Sources: Apple has no plans to release a larger-screen iMac in the near future and is working on a new 24-inch iMac without high-end processors for 2023

With the introduction of the new Mac Studio and Studio Display, Apple quietly discontinued the 27-inch iMac - which was still sold with an Intel processor.

9to5Mac 2022-03-12 Filipe Espósito

Context & Ripple Effects

Apple had already ended the iMac Pro, while positioning the then-current 27-inch iMac as the choice for most professional iMac users. The Mac Studio and Studio Display introduction changes that desktop lineup: the larger all-in-one is gone rather than refreshed.

Subsequent coverage makes the direction explicit: Apple does not plan an Apple-silicon 27-inch iMac and instead steers larger-screen desktop buyers toward a separate computer-and-display setup. Meanwhile, a 24-inch iMac in engineering validation supports the narrower consumer all-in-one role described here.

First-order effects

Buyers seeking a larger iMac lose the 27-inch Intel model and must choose Apple’s Mac Studio or Mac mini paired with a separate display instead.
Apple’s planned 24-inch refresh keeps the iMac line out of high-end processors, separating it from the Mac Studio at the product-design level.

Second-order effects

Mac Studio and Studio Display become Apple’s direct replacement path for customers who previously bought a large all-in-one, tying the desktop purchase to two products rather than one.
The 24-inch iMac’s unchanged consumer-focused position leaves Apple’s higher-performance desktop positioning to modular Macs, rather than a premium iMac refresh.

Third-order effects

If Apple maintains this lineup, its desktop range shifts from one scalable iMac family to a bifurcated model: a mainstream all-in-one and separate pro-oriented computer/display combinations.
The later decision against a 27-inch Apple-silicon iMac suggests the split is a durable product-segmentation choice rather than a short transition from Intel.

The trend: Apple is separating mainstream all-in-one desktops from higher-end modular desktop systems, with the 24-inch iMac serving the former and Mac Studio plus displays serving the latter.

Discussion

@reneritchie Rene Ritchie on x
🍎 We're deleting displays! 🧑‍💻 Booo! 🍎 Ok, here's 6K for $6K! 🧑‍💻 But, but... consumer! 🍎 Fine! 5K for $2K! 🧑‍💻 Yay-ish! 🍎 And Mac Studio! 🧑‍💻 Awesome! 🍎 (But we're deleting the big iMac!) 🧑‍💻 MOTHER—!
@sdw Sebastiaan de With on x
@reneritchie Totally guessing that's what we'll get - hopefully in 32" though, I can't go back from my XDR. Still very happy with mine!
@sdw Sebastiaan de With on x
@reneritchie Wait til you forward to “boo, we want 120hz” “here's 120hz” “why does 120hz cost more money!”
@reneritchie Rene Ritchie on x
@sdw I think the XDR2 was rumored at 7K res and maybe 36-inches Seriously escalation!
@vadimyuryev Vadim Yuryev on x
Mark Gurman on his Twitter Spaces version of PowerOn: New Macs will be announced between May-July, including a new M2 MacBook Pro 13", and possibly an M2 iMac or maybe an M2 Mac mini. I feel like WWDC is the perfect event for this.
@leaksapplepro @leaksapplepro on x
Here is the exclusive! M3 details+Mac roadmap. Told you we were a couple steps ahead. 😉 https://www.idropnews.com/...
@stuntpants @stuntpants on x
@reneritchie Since the m1 mini I've been saying the combination of 5k monitor + mini is better than an iMac. The new studio products only convince me more.
@reneritchie Rene Ritchie on x
@sdw Would legit pay an XDR amount of monies for Mini-LED ProMotion Can't go back to SDR after MacBook Pro and iPad Pro in Sidecar!
@dsccross Ross Young on x
@SheWantsTheRye @VadimYuryev Yes. Our contacts weren't aware of the separation of the iMac into Mac Studio + Studio Display, especially since there is a processor and camera in the Studio Display...
@mingchikuo @mingchikuo on x
Predictions for new MacBook Air in 2022: 1. Mass production in late 2Q22 or 3Q22 2. Processor: M1 chip 3. No mini-LED display 4. All-new form factor design 5. More color options
@saranbyte Saran on x
Looks like Apple has considered rebranding the 13-inch M2 MBP as the base MacBook - considering this isn't getting a redesign and the M2 Air will ultimately be a superior product, I think this would make a lot of sense https://9to5mac.com/... https://twitter.com/...
@maxwinebach Max Weinbach on x
That would allow for Android apps to run on Windows running on a VM on a Mac.

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