Rumor: Apple to release new iMacs with Core i5, i7 CPUs in June or July
Apple's all-in-one desktop, the iMac, will receive an update with Intel's next-generation Ivy Bridge CPUs in the June or July timeframe, according to a new rumor.
The updated iMacs will be powered by Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors, How To Arena reported on Wednesday, citing a "reliable tipster" from the Chinese supply chain. The new desktops will reportedly be powered by Intel's 22-nanometer Ivy Bridge processors.
If the timeframe is accurate, the new iMacs are expected to follow updated MacBook Pros to market. Reports have suggested that Apple plans to first update its 15-inch MacBook Pro with Ivy Bridge CPUs, followed by a refresh of the 13-inch model. Both are expected to launch in the coming months, and the 15-inch model could debut as soon as this month.
The latest rumor comes on the heels of a separate report which claimed that Apple's 2012 iMacs will feature anti-reflective glass displays from G-Tech, marking a first for the company. Previously, Apple only offered anti-reflective solutions as build-to-order options on its MacBook family of notebooks.
The new iMacs were also said to be noticeably slimmer than their predecessors, suggesting that the all-in-one desktop is poised for a hardware redesign. The iMac was last redesigned in October of 2009 when Apple launched new models with 21.5- and 27-inch LED-backlit displays.
The iMac lineup was last updated in May of 2011, when Apple added high-definition FaceTime cameras as well as high-speed Thunderbolt ports. The current iMacs are powered by Intel's Sandy Bridge processors and AMD Radeon HD graphics.
The June-July timeframe for new iMacs is plausible, as Intel is expected to launch its new Ivy Bridge line of processors at the end of this month. The new chips are also expected to find their way to Apple's redesigned lineup of MacBook Pro notebooks.
[ View article on AppleInsider ]
Comments
Mountain lion.
does the iMac use a mobile or desktop CPU?
At one time they used mobile CPUs, but they're now using desktop CPUs. Look at the clock speed - the iMac goes up to 3.4 GHz i7 - and that's not available in mobile CPUs.
does the iMac use a mobile or desktop CPU?
Desktop CPUs, but laptop GPUs. I was not happy that I found the latter out AFTER I bought my iMac.
does the iMac use a mobile or desktop CPU?
As another poster stated, the CPU of the current iMac product line is considered a desktop CPU by virtue of the power necessary for the CPU (205W (21.5-inch models); 310W (27-inch models)) and the thermal regulation requirements.
I most interested in the GPU Apple might use for a newer iMac. The performance gains of some of the latest GPUs is substantial. I presume that Apple would consider the Radeon HD 6970M Crossfire dual-GPU which is extremely powerful for a mobile GPU although I have little basis for this assumption. I can only guess which GPU Apple might use but another mobile GPU seems likely due to concerns about thermal dissipation. A single GPU Radeon HD 6970M or Radeon 6990M seem likely possibilities as well.
Would Probably make sense to launch them alongside
Mountain lion.
I don't see them at any time other than before Mountain Lion.
Which gives us a nice cap on the release date of the iMacs: September 20.
I most interested in the GPU Apple might use for a newer iMac.
Radeon 7570 on the low end, 7850 mid-range, downclocked 7970 on the high end.
Outside of that- no real feature excites me as I don't do heavy graphical work.
I don't see them at any time other than before Mountain Lion.
Which gives us a nice cap on the release date of the iMacs: September 20.
It will be interesting to see what they release with Mountain Lion. Being the Air was the only one to be launched with Lion, I could easily see that happening again- and see an iMac refresh in the next month or 2. Although if I were betting- I'll bet the mini-refresh from the macbook pro last fall/winter time might allow them to push that out to the late summer release of Mountain Lion.
My prediction is:
iMac and MacBook Air simultaneous release in May/June
Redesigned MacBook Pro in late summer w/ Mountain Lion
If the iMac is redesigned- I could see that being pushed back w/ the Pro. Whatever is redesigned- the iMac or MBP- will most likely be the Mountain Lion simultaneous release.
I want a radically redesigned iMac.
Like a Guy Fawkes limited edition chassis?
I want a radically redesigned iMac.
Agreed - the metalic/glass/black and gray look was passe even before Apple released it.
Not that it's not unattractive it's just not that unusual.
The iMacs always used to have groundbreaking design- bring it back.
Radeon 7570 on the low end, 7850 mid-range, downclocked 7970 on the high end.
Interesting. So, you believe the sixth generation vapor chamber design and improved blower fan will meet Apple's requirements? I assumed the thermal management profile would be insufficient.
My mobileme mail stopped working on my iMac ever since I took my iPhone and iPad up into the cloud.
You should be able to access your migrated MobileMe/iCloud mail account from you 2006 iMac via either the iCloud web interface or the Mac Mail client configured for iCloud (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4864).
Would Probably make sense to launch them alongside
Mountain lion.
There is certainly an argument for why that's logical, but we know from the past Apple releases new HW at different rates than their OS. We've also seen them offer free major OS updates for free if you buy your Mac within a certain time frame to help avoid a drop in sales before the release and to keep unsuspecting buyers from having remorse.
With Mac App Store the ability to download and update a new OS is much simpler than the days of the optical disc installer. Part of that is from the lack of fumbling with physical media but another part of that is due to the way the installer has been streamed lined.
Agreed - the metalic/glass/black and gray look was passe even before Apple released it.
Not that it's not unattractive it's just not that unusual.
The iMacs always used to have groundbreaking design- bring it back.
Well I think the only thing left to do aesthetic and design-wise, is to make the entire front edge-to-edge viewable desktop. Meaning: skip "the chin" and drop the black bezel. Put the camera behind the viewable glass, which I think Apple owns a patent on(?) The stand can stay the same.
Jony Ives is always saying it's more important what they decide to drop out, and that's about the only things left. The iMac, as well as the MBP's, Airs... well, all of Apple's products... are as minimalist as is technologically possible at the moment.
They sure are NOT going to be adding neon tubes or LED strips around the sides any time soon.
So what exactly are you guys envisioning here as "radical"?
And Thunderbolt isn't a solution yet. Very few devices out there and they're vastly overpriced.