The iMac celebrates its 25th anniversary today, marking a significant milestone since Steve Jobs unveiled this groundbreaking computer that helped bring Apple back from the brink of bankruptcy in the late 1990s. The iMac, with its colorful and translucent design, revolutionized the way computers looked in an era dominated by dull, boxy machines. As we look back on its history, anticipation grows for the launch of the next iMac model that could once again reshape our perception of desktop computers.
iMac G3: A game changer
The original iMac introduced several industry firsts, such as USB and FireWire, and phased out the floppy drive and other outdated ports. Equipped with a 15-inch display, a PowerPC G3 processor, a 4GB hard drive, 32MB of RAM, a CD drive, two USB ports, and an Ethernet port, the iMac G3 was a true trailblazer.
Over the past 25 years, the iMac has undergone multiple design changes, evolving from the iconic G3 to the current sleek, aluminum-encased version. Interestingly, the present-day 24-inch iMac features a colorful design reminiscent of the original model.
Predictions for the next iMac launch
Apple unveiled the 24-inch iMac with the M1 chip in April 2021, offering an ultra-thin design in seven different colors. This is currently the only new iMac available, as the Intel-based 27-inch iMac and iMac Pro models have been discontinued.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, we can expect the next iMac to launch in late 2023 at the earliest. In February, Gurman stated that Apple has no plans to update the iMac with the M2 chip, opting to wait for the yet-to-be-announced M3 chip instead. The M3 chip is anticipated to utilize TSMC’s 3nm process, resulting in significant performance and power efficiency enhancements.
However, TSMC has reportedly faced yield issues with its 3nm chip manufacturing, leading Gurman to suggest that the new iMac may not launch until 2024. In any case, it seems we’ll have to wait a few more months before the next iMac makes its debut.
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