Apple is working on a new version of the iMac with “iPad Pro design language” and thinner bezels similar to the bezels on the Pro Display XDR, which could come in early 2021. This iMac is also expected to have an Apple Silicon chip and an Apple-designed GPU. There are two versions in the works, and one will be 23 to 24 inches in size. According to Bloomberg, the redesigned iMac models will feature slimmed down bezels around the display and the metal chin will be removed. It is expected to look quite similar to the Pro Display XDR monitor that Apple released in 2019.
Instead of a curved rear design, the iMacs will feature a flat back, and prior rumors have described the new iMacs as using an “iPad Pro design language.” At least one of the new models that will replace the 21.5 and 27-inch models will measure in at 23 to 24 inches, but it’s not clear what size the second iMac will be.
Leaker Jon Prosser, who has a mixed track record when it comes to predicting Apple’s plans, has suggested that the 2021 iMac models will come in five colors that match the colors of the fourth-generation iPad Air (Silver, Space Gray, Green, Sky Blue, and Rose Gold).
The redesigned iMacs will adopt Apple silicon chips, and the revamped look will coincide with Apple’s move to shift away from Intel’s chips, giving the iMacs updated processors and a new design all at once.
Apple plans to equip the new iMacs with next-generation versions of the Apple silicon chips that will be faster and with more GPU power. Apple is testing Apple silicon chips with as many as 16 power cores and four efficiency cores, but higher-end desktop models could have as many as 32 high-performance cores. Apple is also working on improved GPU technology and is testing 16 and 32-core graphics components.
An iMac model with a 64-bit ARM chip, suspected to be an Apple silicon chip, has also been spotted in Xcode via a crash log, potentially indicating that prototype iMac models are in currently use.
Apple has developed underlying Mac support for Face ID, Apple’s facial recognition technology. Apple initially planned to include it in the iMac refresh coming in 2021, but according to Bloomberg, it has been delayed and is not likely to be included in the first iteration of the new iMac lineup.
