6/27/23
9:00 am

Will Apple Ever Make a 27-inch iMac Again?

Apple no longer makes a 27-inch iMac, only a 24-inch model. But a new model at 27-inches is a constant request in online discussions. What are the chances that Apple will come out with a new 27-inch iMac in the future?

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Video Transcript: Hi, this is Gary with MacMost.com. Will Apple ever come out with another 27" iMac? Let's talk about it. 
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So usually my videos are all about how to do something on your Mac. But I get asked so often about a 27" iMac that I figured it would be a good idea to talk about it in a video. So what we had previously were two iMac models. A 21½" screen model and a 27" screen model. The 27" screen model was a really good screen. It was a 5K screen. Even today there are only really two 5K screens that you can get which we will talk about in a minute. But when Apple switched over to using their own processors they left the iMac models behind and came out with a completely new one. A 24" screen. So this is kind of in the middle of those two other screen sizes. In fact it is a 4.5K display. So not quite as good as a 5K and obviously a little bit smaller. Now anyone that was using a 21½" iMac saw the new 24" iMac as a great upgrade. It was basically the same price and a much nicer display and a much faster machine. But if you had a 27" iMac this would have been a step down in screen size. Not by much but you typically don't want to go backwards. So those users today really want Apple to come out with a 27" iMac and so far Apple hasn't shown any hint that it is going to do this. 
Now let's first look at what you can get today. You can, instead of a 27" iMac, get a Mac Mini and one of Apple's Mac Studio Displays. Those Studio Displays are 5K displays and they are better than the old iMac ones. They're brighter, higher quality, and so on. So the base model Mac Mini will set you back $600 and the Studio Display $1600, at least if you buy it at full price from Apple. Usually you can get it $100 cheaper everywhere else. So, you're looking at between $300 and $400 more than the old 27" iMac. Now that's just the base model. Chances are you're going to want something better and, of course, with the old iMac as well you would have wanted something better than that base $1800 model. Another thing to consider is, of course, what you get today in a Mac Mini plus Display would be a lot more powerful than what you got in 2019 or 2020 when the iMacs still used the old intel chips. So you won't just be replacing same with same. You'll be getting something much more powerful. 
Now there is a little detail with the fact that an older iMac would have come with a keyboard, trackpad or mouse. Getting Mac Mini with a screen. You won't have that. But you'll probably have your old trackpad and keyboard so you can just keep using those. Also, the Studio Display isn't your only option. There is an LG screen that is also 5K. It's got a camera and speakers in it and it's usually priced at around $1150. So you can actually get that and a Mac Mini for $50 less than what you could have bought a 27" iMac a few years ago. 
A lot of people are going to reject this option because they really like the factor of having it all in one. They don't want that extra box that's a Mac Mini sitting on their desk. Fair enough. If that is important to you. There's not much you can do. I guess you can put the Mac Mini under your desk if you want or somewhere out of the way. But on the other hand one of the problems people have with the 27" iMac's was that you couldn't use the iMac as just a display. In other words if you were to buy a new Mac Mini or Mac Studio now you can't use your old 5K iMac as a display. That was available a long time ago with some iMacs but never the newer really good screen ones. So here's something to think about. If you got a Mac Mini with a Studio Display now you certainly then could use that Studio Display three, five, or seven years from now with a new Mac Mini or other Mac model. So the problem of not being able to separate the display from the computer is gone when you actually have a separate display and computer. 
Now I know also that people are going to bring up the iMac Pro. The iMac Pro today would be the equivalent to a Mac Studio, not a Mac Mini and the new Studio Display. That would be significantly more expensive. But the iMac Pro, that started at $5000. So the prices are kind of comparable. So if Apple decided to come out with a new 27-inch iMac what would it look like? Well, chances are it would look very much like the Studio Display. After all the iMac is similar to the Studio Display. It looks just like a display. There is no computer in sight. The computer is actually inside the display. In fact, the Studio Display does have a computer inside it. It's got an A13 chip. So the equivalent to what you would find in some iPads. That chip then runs the whole display and the other functions like the camera and speakers and such. If Apple came out with a 27" iMac it wouldn't just be adding a Mac to the Studio Display. It would be replacing the computer already inside the Studio Display with something much more powerful. A M2 or perhaps in the future a M3 processor.
Now another thing to keep in mind is that people liked the old iMac models because you can upgrade the memory in them. Well, that ship has sailed. It's never going to happen again because Apple's own processors have integrated memory. The memory isn't separate. Isn't somewhere else in the computer. It's part of the system on a chip that Apple has developed. This actually makes the entire machine much faster. Not having the memory far away from the processor. But it also means you can't upgrade memory. So any new 27" iMac that Apple has isn't going to have upgradable memory. It is just going to have the memory that comes with it when you buy it. 
Another thing to keep in mind was the difference between the two older iMacs was $500. It is going to be at least that today. So if you look at a $1300 iMac and say Oh, I'd like that but with a bigger screen, Well remember if Apple comes out with it you're probably going to have to pay a lot more. I suspect that if Apple did come out with a 27" iMac people have been waiting for it would take a look at the price tag and then some of them may opt for the 24" screen anyway. 
Another thing to think about is would Apple actually come out with a 27" screen or maybe something bigger. After all having two models at 21.5" and a 27" there was a big difference between the screens. But if  Apple had a 24" and a 27" there is not that big  of a difference. So one option is that Apple just replaces the 24" with a 27". This would be a nice upgrade and there still would just be one model. Another option is that Apple would come out with a much bigger display than 27". Maybe a 29 or 30" screen. There would be more of a difference. 
Now in trying to figure out if Apple would actually do this, come out with a larger screen iMac, we have to guess at what the demand is. Now it looks like there is a lot of demand. Anytime an article is posted that had anything to do with the iMac, even if it has nothing to do with new models or screen size or anything there are always people that ask when is Apple going to come out with a 27" iMac again. But it is really hard to gauge demand based on complaints and requests like that. Is that significant enough to actually translate into sales. I suspect that Apple's marketing department knows way more about that than I do or you do. So I hesitate to second guess them if they decide not to come out with a 27" iMac. On the other hand Apple frequently does listen to user requests and complaints. People complained when there wasn't a new Mac Mini for awhile. Apple came out with a new one. People complained when they didn't like the format of the 2013 Mac Pro and they wanted it back in a tower. Apple then put it back in a tower. So sometimes Apple does actually look at these requests and decides that they should come out with a model like that or change things. I think that might be the main factor here that could bring a 27" iMac back. 
So what would I put the chances at? Well, when Apple first came out with a 24" iMac I would have said 50/50. I thought maybe the 24" iMac, which is the first model, and that some months or a year later Apple would come out with the second part of that pair and have a larger screen version. But when they didn't do that I dropped my estimate down to maybe 10%. But as more time has gone by and I keep hearing requests for a 27" iMac, I've got to think Apple has to take that seriously and is maybe considering coming out with a larger screen iMac. Either replacing the 24" or being the larger screen version of a pair of iMacs. So now I put the chances at about 30%. So still unlikely but if Apple decided to do it I wouldn't expect anything until later this year. That would be very unlikely. Perhaps next year Apple might come out with a M3 iMac at 24" and then maybe a M3 or M3Pro iMac at 27" or 29" or 30". I still lean towards Apple not actually doing this and pushing people towards a Mac Mini with a Studio Display. I think that is the more likely future. But I wouldn't be completely shocked if Apple changed course at some point and came out with a 27" iMac. 
I'd love to hear from you about this. Leave a comment and let me know: 
#1) Do you want a 27" iMac. 
#2) How likely do you think it is that Apple will actually come out with one in the future. Thanks for watching.

