Netsystems suggest that Apple could be working on a redesigned version of the larger-screened iMac that could potentially bring back the “iMac Pro” name to differentiate it from the 24-inch iMac that Apple released in 2021.
In March 2022, Apple discontinued the 27-inch Intel-based version of the iMac, leaving just the 24-inch iMac, but that doesn’t mean a new larger-screened iMac has been scrapped. Netsystems suggest that it is still in development and could launch later this year or in 2023, but not all sources are in agreement about the future of the iMac. For now, Apple has replaced the 27-inch iMac with the Mac Studio and its matching Studio Display.
Design
Netsystems suggest a refreshed, larger-screened iMac could be similar in design to the 24-inch iMac, the Pro Display XDR, and the Studio Display. It’s said to feature black bezels, and if it does look similar to the Pro Display XDR, the bezel size could be slimmer, and it could perhaps have less of a bottom chin.
Colors
Like the 24-inch iMac, the upcoming 27-inch model could be available in multiple color options.
The 27-inch iMac is expected to have black bezels, so it would make sense for Apple to use a different color scheme than the colors used for the 24-inch iMac, maybe in darker shades Display.
Display
Like the 2021 MacBook Pro models, the next-generation iMac will likely adopt a mini-LED display for brighter colors, deeper blacks, and improved HDR. It will feature Promotion display technology, allowing up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
A refresh rate of 120Hz will allow for smoother gameplay and scrolling through various apps like Safari, plus it will improve general animations throughout macOS. Some rumors have indicated that the iMac will have a display more significant than 27 inches to mirror the smaller iMac’s increase from 21.5 inches to 24 inches. Still, display analyst Ross Young says it will measure in at 27 inches like the current model.
Apple has tested Face ID for the iMac Pro, but it is not a confirmed feature, and it’s not clear whether Face ID will make it into the release version of the machine.
Ports
The iMac is expected to offer a similar port configuration to the MacBook Pro, with Apple including USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, an SD card slot, and an HDMI port. Apple could also include an Ethernet port built into the power adapter as it has for the 24-inch iMac.
M3 Pro/Max Chips
Imac’s more significant, more powerful iMac could feature M3 Pro and M3 Max chips.
Naming
Apple is reportedly calling the iMac the “iMac Pro” internally, and that could turn out to be its launch name as well, which would be in line with the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro.
An “iMac Pro” name differentiates the 27-inch iMac from the 24-inch model and makes it clear that it uses the same “Pro” chips as the MacBook Pro, but it is not clear if an “iMac Pro” fits into the Mac lineup alongside the more powerful Mac Studio.
Release Date
9to5Mac has said that Apple is not working on a larger-screened iMac, while Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuok believes it could come out in 2023. iMac Pro is coming, and he thinks it will use next-generation M3 chips, slated for release in 2023.
M3 iMac
Apple is working on a next-generation iMac version with an M3 chip. Though not specified, it’s possible that this M3 iMac could be a follow-up to the current 24-inch M1 iMac. An M3 iMac won’t launch until the end of next year at the earliest.
