Keeping with the promise of releasing new Intel-based Macs even with the imminent switch to Apple silicon, Apple has refreshed the 27″ iMac. It now features much more powerful hardware compared to the last generation, and even gets the options for a nano-texture coating on the display — first seen on the Pro Display XDR.
We get new 10th gen Intel Core processors, in both 8 and 10 core variants, but the new GPU options take the spotlight. You can now configure it with a variety of AMD Navi-based options — the Radeon Pro 5500 XT 8GB, Pro 5700 8GB, and Pro 5700 XT 16GB. The RAM can be configured from 8GB to 128GB of 2666Mhz DDR4, and storage goes from 512GB to 8TB SSDs. We also have an option to select 10 Gigabit ethernet now, for an additional $100.
Pricing starts at $2,299 for the base model and can reach up to $8,799 for the highest specification (without additional accessories or software). At current prices, the refreshed iMac 27″ makes the iMac Pro look less enticing, especially since it has better performing GPUs and more storage. Apple could refresh the iMac Pro with better GPU options and more storage, only time will tell.
Overall, the iMac feels very “pro” now considering the specifications we get. While I would’ve liked that bezel-less Pro Display XDR-like design refresh everyone’s been hyping on, that seems to be saved for the new Apple Silicon. Also, the days of Macs having low gaming potential due to less powerful graphics cards now seem to be over.
Last modified: August 4, 2020
