miss the spacious screens of old.
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