The latest report on Apple’s plans for a larger iMac suggest that the company may still be missing something.
Apple did something almost unprecedented back in 2023 when it specifically confirmed there was no new 27-inch iMac on the way, but it did leave the door open for a larger iMac – perhaps something with a 32-inch screen. But a report from Mark Gurman yesterday threw something of a spanner in the works …
A rare exception to Apple’s secrecy
Apple is famously secretive about its plans for future products, dating back to a strongly held belief by co-founder Steve Jobs. Steve argued that there was a magic to a surprise announcement which would be lost or diluted if the company revealed its plans ahead of time.
Tech writers know there’s no point asking Apple to comment on any product rumors, but you do get the occasional optimistic analyst raising questions in earnings reports. Apple always responds the same way, with a statement that it doesn’t comment on reports of unannounced products, on its product roadmaps, on its future plans, or similar.
Back in November 2023, however, there was a very rare exception. Asked about the fact that it hadn’t launched an Apple Silicon version of the 27-inch iMac, the company said that it wouldn’t be doing so.
Leaving the door open for a larger iMac
As we noted at the time, that didn’t mean it was ruling out a larger iMac than the 24-inch model. We’ve been arguing for years that it was time for an iMac with a larger screen than 27 inches.
It’s not 2009 anymore. We now live in a world where 34-inch monitors are commonplace, 40-inch ones are not unusual – and there are even 49-inch models around. Alongside these, the iMac display, impressive as it is in terms of resolution, looks cramped.
and
Today, 27-inch monitors are very commonly used in dual and triple monitor setups, rather than on their own.
Of course, I’ve also argued that a larger iMac could be considered redundant. If you want a large-screen Mac, you can buy an Apple Silicon Mac mini and the monitor of your choice. The Mac is small enough to even attach to the back of the monitor.
But 27-inch iMac owners in the comments were quick to disagree.
In what world is “Stick it behind the display, and you never even have to see it” the Apple way? Have we lowered our standards to the point where we’re willing to accept moving backwards from a single box that does everything?
From similar comments there and elsewhere, it became clear that there are plenty of people who don’t want to compromise on the all-in-one form factor. And a report from Mark Gurman over the weekend seemed to offer hope.
But the latest report is missing something
It wasn’t exactly Gurman’s most definitive statement to begin with:
Apple also will probably eventually get around to offering a larger-screen iMac.
Top comment by AZGuy
The update that I would like to see: 30 inch iMac with the same microprocessor and memory options as a MacBook Pro.
I am still using my 27 inch iMac. Several associates are also using five to ten year old 27 inch iMacs. Why? The large screen iMac is the perfect executive computer. It has a nice sleek, clean appearance and fits nicely on a desk. There isn't a bunch of cables messing up the desk or inviting someone to trip on. Part of the magic of Apple is esthetics. The Mac mini is not about esthetics - it is all about a box you can toss somewhere. I left Dell because I liked Apple’s large screen all in one iMac.
The Mac Studio or Mac mini with a Studio display is overpriced and is the wrong form factor for me. By eliminating the large screen iMac Apple has killed my reason for buying a second computer.
If I am going to be stuck with a box and cables, I will just use my existing Macbook Pro 16 and have the same mess of cables as a Mac Mini or Mac studio.
For some a basic 24 inch iMac is fine. Unfortunately, Apple Silicon hasn’t been good to me. The larger screen iMac may not be a hot seller but I know several individuals who have yet to switch to Apple silicon because they like their large screen iMacs.
Probably and eventually are not encouraging words for those waiting impatiently to upgrade. But when we put that line in context, it gets even less reassuring:
The company remains interested in the professional market, though, and it’s planning new Mac Pro and Mac Studio models. Apple also will probably eventually get around to offering a larger-screen iMac.
The implication here is that Apple sees a larger iMac as a professional product, pointing to a future iMac Pro with a bigger screen. What’s missing here is anything about a bigger consumer-level iMac. And that’s what many seem to want.
Right now, if I were an Intel 27-inch iMac owner who’s been waiting to upgrade to an Apple Silicon model, and isn’t interested in downgrading to a 24-inch screen, I’d be feeling pretty depressed.
Image: Apple/9to5Mac
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