One more year without news of the iMac Pro.
The iMac Pro was not featured in Apple's Mac announcements in October. Is the company still developing a larger iMac, or has it disappeared forever?
This week, Apple introduced a new M4 iMac, featuring several enhancements aimed at attracting creatives and professionals. Among the updates are the powerful M4 chip, Thunderbolt 4, an improved camera, and a nano-textured display. However, this model should not be confused with an iMac Pro. Since the transition to Apple Silicon, the lineup has lacked a larger and more powerful iMac, and despite Apple's claim to have completed this transition in 2022, the 27-inch iMac is still noticeably absent.
Looking at the recent release, it is striking that there is no larger model with the new M4 chip. Almost four years have passed since the iMac Pro was discontinued, and uncertainty about Apple's plans for a more robust version persists. This situation creates the impression that there is a notable gap in Apple's desktop computer lineup, whether in reference to an iMac Pro or simply a larger iMac with the same colorful aesthetic as the current base model.
Apple has mentioned that the combination of the Mac Studio and the Studio Display is suitable for professional users. In fact, this setup starts at $3,598, which is significantly more economical than the former entry price of the iMac Pro at $4,999. Although the result is not as sleek, it is a viable option that saves nearly $1,500. From this perspective, it seems reasonable to assume that a true iMac Pro does not need an immediate comeback, and that Apple made a correct assessment by not including it in recent announcements.
Current availability is limited to the 24-inch iMac, sidelining the previous 21.5 and 27-inch versions. For those seeking a larger all-in-one without the advanced components of the Mac Studio, options are scarce. In recent months, there have been no solid rumors about the release of a larger iMac, suggesting that it could be a long way off on the horizon, or even that it may not materialize at all.
Recent updates to the existing iMac have been minimal, with new color options, an upgrade to Thunderbolt 4, and the introduction of the M4 chip. This raises the question of whether the current iMac version has enough demand to justify the investment in a larger model. Another possibility is that Apple is waiting for the larger iMac to be ready for release, given that they do not sell in comparable quantities to iPhones or MacBooks, allowing them to be less prolific in updates.
Although it has been mentioned that Apple is still "exploring" the option of a larger iMac, new developments may take time to arrive. Therefore, it is uncertain whether we will see a new iMac with a larger screen in the near future. What seems clear, however, is that fans of large displays may have to wait at least a year before any significant updates in this area.