iMac Refresh 2011: Update Rumor – Not Just New MacBook Pros

February 22, 2011 29 Comments

Here at OSM we’ve been bringing you a lot of news over the past few days about the refreshed MacBook Pro line for 2011. We told of rumors about a possible release this week and about new Light Peak technology. Today we published further news about some rumored new features and then a speculated release date of February 24, to tie in with the birthday of Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder and CEO who is currently on medical leave.

There’s been a lot of excitement about the new MacBook Pros but until now things have been very quiet regarding a new iMac or iMac line. However we have now heard some news about a possible new iMac from Sam Oliver of Apple Insider who reports on news from DigiTimes. Supply chain sources for DigiTimes have said that a new iMac desktop could be released along with the new MacBook Pros. The sources also claim that the updated iMac could have new screen sizes.

DigiTimes had previously reported (December 2010) a new iMac coming in the first half of 2011, and at that time told of a new panel size and also a new price point. The last refresh for the Apple iMac range was last July with current prices from $1,199. Eric Slivka over on MacRumors also talks of the DigiTimes report but notes that although a refresh for the iMac could certainly be expected, there have not been longer shipping dates given for current iMacs as there have been for MacBook Pros recently.

If you’re waiting for a new iMac though this appears to be good news as it does seem likely that a new iMac line will be announced shortly. We shall of course keep you up-to-date with developments as we hear them. Are you waiting for a new iMac? Let us know your thoughts on this.

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  • Scott

    Yes I am waiting for the new iMac!!!

  • Martin

    Waiting iMac refresh to replace 2006 model in which HDD died before Christmas.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Leanna-Mullen/562537253 Leanna Mullen

    I love my 2007 iMac. I had a crash 'scare' a couple of months ago, but I work from home editing videos and it is SO important that I have as much memory/hard drive space, and a bigger screen would be lovely (even though I have a 24 inch already).

    I'm holding off until I hear what's new and good with a new iMac. For me, it can't come soon enough!!!

  • christina

    I’m waiting for a new iMac and it hurts!

  • Amy

    I'm waiting for the new iMac!! I never waited for a new gadget before. This should be…interesting…

  • Edgar

    I purchased my 27" i7 iMac on 2/21 and it has yet to ship.

    I hope they delay the shipment and send me a new one if they release them on thurs. Otherwise I'm using the 14 day return policy. :-/ Eitherway, I'll be getting the new iMac, they just choose how lol.

  • ary

    im also waiting…..hmmmmmmmmmm hope not too long.!

  • erufino1

    Definitively been waiting for the iMac update here.
    Now I don't know what to expect since today's release did not include iMacs, but I'm only hopeful that perhaps the March 2 event will include it…
    Should I just give up and get the current model?

  • Ross

    Here's my wish list for my next iMac

    CPUNew architecture/Intel Sandy Bridge B2 LGA 2011
    Display minimum 27"
    Memory & bus speed 1333MHz
    SATA Version 3.0
    USB Version3.0
    Base memory 8GB
    Base HDD 2TB
    SSD option Yes
    MB embedded NAND flashDesireable
    Mac OS X 10.7 Lion
    HDMI

  • Joey

    Will the new imac be anymore expensive than the imac on sale at the moment? If so, how much is it probable they will be? Thanks

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Matt-Freeman/100000234302152 Matt Freeman

    Damm it I need a new mac my G5 tower is dying can you please announce the new iMac

    a 30" would be cool too!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ilari-Anemaet/100000237256015 Ilari Anemaet

    I am in trouble here… Macbook Pro or iMac? Mobility or Power? Or both (for more money)? The new MacBook Pro 13-inch model brought Sandy Bridge and the integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 card. I read on the internet about the new integrated graphics card being a 'setback' from the previous-generation nVidia Geforce 320M graphics card. And the new AMD Radeon chips being much faster, but still very pricy. I am prepared to wait, but I'm also prepared to do something in the weekends for extra money. I, being an occasional gamer and video editor, do not intend to pay massive amounts of money just for a computer that can handle everyday tasks (just for the lower-end 13 inch). Any advice??

