Why is the iMac Pro Discontinued and What’s Next for Apple’s Desktop?

The iMac Pro, once a favorite among professionals, has recently been discontinued by Apple. It is currently listed as 'while supplies last,' indicating that it will no longer be available for custom configuration. This move by Apple might seem sudden, but there are underlying reasons that point to the company's larger plans for its desktop product line.

Current Status and Reason for Discontinuation

Apple has taken the decision to discontinue the iMac Pro, which means that customers will be unable to configure the processor, RAM, and storage themselves. Currently, only pre-configured options are available for purchase. The reason behind this decision is that the iMac Pro has not been updated since 2017, making it significantly outdated in terms of hardware. Apple typically updates its products to offer better performance and functionality, and the iMac Pro has not seen such an update, leading to its discontinuation.

Upcoming Refreshes and Specifications

According to sources, Apple has bigger and better plans for the iMac Pro, including both design and processor refreshes. The upcoming refreshes are expected to bring several significant changes:

Processor and Storage

The display will remain the same, featuring a 5120 x 2880 5K resolution. However, the processor and storage configurations will see a substantial upgrade. The new models will come with the new 16-core M1X chip, featuring a base model configuration of 1 TB SSD and 16 GB RAM. The top-of-the-line model will feature a 32-core M1X chip, 128 GB RAM, and 4 TB SSD. These upgrades will significantly enhance the overall performance of the iMac Pro, making it more powerful than ever.

Design Refresh

The design refresh, anticipated to occur in just about 23 years, will bring a new aesthetic to the iMac Pro. The current curved form factor is expected to be replaced with a design that resembles the Pro Display XDR, with the difference being a slightly thicker profile to accommodate the added fans and ports. Additionally, the front of the iMac Pro will undergo a significant change. The traditional "chin" and the front-facing Apple logo will be removed, giving the device a more modern appearance that closely resembles the iPad Pro. Instead of the Apple logo on the front, there will now be an Apple logo only on the back of the device.

Iconic Design and Future Potential

The upcoming design refresh will not only bring a new aesthetic to the iMac Pro but also ensure that the current design is remembered for its iconic status. The iMac Pro, with its unique curved form factor and striking appearance, has become a symbol of Apple's commitment to innovation. Its discontinuation and future refreshes suggest that Apple sees the iMac Pro not as a product of the past but as a stepping stone towards their future vision for desktop computing.

With the iMac Pro's discontinuation and the upcoming upgrades, it is clear that Apple is responding to the changing needs of its customers and the evolving landscape of the tech industry. The company has always been at the forefront of innovation, and with the iMac Pro, they have set a new standard for professional-grade computing. As the iMac Pro undergoes its refresh, we can expect to see a significant leap in performance, functionality, and design, further solidifying Apple's position as a leader in the desktop computing market.

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iMac Pro Apple Discontinued Future Upgrade