Today marks seven years since the launch of Apple's Intel-based iMac Pro. With the rise of Apple Silicon, and no new version in sight, a refresh of this workstation is looking increasingly improbable.
The iMac Pro's Legacy
The iMac Pro was a departure from previous models, featuring a stunning 27-inch 5K Retina display and a premium unibody aluminum chassis. It was powered by workstation-class Intel Xeon processors, with options for AMD Vega graphics, ECC RAM, and other high-end configurations, starting at $4,999.
The Apple Silicon Shift
The introduction of Apple Silicon in 2020, starting with the M1, has led to the development of high-performance, affordable Macs. With the M4 Mac mini starting at $579, and the M4 MacBook Pro available for $1,449 (both with 16GB RAM and 256GB/512GB storage), the idea of a similarly priced iMac Pro seems illogical.
An Apple Silicon-powered iMac Pro, potentially with an M4 Ultra chip, would likely be too expensive to be competitive. Apple has shifted to offering powerful hardware at more accessible price points, as seen with the success of the M4 Mac mini and MacBook Pro.
The Future of the iMac Pro
While an updated iMac Pro may not be viable, Apple is rumored to be working on a 32-inch 'All-in-One' computer with similar internal components. However, the launch of this device might be delayed until it aligns with Apple's profitability goals. The M4 Ultra chipset is currently expected to feature in the Mac Studio and Mac Pro refreshes in mid-2025.
