New Developments on the iMac: Is a Refresh Coming Soon?
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Chapter 1: Speculations Surrounding the iMac
Could it be that Apple has more surprises in store for 2023? Recently, while scrolling through my X feed, I noticed a growing buzz among tech commentators regarding the release of new Macs, possibly within the coming week.
After seeing iMac-related content planned for the next week, I felt a rush of concern and decided to investigate further. It appears that a long-awaited update for the 24-inch iMac might finally be on the way, along with other Macs that may also be in the pipeline.
New iMac Rumors
The information I’m about to share is still speculative and comes from the well-informed Mark Gurman. Reports indicate that stocks of iMacs are dwindling in retail locations. Additionally, if you try to customize a 24-inch iMac on Apple's UK online store, the delivery dates push into late November. While this isn’t definitive proof of an upcoming release, Gurman suggests that limited supply can often be a “clear indication that something is about to happen.”
It’s about time for an update; after all, the 24-inch iMac hasn’t received a refresh in over 900 days. Current speculation points toward a launch of the new 24-inch iMac later this month, potentially on either the 30th or 31st. Gurman theorizes that this timing may align with Apple’s earnings call scheduled for November 2nd, recalling that a similar timeline preceded an iPad and Mac event in the past.
In fact, there are rumors that press invites for an event may be issued this week — possibly even by the time you read this. An in-person event would signify a significant upgrade for the 24-inch iMac, hinting that there may be more announcements to come. However, if you’re holding out hope for a 32-inch iMac alongside the existing model, you might be disappointed; Gurman notes that it likely won’t debut until next year or even 2025.
As for the processor for this anticipated 24-inch iMac refresh, details are scarce, but the M2 chip seems to be the most probable choice.
New MacBook Pros on the Horizon?
With the larger iMac unlikely to arrive next week, and iPads expected in Spring 2024, there’s still another possibility: new MacBook Pros. Reports suggest that supplies of the 13-inch MacBook Pro and several higher-end models are also running low at Apple retail stores. This has led Gurman to speculate that new models could be unveiled next week alongside the refreshed 24-inch iMac.
However, it seems that the M3 chip, which would likely power the upcoming MacBook Pro, is not yet ready for release. Additionally, considering that Apple introduced several M2-powered MacBook Pros back in January, the timing for another release appears a bit off. Nevertheless, given Apple’s track record, it’s hard to predict what they might do next.
Should You Purchase a 24-inch iMac Now?
In short, no! It seems likely that significant changes are on the horizon, and even if nothing occurs next week, the wait won’t be long. While the current version of the 24-inch iMac is still a solid choice, it has fallen behind compared to its competitors. Buying one now may not be the best financial decision, especially since Apple tends not to discount older models. This means you might end up paying the same price today as you would have nearly three years ago for the same specifications, which hardly seems fair.
Let’s hold off for a few days and see what unfolds, shall we?
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