The 27-inch Apple Inc. iMac computer with 5K retina display will be unveiled on Thursday, October 16, 2014 in Cupertino, California, USA.
Photographer: Noah Berger
Photographer: Noah Berger
Apple Inc. is planning the first redesign of its iMac all-in-one computer since 2012, according to people familiar with the plans, from Intel Corp. processors to its own silicon.
The new models weaken the thick black edges around the screen and do away with the substantial metal ken area in favor of a design similar to Apple’s Pro Display XDR monitor. These iMacs have a flat back and move away from the curved back of the current iMac. Apple plans to launch two versions – codenamed J456 and J457 – to replace the existing 21.5-inch and 27-inch models later this year, people said, not to be identified because the products has not yet been announced.
Apple Pro Display XDR
Source: Apple Inc.
The upcoming products are part of Apple’s radical review of its personal computer range. The company in Cupertino, California, is switching from Intel chips that powered generations of MacBooks and iMacs to its own Arm-based processors, which Apple Silicon has designated as a brand. An Apple spokesman declined to comment.
The new models will be next-generation versions of Apple’s Mac processors such as the upcoming 2021 MacBook Pros. According to people familiar with the company’s roadmap, the iMac redesign will be one of the biggest visual updates of any Apple product this year.
Read more: Apple plans to upgrade MacBook Pro with magnetic charging
While much of the computer industry focuses on laptops, the iMac remains an important part of Apple’s portfolio. Launched in 1998, the first iMac is credited with helping Apple escape bankruptcy and lead the way to eventually becoming the world’s most valuable company. The all-in-one desk is also important for professionals and consumers who want large screens at relatively affordable prices.
Steve Jobs launches new iMacs at the MacWorld Expo on July 19, 2000.
Photographer: RICK MAIMAN
Apple is also working on some new Mac Pro computers, the most expensive of which are Macs that do not come with a monitor, the people said. One version is a direct update of the current Mac Pro and will continue to use the same design as the version launched in 2019. Apple has discussed using Intel processors for the model rather than switching to its own chips.
Read more: Apple prepares next Mac chips to surpass top-end PCs
However, the second version will use Apple’s own processors and be less than half the current Mac Pro. The design has a mostly aluminum exterior and can evoke nostalgia for the Power Mac G4 Cube, a short-lived smaller version of the Power Mac, an earlier version of the Mac Pro.
As part of the revamped Mac desktop efforts, Apple began developing a cheaper external monitor to sell with the Pro Display XDR. Apple’s current monitor debuts in 2019 and costs $ 5,000 – before being taken into account the $ 1000 stand.
The cheaper monitor has a screen that is more suitable for consumers than professional use, and will not have the brightness and contrast ratio of the highest offer. Apple last launched a consumer-grade monitor called the Thunderbolt Display in 2011 for $ 999, but discontinued it in 2016.