Apple’s Intel-Based iMac Pro Anniversary: No Refresh Expected Due to Current Hardware Landscape

The era of Apple Silicon commenced with the launch of the M1 chip in 2020. While Apple has diligently refreshed its lineup of Macs since then, the purported return of the iMac Pro remains a topic of speculation. Given that the original Intel-based iMac Pro has not seen an update in seven years, expectations for a new release are dwindling.

Pricing Challenges for a New iMac Pro

Considering the competitive pricing Apple has achieved with its latest Mac models, a new iMac Pro featuring a custom chipset would present a significant challenge. The high-end workstation could easily be priced out of the market, making it less appealing compared to the more affordable options available.

The original iMac Pro introduced an impressive 27-inch 5K Retina Display and a sleek unibody aluminum design. Unlike other iMacs at the time, it utilized Intel’s workstation-class Xeon processors, offering configurations ranging from 8 to 18 cores. These features set it apart as a premium choice for professional users.

If Apple decides to launch an iMac Pro with the M4 Ultra chip, can it realistically maintain the current price point of $4,999? The answer leans towards no. Apple’s reputation for high prices has been challenged by the affordability of products like the M4 Mac mini. Priced at $579 on Amazon, this compact powerhouse with 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of storage provides exceptional value, appealing to a wider audience.

For those considering more storage, the 512GB variant is also reasonably priced at $744. In comparison, the PC market lacks competitors that can match the price-to-performance ratio of the M4 Mac mini, likely leading to robust sales performance. Apple has employed similar strategies with the M4 MacBook Pro, featuring 16GB of RAM and 512GB storage priced at $1,449 on Amazon. If the outdated iMac Pro were to compete against the new M4, it would likely struggle in various benchmarking tests.

Hypothetically, should an iMac Pro be revived with an M4 Ultra chip, the multitude of alternatives in the market might hinder its success. Additionally, with the M4 Pro and M4 Max already available for the latest MacBook Pro models, it leaves the M4 Ultra as the only likely candidate for a new iMac Pro. Currently, Apple has not indicated a plan to introduce this workstation-class chipset into the iMac Pro line, suggesting it may remain exclusive to the Mac Studio and Mac Pro refresh expected in mid-2025.

Nevertheless, there is speculation that Apple is developing a 32-inch ‘All-in-One’ computer that could feature similar hardware to the iMac Pro. Although reports suggest a 2025 launch, it is feasible that further delays may occur as Apple seeks to align product releases with its profitability goals.

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