Apple is preparing to release updated iMacs, featuring faster Intel processors, more RAM, solid state storage, and its legendary Retina displays - but there's a twist.
Apple iMac
The current 2016-2017 iMac is a gorgeous all-in-one computer, loved by many Apple fans, and lusted-after by many Windows followers. In fact, a large number of iMacs end up dual-booting Windows and macOS, such is the envy-rate amongst the Windows community.
Windows PC makers such as HP, Lenovo, and Acer, have released all-in-one PCs in the last few years, but their chunky plastic enclosures aren't exactly pretty. In 2018 and 2019, you'll see more and more new home PCs from HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, ASUS, LG, and others, that copy the famous iMac aesthetic.
New iMacs with a twist
In late 2018 and early 2019, we'll see Apple release new iMacs, for the first time in a few years. We're expecting an updated visual identity, with narrower bezels, a smaller chin at the bottom of the screen, and updated connectivity at the rear.
All the way back in 2012, Apple dropped the USB-A port from the MacBook, creating drama nicknamed "DongleLife" and "AdapterGate", where no one could plug anything in to the 2012 MacBook laptop without an adapter, sold separately.
Now, for better or worse, we're in line for the same from Apple's desktop PC range.
On the back of your next iMac will be power, Ethernet, UHSII-SD card, four Thunderbolt ports, a headphone jack, and nothing else. No common rectangular USB-A ports.
We may see the UHSII-SD card slot relocated from the rear of the iMac to the bottom bezel, facing down, behind the smaller Apple logo, at the middle bottom of the display.
The lack of USB-A ports will be largely negated as Apple begins to ship USB-C-plugged cables with all of their accessories. When you buy a new iPhone, iPad, Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad, Apple will supply a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box, rather than the USB-A equivalent, starting in late 2018. Likewise, Apple's iPhone and iPad chargers will switch from USB-A to USB-C port equipped in late 2018.
Avoid the Dongle Life
In March 2019, Apple released a cable certification for "Made for i" series that included a new section for USB-C cables. This will usher in a range of cables, including USB-C to Lightning, USB-C to Ethernet, USB-C to DisplayPort, USB-C to USB-A-female, and another set of Thunderbolt to Ethernet, Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt, and Thunderbolt to manyport, adapters.
My advice here is to avoid the adapters and replace any cables with the ones your need, from the USB-C port to (your other end) or Thunderbolt port to (your other end), with no adapters.
Wireless charging
One last inclusion that may or may not arrive, is the inclusion of wireless charging, with a Qi wireless charging pad built in to the iMac stand. Simply place your iPhone on the flat base of your iMac stand to charge it. The same could apply to updated Apple keyboards and mice. Very convenient.
Lastly...
Lastly, we expect one more major change from Apple.
Apple will drop the 21.5" size iMac and replace it with a 24" display, with narrower bezels and a smaller chin.
The current 27" iMac size will remain, also revised with narrower bezels and a smaller chin.
Until next time,
Xavier Zymantas
XYZtech
XYZ Media Group
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