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?
Comments: 37 Responses to “Will Apple Ever Make a 27-inch iMac Again?”
Chris in CT
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
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
10 months ago
Gary I use it to watch movies or work on spreadsheets. I understand that if I was gaming it might be an issue
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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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?
Trixie: Do you mean before you use Migration Assistant? No.
Trixie
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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?
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
10 months 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?
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
10 months 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?
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?
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.
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
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.
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
Stephen: That isn't possible. Your best bet is to resell it or recycle it.
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.
Gary I use it to watch movies or work on spreadsheets. I understand that if I was gaming it might be an issue
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?
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.
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.
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"+.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
Trixie: Do you mean before you use Migration Assistant? No.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?
Pamela: If that fits your needs, then yes. Here's the one I am using: https://macmost.com/recommendations
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?
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