Apple has officially declared that they have no plans to release a new 27-inch iMac with Apple Silicon. This announcement, made following an enquiry from The Verge, puts to rest any speculation about the potential launch of such a device. Apple's spokesperson, Starlayne Meza, stated that the current 24-inch iMac is intended to serve as a middle ground for those looking to upgrade from both the 20-inch and 27-inch Intel models.
Internet rumours debunked by Apple's stance
The internet has been buzzing with theories suggesting that Apple's announcement might be a strategic move to mislead. However, these speculations hold no water. Our experience with Apple's communication style tells us they maintain a strict policy of truthfulness, particularly through their public relations outlets. The company is known for withholding comments on unreleased products, making this confirmation an outlier from its standard approach.
The evolving role of the iMac in Apple's lineup
The iMac has transformed Apple's catalogue over the past 25 years. Once the centrepiece of Apple's computing arsenal, the iMac now plays a more modest role. As the world has shifted towards mobile computing, spurred on by the success of the iPhone, desktop computers have seen a decline in prominence. The iMac's purpose has shifted accordingly; it's now positioned as a bridge between the more affordable Mac mini and the higher-end Mac Studio, serving as an ideal option for educational settings or as an entry-level desktop.
Is a larger iMac still on the horizon?
While Apple has clearly dismissed the idea of a new 27-inch iMac with Apple Silicon, this does not eliminate the possibility of a larger, professional-focused iMac, which has been a topic of the rumour mill for several years. Rumours suggest a 32-inch model targeting professional users, yet such predictions have consistently been pushed to “next year.” Only time will reveal the truth behind these rumours, but for the moment, Apple's message is clear: the 27-inch iMac with Apple Silicon is not on the agenda.