A larger iMac powered by Apple Silicon is “en route” and could feature an even faster “M2X” chip, according to reliable reporter Mark Gurman.
The next-generation all-in-one is expected to replace the 27-inch iMac with an even larger screen — perhaps around 30 inches — and could well be Apple’s fastest desktop to date.
Apple Silicon has already graced the iMac lineup, but for now it’s available only inside the new 24-inch model, launched back in April with an ultra-slim design, better speakers, and Touch ID.
The device has been well received by users and reviewers, but fans of larger screens have been waiting for Apple to introduce a bigger, beefier alternative. Gurman says that machine is now “en route.”
Bigger iMac with ‘beefier’ chip on the way
“I absolutely still believe that a larger, redesigned iMac to replace the Intel 27-inch models is en route,” Gurman wrote in the latest edition of his Power On newsletter.
“Apple increasing the screen size of the smaller model from 21.5 inches to 24 inches seems to indicate that the 27-inch model could see a size increase as well. I don’t think, however, that Apple will launch the larger model with the same M1 chip that’s in the smaller model.”
Gurman said the larger iMac is “likely” to feature “an M1X, the beefier version of the current M1, or an M2X.” Like the 24-inch version, it could also feature a slimmer design and other big improvements.
Gurman doesn’t go into detail on the potential chip upgrade, and he hasn’t offered a possible release date for the new iMac just yet. It’s not clear if Apple could be planning to launch the device this year or in 2022.
What next for Apple Silicon
A May rumor surrounding the M1X chip claimed it could feature 10 processing cores and up to 32 cores for graphics. The existing version of the M1 features eight CPU cores and up to eight for graphics.
These improvements could make the larger iMac one of Apple’s most powerful machines to date. The machine should easily outperform the current 27-inch iMac, last refreshed in August 2020.