Comments: 37 Responses to “Will Apple Ever Make a 27-inch iMac Again?”

Chris in CT

1 year ago

One of the many reasons we upgraded to a 27-inch iMac was to get more storage than was available in the smaller model. Although the 24 inch display would be adequate, we have grown to greatly appreciate the larger screen. Hopefully, a future large iMac will offer more than 2 TB of storage. Going all the way to a Mac Studio and Studio Display is a much bigger step than suits our needs.

Stephen

1 year ago

I would like to continue to use my 27 2017 iMac display with a new Mac mini. Is that possible or likely to become possible? I don’t want to scrap it as the display is excellent.
Thanks Gary. Excellent video as always. Stephen

Russ

1 year ago

My wife's 2013 iMac died after almost 10 Years. We moved my 2017 27" iMac to her and ordered the Mac Studio Max; upgraded processor; 64 gig ram and 1tb ssd and Mac Studio Display. I have almost everything stored on external drives, (iTunes 15tb; 90% video). Never more disappointed in Apple when they discontinued 27" iMac. Hopefully the 2017 iMac will last as long as the 2013.

Frank Scully

1 year ago

I have a MacBook Pro 2021 16 inch. I unitary felt bad about not being able to hook up to my 27 inch. However I found a workaround! On the older 27 inch I into finder and then network and select screen share and viola everything that plays on my 16 inch MacBook displays on the 27" screen

Gary Rosenzweig

1 year ago

Stephen: That isn't possible. Your best bet is to resell it or recycle it.

Gary Rosenzweig

1 year ago

Frank: The speeds you are getting there by screen sharing to it are going to be much much slower than using an actual display connected directly. Keep that in mind.

Frank

1 year ago

Gary I use it to watch movies or work on spreadsheets. I understand that if I was gaming it might be an issue

Gary Rosenzweig

1 year ago

Frank: Watching movies should be problematic over screen sharing. I doubt you are getting full 30fps that way. Why wouldn't you just watch the video on the iMac then? I mean not screen sharing from the new Mac, just use the old iMac to watch the video?

