If the rumours and leaks are true, we may see the debut of a redesigned iMac from Apple in just over a week at WWDC.

These details comes from Apple registering a new Mac model in the EEC database, as well as insider information. The above image is a mock-up by MacRumors. None of this is confirmed by Apple.

We regularly see Apple update the iMac lineup with fast processors, more powerful graphics and RAM. With the most recent update coming March last year. In terms of outwards design however, it’s been a while.

In 2009, Apple released the 21.5-inch and 27-inch 3rd generation Unibody iMac. In 2012, Apple cut down some of the thickness of the rear with the 4th generation Slim Unibody iMac. In 2014 the 5th Retina iMac was unveilied, with 5K and 4K displays. Since 2009, the front face of the iMac has remained untouched for over ten years.

In just over a week at WWDC 2020, we may see a redesigned iMac, using the “iPad Pro design language” and slimmer bezels and chin as on the Pro Display XDR.

  • iPad Pro
    iPad Pro
  • Pro Display XDR
    Pro Display XDR

Rumours point towards both the 21.5-inch and 27-inch models being updated. The 27-inch display is expected to remain untouched, with the footprint shrunken down significantly due to the smaller bezels. The footprint of the 21.5-inch iMac is expected to remain the same, while the display itself increases to cover 23-inches. Don’t expect any of the super high end tech from the XDR display to appear in the new iMac, as this screen starts at $4,999.

What we can expect inside the new iMac is:

  • T2 chip for security
  • AMD Navi GPU
  • All flash storage – no Fusion Drive options
  • 10th-generation “Comet Lake” Intel Core i9 processor (top end 27-inch)
  • 3.7GHz, 10-core, 10900k (top end 27-inch)
  • Redesigned cooling system with dual fans

Not long to wait now with WWDC 2020 streaming online June 22nd. We can expect the 27-inch to start shipping in July and the 23-inch coming in the second half of 2020.

As with current generation iMacs, the new iMacs will be a fantastic option for creatives, such as music production. A powerful system, combined with plenty of screen real-estate, is perfect for busy DAW files. You get a lot more bang for your buck with desktop computers such as the iMac, over MacBooks, so long as you don’t need the portability.

If you’re on a tighter budget, I recommend the Mac Mini. It hasn’t been updated since 2018, other than a storage refresh, so hold off for a proper update, which is a possibility at WWDC 2020.

If you need portability, checkout the new 13-inch MacBook Pros.

All of this raises questions about the iMac Pro which was last updated in 2017, but is still on sale for the same price. This is massively over-priced today and no one should buy it. Will we see an updated design for this computer too with a 32-inch display?

We reported earlier this year that we likely won’t see Apple implement their own ARM processors in any computer until later this year or 2021. While this still remains true, new reports claim Apple are expected to discuss their plans for Intel’s chips being phased out and ARM taking over at WWDC 2020. This will give developers a head start on the later shift. The implementation of these chips into Macs will not happen over night. We’ll see a gradual roll out over the course of around two years, starting with lower end MacBooks. Once again, this tech will not make its way into any products before October.