27-inch iMac with ProMotion, mini-LED and Apple chips predicted to arrive by Spring 2022

Apple is predicted to release a new 27-inch iMac model featuring a backlighting module based on mini-LED technology and dynamic refresh rates up to 120Hz, among other things.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • An analyst says a new iMac model will arrive in the first quarter of 2022
  • It’s said to rock a 27-inch LCD panel powered by mini-LED backlighting
  • The screen should support dynamic refresh rates between 24Hz and 120Hz

A slide from Apple's April 2021 event showing the colorful iMac models

iMac gaining ProMotion,  mini-LED and other perks

This comes via Ross Young, the CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants. Writing on his Twitter, Young initially said Apple was working on a new 27-inch monitor but later issued a correction stating the display he was talking about was meant for an iMac refresh.

He shared additional tidbits with MacRumors:

Young told MacRumors that the 27-inch display for the iMac will feature mini-LED backlighting, which likely means that it will have XDR branding. Young tweeted that Apple is currently planning to release the new iMac in the first quarter of 2022.

But will it have a notch?

Young added that the 27-inch iMac display will feature ProMotion, allowing for an adaptive refresh rate between 24Hz and 120Hz. At the time this story was published, Young did not say what the display’s resolution would be, but the current 27-inch iMac has 5K resolution.

“May see a monitor later,” Young added.

Be that as it may, we’re looking forward to seeing Apple’s very first iMac with mini-LED and ProMotion in action. As big fans of the iMac form factor that we are, especially that massive 27-inch screen, we can’t wait to get our hands on one of those systems when they arrive.

Is anyone corroborating this?

Leaker “Dylandkt” provided some context, saying Apple didn’t want to launch the machine alongside the overhauled MacBook Pro models because the company “simply does not want their devices to compete for attention and delays in product releases have led to this timetable.” It’s unclear if the leaker heard this from a source or is simply making an informed guess. Read: New to the Mac? Here’s how to use the built-in Help system

Mark Gurman, a reliable Apple reporter with Bloomberg, confirmed with his sources that the upcoming iMac refresh will nix Intel chips for Apple’s own ones.

Gurman, writing in his PowerOn newsletter in July 2021:

I absolutely still believe that a larger, redesigned iMac to replace the Intel 27-inch models is en route. Apple increasing the screen size of the smaller model from 21.5 inches to 24 inches seems to indicate that the 27-inch model could see a size increase as well. I don’t think, however, that Apple will launch the larger model with the same M1 chip that’s in the smaller model. It likely will be an M1X, the beefier version of the current M1, or an M2X.

We’re not sure about chip naming, but the rest does sound logical.

Why 27-inch iMac is still Intel-based

As more than half a dozen Mac models have transitioned away from Intel chips, adopting Apple silicon, the transition isn’t yet complete. For example, the powerful Mac Pro desktop is yet to receive an Apple silicon treatment and that goes for the 27-inch iMac.

After unveiling the 24-inch iMac powered by its M1 chip, Apple skipped refreshing its 27-inch counterpart. It almost felt, and rightfully so, as if the 27-inch iMac needed a more powerful version of the M1 to justify nixing the Intel-based version. Indeed, the all-in-one comes equipped with a dedicated graphics card and runs high-end Intel chips.

Curiously, Apple wouldn’t update the 27-inch iMac when unveiling the redesigned MacBook Pro line powered by the new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. It could be due to component shortages and the need to reliably manufacture 27-inch mini-LED backlighting modules.

Or perhaps Apple is working on even more powerful chips to power the 27-inch iMac.

And remember, if you will, that Apple used to sell the high-end iMac Pro model that got discontinued after the 24-inch iMac with M1 was released. So if the primary goal of an Apple silicon version of the 27-inch iMac is serving as a powerful replacement for the iMac Pro, then we’re willing to wait a bit more until this dream desktop computer is ready for prime time.