Mario Wyn-Jones

1 year ago

Definitely want a larger iMac to replace my late 2010 model. Smaller won't do - so the 24" isn't an option. Like your suggestion of the possibility of an all-in-one 30" iMac. Have to wait and see as Apple are so very secretive about future plans.

Father Nicodemos

1 year ago

Hi Gary,
I really like my 2017 27” iMac, and it’s still doing great. I hope it holds out until Apple comes out with another 27” or maybe 29-30 inch. In the mean time, thanks for the suggestion of using a Mac Mini with the new monitor. I’m in my 70s and really benefit from the big screen.

Bob Bond

1 year ago

I loved my 27" iMac, but decided to replace it with the most powerful MacBook Air I could configure and a 27" Studio Display. As I travel frequently, this strategy gives me a single computer that I can travel with plus a large screen display when I am home. I doubt if I would purchase a standalone new iMac 27"+.

Bill

1 year ago

Well done Gary. I am still using my 2009 27 inch and love it but how much longer can it last. I've been waiting and hoping for a 27 inch but dont want to wait much longer so unfortunately I may have to go with the 24. Your idea of the mac mini with a larger screen is tempting but would much rather have the all in one. Will try and wait a few more months for Apple to not disappoint me.

Ray

1 year ago

My reasons for buying the iMac 24" M1 were that my old iMac 27' 2013 could no longer be upgraded to the new OS (needed for TurboTax), and I like the minimalist form factor of the iMac. I waited a year to make the switch because of the smaller display (old man's eyes not being what they used to be). I think I made the right choice, opting for more memory, and more cores. I did purchase two adapters to connect to some old USB peripherals. Turns out my eyes are better than I thought the were.

Patrick

1 year ago

Thanks Gary, interesting video as always. Last year I had to replace my old 27” iMac as it was no longer upgradeable to the latest OS. As a new 27” wasn’t available I went for a refurbished 27” iMac manufactured in 2020 which seems to be in perfect condition and I’ll hang to it until it’s no longer compatible with OS upgrades or Apple produce a 29/30” iMac. Although I must admit I’m not very hopeful that Apple will do this or even start manufacturing the 27” again.

Michael

1 year ago

Gary, I have a 2017, 27" iMac that's working perfectly. I know eventually (maybe soon) I won't be able to upgrade to current OS. I use every sq. inch of screen so I'm not interested in going smaller. The Mac Mini/Studio Display is a reasonable option for me, esp. because long-term upgrade problems will be limited to the Mini replacement, not then entire iMac. Thanks for another very helpful video.

Gordo

1 year ago

I will be upgrading my 201727" iMac this fall because it can't run the next Mac OS. That's typically how I determine when to upgrade. If they don't come out with a larger iMac then I think they will at least update the CPU in the 24" iMac by then. I can add a second monitor and I won't miss the larger screen. I have reason to believe there will be another iMac option: look at the Apple Store and click Mac. Why does it still say "24" iMac" at the top if it's going to be the only iMac? Hmmm

Peter Meredith

1 year ago

I would like to see the 27in back or 36in plus screen with bigger storage 3plus TB. Be nice and I would buy one, Eyes is the problem and fitting more apps to one screen.

Gordo

1 year ago

And now Mark Gurman is suggesting that Apple is working on a new 30-inch iMac but it's "further out" so maybe a year or two away. Now I am really thinking that a dual monitor 24-inch iMac is the upgrade for me once they put an M2 or M3 chip in there.

Vernon Fragnito

1 year ago

I bought my 27-inch iMac in 2017 and will use it until it dies or Apple comes out with a 27-inch or larger replacement. I switched to Apple because I like the simplicity of design -- that's the main reason iMac users buy them (among other features), but I may be wrong. Apple makes boat-loads of money on iPhones, so they should "bite the bullet" and continue to also build products that fill their niche markets -- its not always about customer satisfaction, its also about customer loyalty!

Sue

1 year ago

I love my 27" 2012 iMac and I'm waiting for the next 27" or 28" or 29", etc. with the new M chip. Certainly not getting smaller screen size. Bigger screen size makes editing photos so much easier. Thanks for the great videos Gary. Please keep us updated on any bigger screen options.

Brett W

1 year ago

My current set up is 2020 M1 Mac mini, 27" Studio Display & 2023 iPad Pro 11") & plug the iPad Pro into the Studio Display, the Studio Display charges the iPad Pro & also extends the iPad Pro as my second display - & the iPad Pro resting in landscape mode directly below the Studio Display - all fits almost perfectly beneath the Studio Display & has freed me from my MacBook Pro. With Keyboard shortcuts & Focus modes I can intentionally decide appears where & when. I now have many more options.

