The highly anticipated refresh of Apple’s iMac lineup is expected to bring the M3-powered 24-inch iMac in 2024, with a more powerful model slated for 2025. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for accurate Apple predictions, shared this timeline, quelling earlier speculations of a 2023 release. These upcoming iMacs promise to offer significant performance enhancements.
Key Features and Specifications of Apple’s M3-Powered 24-inch iMac:
M3 Chipset:
The refreshed 24-inch iMac will be powered by Apple’s cutting-edge M3 chipset.
The M3 chip is anticipated to offer substantial performance improvements compared to the existing M2 chip.
iMac Display:
The 24-inch iMac is expected to feature a vibrant and high-resolution display.
Further details about the display, such as resolution and technology, are yet to be officially confirmed.
Launch Timeline:
According to reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the 24-inch iMac refresh is slated for a 2024 launch.
This timeline differs from earlier speculations that suggested a 2023 release.
New iMac prediction update:
1. 24-inch iMac refresh in 2024.
2. Higher-end 32-inch mini LED display iMac in 2025. https://t.co/l7jzEecwZi— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) October 17, 2023
Higher-End iMac in 2025:
In addition to the 24-inch iMac, Kuo predicts that a more powerful 32-inch mini LED display iMac can be expected in 2025.
Transition to 3nm Technology:
The M3 chip is reported to be based on TSMC’s advanced 3nm processor technology.
This transition to 3nm technology should result in significant performance enhancements over the existing 5nm M2 chip.
New Devices with M3 Chip:
The M3 chip is anticipated to power a range of Apple devices, including the 24-inch iMac.
Other devices, such as the 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, are also expected to feature the M3 chip.
Performance Improvements:
The M3 chip is expected to offer improvements in processing speed, power efficiency, and overall device performance.
Official Confirmation:
It’s important to note that Apple has not officially confirmed the timeline for the M3 chip launch or the devices it will power.
As such, these details should be approached with caution until Apple provides official information.
iMac Refresh Anticipation:
Apple enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the iMac refresh, especially since the introduction of the M1-powered 24-inch iMac in April 2021.
The Awaited iMac Refresh
Apple’s devoted users have been eagerly anticipating the next-generation iMac ever since the introduction of the M1-powered 24-inch iMac back in April 2021. This refresh is likely to incorporate Apple’s advanced M3 chipset. In June of 2023, during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple unveiled several M2-powered devices, setting the stage for the upcoming M3-powered iMacs.
Shifting Timelines for M3 Chips
Previously, Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman had suggested that the M3-powered iMac and other Apple devices, including the 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, were slated for an October 2023 release. However, Gurman later revised his prediction, aligning with Kuo’s projection that the M3 chips could be delayed until 2024. As per Gurman, the 13-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch MacBook Air, and the 24-inch iMac, all equipped with the new M3 chipset, are now expected to launch in the following year.
The Potent M3 Chip
Apple’s forthcoming M3 chip is said to be built on TSMC’s 3nm processors, representing a significant leap in performance over the 5nm M2 chip that currently powers most of Apple’s devices. However, it’s essential to note that Apple has yet to officially confirm the launch timeline for this new chipset or the devices it will empower. Thus, while these projections hold promise, they should be approached with a degree of caution.
Awaiting the iMac Upgrade
The present generation iMac was unveiled at Apple’s Spring Loaded event in 2021 and is driven by Apple’s M1 chip. The upcoming refresh is hotly anticipated as it promises to deliver even greater computing power and capabilities.
Challenges with Apple Vision Pro
In addition to discussing the iMac, Gurman also shed light on challenges surrounding Apple’s Vision Pro, the company’s augmented reality (AR) headset. Launched during Apple’s World Developer Conference (WWDC) in June 2023, the Vision Pro is encountering slower engagement from third-party app developers due to its premium pricing.
Vision Pro runs on visionOS software, requiring developers to adapt or entirely rewrite their apps to be compatible with the new interface. This adaptation process presents challenges, as Vision Pro users will seek apps that can fully leverage the new capabilities of the device. This could potentially impact the overall ecosystem.
Vision Pro Pricing and Availability
Apple Vision Pro is available for USD 3,499 (approximately Rs 2,88,000) and will hit the US market in early 2024, with international availability expected later in the year. During its launch, Apple assured users that all iPad and Mac apps would be accessible on Vision Pro, and several third-party apps, such as Microsoft and Zoom, are already optimized for this advanced AR headset.
