Apple recently confirmed that it will not be updating the 27-inch iMac to Apple Silicon. The announcement has generated significant discourse within the tech community. This decision underscores the company’s unwavering focus on the 24-inch iMac model, which was introduced in early 2021.
Apple has shifted priority to the 24-inch iMac, putting the 27-inch iMac on the backburner
Apple’s PR representative, Starlayne Meza, relayed to The Verge that the company’s focus remains fixed on the 24-inch iMac and suggested the Studio Display combined with the Mac Studio or Mac mini for users seeking a larger screen paired with a separate computing system.
The move signifies a significant shift from the widely embraced 27-inch iMac, a flagship desktop that was popular among consumers and professionals alike, especially in the creative industry. However, Apple’s decision to stick with the 24-inch iMac powered by the M3 processor has led many users to seek alternative options, particularly those needing more robust performance for tasks like video editing or software development.
The 24-inch iMac’s 4.5K display attempts to bridge the gap between the former 21-inch 4K and the larger 27-inch 5K models. Yet, it lacks the high-end processors found in the larger 27-inch version. This shift could leave power users feeling constrained, particularly those accustomed to the expanded screen real estate and powerful specifications of the older model.
Beyond the issue of size and performance, the 24-inch iMac also deviates in terms of ports, offering a limited array compared to its predecessor, which featured a more extensive variety. This adjustment hints at Apple’s intended target market for the iMac, seemingly more directed toward family usage and stylish placement in retail settings rather than catering to power users’ professional demands.
The absence of an Apple Silicon-based 27-inch iMac may steer users towards the Mac Studio or MacBook Pro, devices that offer more performance customization options and versatility. Despite the disappointment among users anticipating a larger iMac release, Apple’s decision signifies a distinct strategy for the iMac lineup, emphasizing a shift towards a different demographic and usage pattern.
The question remains whether this transition marks the end of power-user-centric iMacs or if Apple holds plans for a larger iMac in the future. Recent murmurs regarding a possible 42-inch OLED iMac and a potential mini-LED version scheduled for 2025 suggest a prospective roadmap for the iMac series.
