The Future of the iMac Pro: Discontinuation and What Lies Ahead
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Chapter 1: The End of an Era for the iMac Pro
Apple has decided to discontinue the iMac Pro, a move that many saw coming given the shift away from Intel processors. Currently, the all-in-one workstation is only available in a single setup: a 3.0GHz 10-core Intel Xeon W processor, paired with 32GB of memory and a 1TB SSD, but only "while supplies last". According to reports from Apple Insider, previous configurations included options for 14-core and 18-core processors, Vega 64 graphics, and up to 4TB of storage, alongside a memory capacity of up to 256GB.
While third-party retailers may still hold some inventory of these configurations, the limited availability on Apple's official site strongly indicates an impending discontinuation. The future of the iMac Pro line remains uncertain, with speculation about whether it may merge into the standard iMac lineup in upcoming updates.
Description: In this video, the creator discusses their recent purchase of an iMac Pro in 2024, detailing its performance and features.
The decline of the iMac Pro can be attributed to the broader transition to Apple silicon. As noted by various sources, Apple had grown increasingly dissatisfied with Intel. Issues like processor shortages and the lack of standardized designs were exacerbated by the poor performance of Skylake CPUs. Liam Tung from ZDNet highlighted the significant quality control issues Apple faced with Skylake, which ultimately led to a decision to switch away from Intel.
Chapter 2: The Shift to Apple Silicon
As Steve Jobs highlighted during the 2005 WWDC, power efficiency played a crucial role in Apple's choice to transition to Intel processors. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically, and Intel processors no longer dominate in efficiency. The comparative power consumption and thermal output of Intel-based Macs demonstrate this change starkly:
- Mac mini (2018): 122W, 417 BTU/h
- iMac (27-inch, 2020): 295W, 1007 BTU/h
- iMac Pro (2017): 370W, 1262 BTU/h
- Mac Pro (2019): 902W, 3076 BTU/h
- M1 Mac mini (2020): 39W, 133 BTU/h
With the launch of the iMac Pro in 2017, Apple aimed to provide "Workstation-Class Performance in an iMac Design." This model was built to support demanding workflows with its advanced thermal architecture, improving cooling capacity significantly. The transition to Apple silicon has changed the thermal requirements, making it unnecessary to offer two similar all-in-one models.
Description: This video covers the anticipated release date for the 32-inch iMac Pro, detailing all the leaks and information available so far.
The Philosophy of Design: Less But Better
The concept of "Less But Better," popularized by Dieter Rams and embraced by Apple, reflects a shift in product design philosophy. Before the introduction of M1 Macs, Apple offered an overwhelming twenty-five different Intel CPU configurations. However, the three Macs sharing the same M1 design hinted at a streamlined future lineup.
Speculation abounds regarding new models, including a potential ultra-portable MacBook and a larger Mac mini, potentially designated as the Mac midi. The revised lineup could look like this:
- M (low-performance): MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini, MacBook
- MR (medium-performance): 14/16-inch MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac midi
- MS (high-performance): Mac midi, Mac Pro
This restructuring aims to clarify the Mac offerings, ensuring that each model meets specific performance needs without overwhelming consumers with choices.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
These predictions about the Apple silicon lineup are based on current industry rumors, with no insider information. Nevertheless, the discontinuation of the iMac Pro suggests that a new wave of M-Series Macs might be on the horizon, especially with a potential upcoming Apple event.
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