Bill Dye

1 year ago

Gary, I have a 2015 27" iMac that will no longer run the current OS and I would like to upgrade in the next year or so. I love the 27" and a 30" would even be better. I have a question for you; how does the 2023 Mac Mini for $600 compare spec wise to my existing iMac with 24 GB memory? I have looked at the new 24" iMac and I am not interested in going to a smaller screen. As stated above, a bigger screen is just easier on the "older" eyes.
Thanks, Bill

Johnny Robish

1 year ago

I have been waiting for the larger iMac since day 1. I did sell my 27" Intel iMac and buy the 24"er just to drop Intel, but I really do need a larger screen, and other screen makers don't come even close to Apple's screens.

Jonathan

1 year ago

I gave up waiting on a 27" iMac. I finally bit the bullet and purchased the Studio Display with a studio Mac. I am very happy with my decision. I love the extra ports on the Studio (which more than compensates for the slightly extra desk space) and like the idea of being able to upgrade my computer at a future date independent of the display.

Diane

1 year ago

I have a 27" iMac and wouldn't want to go smaller. I like to create online photo books and the 27" screen allows me to work on a life-size version of an 8x11" open photo book. I can see exactly how big the pictures, titles and captions will be. I also like to compare documents side by side or have email, my calendar and a browser all visible.

Trixie

1 year ago

Good morning Gary, I have bought numerous Macs since the 1980s and different 27" iMacs since they first appeared! My latest iMac was bought in 2015 and runs OS Catalina 10.15.7 and I have been hesitant in upgrading to Ventura.
The iMac is in great condition and works very well, however, I've just bought a 2020, 27" which is loaded with OS Ventura 13.0. My query is do I have to update the 2015 iMac to Ventura before I can transfer everything to the new iMac?

Gary Rosenzweig

1 year ago

Trixie: Do you mean before you use Migration Assistant? No.

Trixie

1 year ago

Gary: I've just checked and the 2015 iMac can't be updated to Ventura! I don't want to update to Monterey, so I'm hoping Migration Assistant will transfer everything from Catalina to Ventura on new iMac. I realise it doesn't transfer the actual OS. Now it's a matter of finding old passwords...fortunately most are written down in a book.

Gene

1 year ago

I have a 27" display. My friend's company bought it to do CAD but they never executed so he GAVE it to me. 3 TB storage, 32 GB memory. It flies and I do like the big screen.

pamela

1 year ago

I have a late 2013 iMac running Catalina and I have been holding out for a new one. I guess I'll give in and get a mini plus a screen. Can you help me to compare the studio vs the LG screen? The LG is 5 years old now? and it's $1300 on the LG site and 1200 on amazon. The studio display is 1600 on apple.com.

On a related question - do you trust buying this kind of equipment on amazon? Are the warranties honored by LG?

Lastly, what upgrades to the mini or the screen do you recommend?

Gary Rosenzweig

1 year ago

Pamela: I don't have the LG 5K screen, so I can't do any more than you in comparing their specs online. I have no experience with LG warranties, but I don't see why LG wouldn't honor it because you bought it there.
Upgrades depend on what you need and can afford. Hard to recommend without knowing more, sorry.

pamela

1 year ago

Thanks Gary, I guess I don't know how to compare the specs very well - which ones are really the important ones? Do you think apple is better than LG in general?

In one of your older videos about using a mini and a screen you mentioned a few upgrades that you considered typical - in the memory and processor maybe?

Gary Rosenzweig

1 year ago

pamela: I would guess that the Apple Studio Display is better quality, camera, microphones, speakers. But I haven't tested the LG one so I can't really be sure about that.
I so so often hear from people that got too little storage space and regret it later. So storage is the most important. Hard to say if memory will be important for you since I don't know what apps you use and work you plan to do on it.

Pamela

1 year ago

Thank you Gary! In your 2022 video you suggested a $400 32 inch 4k display. Do you stil think that is a good option and if so which ones do you suggest?

Gary Rosenzweig

1 year ago

Pamela: If that fits your needs, then yes. Here's the one I am using: https://macmost.com/recommendations

pamela

1 year ago

OK, I am going to get a mini and some sort of display. Thank you for the recommendation of the LG one in your recommendations. Are there any specific things to look for in a display to know that it will be compatible with a mac? Any certain specs?

Gary Rosenzweig

1 year ago

pamela: Any screen should work. Get one with DisplayPort (not just HDMI) but that should be almost any one sold today. Also, I recommend a 4K screen, not a 1440 one. https://macmost.com/the-problem-with-using-1440-screens-with-a-mac.html

Comments Closed.

Will Apple Ever Make a 27-inch iMac Again?

Comments: 37 Responses to “Will Apple Ever Make a 27-inch iMac Again?”

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