Apple could reveal a redesigned iMac inspired by iPad Pro at WWDC 2020, according to one tipster. The new all-in-one is expected to feature significantly slimmer bezels like Pro Display XDR, plus AMD Navi graphics.
It has been almost eight years since the iMac got its last redesign, and despite still being a pretty machine, it is starting to look a little long in the tooth today. It’s understandable that many Apple fans want something new.
Recent rumors have hinted at a significant iMac refresh — complete with a new design — will come this year. Now tipster Sonny Dickson, who has been accurate in the past, has some new tidbits to share.
2020 iMac redesign to bring slimmer bezels
Dickson says the new iMac will use “iPad Pro design language, with Pro Display like bezels.” He doesn’t go into detail, but this suggests a return to sharper edges, a thinner form factor, and an almost edge-to-edge screen.
In addition, the machine will reportedly feature AMD Navi graphics — based on AMD’s newest architecture — and an Apple T2 Security Chip. Both of which seem like plausible upgrades for a brand-new Apple desktop.
There will be “no more Fusion Drive,” Dickson says, which suggests Apple will finally go all-in on solid-state storage. The company has been criticized for still shipping $1,099+ computers with mechanical hard drives.
The new iMac is expected to debut at WWDC 2020, which kicks off on June 22.
New iMac incoming at WWDC. iPad Pro design language, with Pro Display like bezels. T2 chip, AMD Navi GPU, and no more fusion drive
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) June 9, 2020
What about ARM chips?
Earlier on Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that Apple could announce the Mac’s transition to custom ARM chips at WWDC this year. So, what does this mean if Dickson’s claims about a new iMac are accurate?
Well, unless the new iMac is being unveiled well in advance of shipping, it will continue to use Intel processors. The first ARM-powered Mac isn’t expected to arrive until 2021, with developers needing time to adjust for it.
Apple could preview the machine but not ship it until next year — and that wouldn’t be a huge surprise. It may not make sense to ship an all-new iMac with Intel chips that will be replaced by something entirely new next year.
That’s if Apple plans to make custom chips for desktop Macs. Some rumors have suggested its ARM CPUs will be reserved for notebooks initially — they are perfectly suited to mobile devices — while machines like the iMac, iMac Pro, and Mac Pro could stick with Intel for the foreseeable future.
Wait for WWDC
This is all speculation for now, of course, and it assumes that Dickson’s claims are correct. It should be noted that although he has been reliable in the past, his track record has been somewhat mixed.
We are expected a redesigned iMac — and we’re hoping we won’t have to wait too long for it. AMD Navi graphics, a T2 chip, and no more Fusion Drives seems sensible, but it’s hard to predict what the device will look like.
We’ll wait to see what Apple delivers at WWDC before getting our hopes up too much, then.