  • Dale C

    @Ilari Anemaet – I am in the same boat. I really like the new MacBook Pro refresh (I'm typing on a mid-2009 15" MBP now) and am tempted to purchase one of the new 13" MBPs to use as a second portable Mac. It would be nice to have something just as powerful as my 15" machine but a little more light and portable. I'm also considering the purchase of a 21.5inch iMac because I don't currently have a desktop Mac at all. However, knowing that the iMac line will soon be updated to include Sandy Bridge CPUs and a Thunderbolt port (and possibly a lower price point) – although it would be excruciating for me, I am tempted to just wait it out. C'mon Apple! Hurry up and update the iMac line… this money is burning a hole in my pocket!

  • sjogro

    Been waiting for a year, hoping for faster I/O. I guess now with Thunderbolt it's coming…. But how much more months ??

  • zorg

    I'm waiting for new imac, and i can't wait!

  • karl

    I ordered a new core i7 27" imac, but delivery is 10 days, I will also use the 14 day return if a new one comes out, but I will be well upset if a new one comes out 15 days after, lol. I went for the 4gb and will update it to 16gb myself.

  • http://www.chriscannon.co.uk cannon303

    Blimey, I've been deliberating (to put it mildly!!) over a 2009 8 core mac pro vs latest i7 quad iMac. I finally settled on iMac and was about to take the plunge and then read this!!! What to do now?? Can anyone speculate as to when the new iMac might arrive??? Will I ever get to buy some form of mac based computer???????????????? God only knows.

  • http://twitter.com/andreipotorac @andreipotorac

    I'm waiting for the new iMac as well.

  • atomic ant

    Hey Folks! Everyday I spend at least two hours on searching the whole net for possible news on the release date for the new Imacs. I am hoping so so badly! I hope even more, that the graphic card will be a great jump towards a game-playable Imac.
    Thats all,

    Greetings, Anton

    • http://twitter.com/TimothyChubb @TimothyChubb

      I spend roughly two hours a day searching for possible news on the release date as well – it is pathetic! I could use an upgrade from my old MacBook Pro, plus my battery keeps changing between Replace Now and Replace Soon.

      I know as soon as I spring and spend $130 on a new battery the release date will be announced!

  • Ryan

    I just hope when the update comes that it's been worth waiting for…..I'll be upset if I've waited months for an extra USB slot and a slightly bigger drive :)

    Cheers,
    Ryan

  • Kerome

    My guess would be Thunderbolt port, small SSDs for system and rapid startup times, Sandy Bridge, new graphics cards on top, and due somewhere around May to fill the gap between iPad and iPhone launches.

  • http://www.koorimail.com Spid

    I too have been trawling the web on news about a 2011 iMac refresh, if the 2011 iMac has some great new features and the price is comparable with the 2010 model I will go for the newer version, if not I will wait for the new release then try and pick up one of the superceded models at a reduced price.

  • Ryan

    I like your style Spid…….and trust me, I'll be doing exactly the same :)

  • MacDaddy68

    Another rabid iMac user chomping at the bit for an updated version here. Accumulating and sifting all the various online rumors suggest the following happening in early May:

    - Faster Processor speeds (up to the 3.4GHz i7 maximum)
    - Faster Sandy Bridge architecture (just like the Macbook Pros have)
    - New Graphic Card choices (ATI Radeon HD 6xxx series)
    - Cheaper 128GB SSD option (BTO only, and will increase OS and App speed)
    - New Thunderbolt Port (again, just like the Macbook Pros)
    - Smaller cheaper model (perhaps bringing back the 17"?) … admittedly debatable

    - My one silly wish? That Apple finally add a wired, backlit keyboard BTO option with black keys and a magic trackpad built in… but maybe that's dreaming too big ;)

    I expect nothing drastic or revolutionary, and no cosmetic alterations. Excitingly – even these few new features will offer a solid, realistic and plausible upgrade at the same price points.

    Then watch for the new Lion OS in July after the intro of the iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4s, or whatever they call it) in June.

  • Flyboyxtreme

    I'm thinking that i5 and i7 would be staples to the new iMac.
    30" screen would be grand!
    The exterior may take after the current LED Cinema Display look
    Magic Trackpad and wireless keyboard will be standard
    Sandy Bridge, Thunderbolt
    Optional matte display
    BluRay disc drive
    OS X Lion

  • Arrie

    I hope 10.7 Lion and much better graphic cards

  • Hanna

    Waiting for the new imac -2011- i think it will be best than the -2010-

  • Jazzy Indo

    I can’t wait to have one and bigger screen would be great, let say 32″..?