Want a new iMac 27? You might have to wait until 2022

iMac 27 on a desk with the default wallpaper and desktop
(Image credit: Future)

While the iMac 24 came out earlier this year, we've still been waiting for a new 27-inch model (or larger). And, it looks like that wait will continue - perhaps all the way until 2022. 

The leak making the rounds today, spotted by Gizmodo, comes from @dylandkt on Twitter and claims that the new "high-end" iMacs won't arrive any sooner than next year. On top of that, according to a rumor from Mark Gurman (via Notebook Check), the MacBook Pro 16-inch and 14-inch have also been delayed to the end of 2021, thanks to a shortage of Mini-LED panels. 

That delay reportedly pushes back the launch of the M1X-powered iMac 27 until 2022 as Apple doesn't want its launches to compete with each other too much, at least according to @dylandkt. So, we could see the iMac ship next year to give Apple's MacBook Pro lineup more room to breathe. 

Still, this is all rumors and leaks, so you should take it all with a grain of salt. We won't know when Apple is going to actually launch its next MacBook until it actually does. 

Analysis: how much longer until a real desktop from Apple?

While we loved the iMac 24 that launched earlier in 2021, it is still packed with an M1 processor – the same chip found in the MacBook Air. This is generally fine because the iMac 24 is meant for more casual, everyday PC users, but people that need a heavyweight desktop-class computer have been left wanting. 

The latest iMac 27 is still rocking an Intel 10th-generation Comet Lake processor. That's not old by any stretch of the imagination, but it's still more than a year old at this point. We're sure that there are a lot of creative professionals that would love an updated 27-inch iMac with a more powerful version of the M1. 

Because Apple has proven what it can do in an ultra-portable form factor with the Apple M1. When we tested the M1 in both the MacBook Pro and Mac mini against other processors in its class, Apple's silicon pulls ahead, especially compared to offerings from Intel. 

We've started to hear more rumors that something like that is coming. We even heard that the MacBook Pro 16 could have a 32-core version of the M1X, which would definitely be worthy of including in a workstation-class iMac. 

That might be a bit more than we can actually hope for though. Gizmodo also spotted some leaked benchmarks, that show a pre-sample version of the Apple M1X with 12 cores and a frequency of 3.35GHz. That's not quite as exciting as a 32-core chip, but that's still plenty of horsepower to work through something like video editing. However, this chip only has a TDP (Thermal Design Point) up to 45W, which suggests a more powerful processor that can keep up with a 95W Intel desktop chip might be needed for a high-end MacBook. 

Still, we don't know anything for certain until Apple finally lifts the veil from its next iMac. But we can't wait to see what's waiting inside when it finally arrives. 

TOPICS
Jackie Thomas

Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN. Previously, she was TechRadar's US computing editor. She is fat, queer and extremely online. Computers are the devil, but she just happens to be a satanist. If you need to know anything about computing components, PC gaming or the best laptop on the market, don't be afraid to drop her a line on Twitter or through email.

Read more
Person playing a game on new MacBook Air
What to expect from Apple Macs in 2025
A person holding the 15-inch MacBook Air at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2023.
Apple MacBook Air M4 announcement due any day now, according to industry insider
A person using the M4 MacBook Pro.
Apple Mac in 2024: year in review
Sergii Figurnyi
Apple's M5 chip is rumored to be in mass production - but we're still waiting for M4 MacBook Airs
smiling person freelancer outdoors working on laptop computer MacBook by Apple with smartwatch Apple Watch, iPhone smiling, show thumb up, like gesture.
Apple fans, get ready for another MacBook refresh - M4 MacBook Air reportedly set to launch this year, amid M5 chip rumors
A person holding the 15-inch MacBook Air at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2023.
Don’t buy a MacBook Air – a new M4 version is tipped to land within weeks
Latest in Macs
A mockup of the possible Apple M3 Ultra logo
Performance isn't the only reason you should buy Apple's M3 Ultra Mac Studio - it's reportedly one of the most power-efficient processors too
Mac Studio on a desk
Apple Mac Studio (M3 Ultra): the ultimate creative workstation
Mac Studio from above.
New benchmark suggests Apple's M3 Ultra may not be much faster than the M4 Max - only a minor uplift in multi-core performance
Apple Mac Mini on wood desk
Forget President’s Day sales, Apple is selling an M2 Mac mini refurb for just over $300 which could be the PC bargain of the year
Sergii Figurnyi
Apple's M5 chip is rumored to be in mass production - but we're still waiting for M4 MacBook Airs
A hand holding up the new Mac mini M4
Apple's M4 Mac mini might be one of the best Macs ever, but it has a serious issue that needs fixing right now
Latest in News
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough
Brad Pitt looks over his right shoulder with 'F1' written behind him
Apple Original Films will take you behind-the-scenes of a racing cockpit in this new thrilling F1 movie trailer
AI writer
Coding AI tells developer to write it himself
Reacher looking down at another character from the Prime Video TV series Reacher
Reacher season 3 becomes Prime Video’s biggest returning show thanks to Hollywood’s biggest heavyweight
Finger Presses Orange Button Domain Name Registration on Black Keyboard Background. Closeup View
I visited the world’s first registered .com domain – and you won’t believe what it’s offering today
Image showing detail of the Leica D-Lux 8
Still can't get a Fujifilm X100VI? This premium Leica compact costs less, and it's in stock