iMac 2020: Redesigned iMac rumoured for Q4 2020 launch

New reports suggest the iMac 2020 will arrive during Q4 2020, with an Intel model refresh still on the way too despite the no-show at WWDC 2020. 

The new information comes from MacRumors, which claims it obtained a research note from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stating that Apple is planning to launch a 24-inch iMac “with a new design” in the latter end of this year. This redesign has been rumoured to see a slimmed down bezel, fitting into recent laptop and monitor trends.

The redesigned iMac is thought to feature the newly announced Apple Silicon, with Apple recently confirming plans to phase out Intel chips for all Mac devices over the next two years.

However, MacRumors also suggests an Intel-based iMac is still set to launch during the third quarter of this year. While the Intel iMac will likely see a processor refresh, potentially featuring the new 10th Gen Intel Core CPU, it’s unclear whether it will also benefit from a redesign like the upcoming Apple Silicon model.

Leaker Sonny Dickson (via MacRumours) suggests the new iMac will feature Apple’s T2 security chip, an AMD Navi GPU and will ditch the Fusion Drive. Dickson was unclear whether this referenced the Intel or Apple Silicon model.

Keep reading for more details on the iMac 2020.

iMac 2020 release date – When will it launch? 

Apple will reportedly launch a new 24-inch iMac during Q4 2020, which will likely feature Apple silicon.

This is according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumors), who also claims a refresh to the Intel-based iMac will arrive in Q3 2020 (anytime between July and September.)

iMac 2020 price – How much will it cost?

There’s no word on pricing for either the Apple silicon or Intel-based iMacs.

We reckon the starting price won’t deviate too much from the current £1049, but that’s purely guesswork.

Related: MacBook Pro 2020

Apple iMac 2019

iMac 2020 screen – How big will the screen be?

Ming-Chi Kuo reportedly claims (via MacRumors) that the Apple silicon iMac 2020 will feature a new 24-inch screen size.

The is slightly larger than the existing 21.5-inch model, with the slimmed down bezel likely to make room for the extra screen space.

Such a move would make a lot of sense for Apple, especially following a wider trend of manufacturers cutting down the bezel for some gorgeous results. The Dell XPS 13 2020 laptop looks particularly glam with an ‘InfinityEdge’ display, and we’re hoping for similar results with the iMac, even as a desktop computer.

Since current iMac screens already have outstanding specs, with resolution options climbing all the way up to 4K, we doubt Apple will make significant upgrades in this regard. There have been no rumours or reports to suggest otherwise, too.

It’s unclear whether 2020 refresh for the Intel model will benefit from this redesign, potentially sticking to the current form factor instead and only seeing upgrades to the internals.

Related: iMac 2019 review

iMac 2020 performance – How powerful will it be?

During WWDC, Apple laid the rumours to rest that the iMac 2020 would feature a new in-house chipset… by confirming it! That’s right, the iMac 2020 will likely be among the first of Apple’s machines to feature the new Apple Silicon chipset.

Apple will now be moving away from using Intel’s chipsets in favour of its own architecture, designed to work seamlessly with the upcoming macOS Big Sur update. Having that bespoke chipset will result in some serious powerhouse machines, with the demo at WWDC showcasing three different video streams being played simultaneously in Final Cut Pro. For the creatives in the room – now’s the time to start salivating.

With the Big Sur update, there will also be greater cross-compatibility across Apple’s devices, with iMacs and MacBooks able to run almost all iPhone and iPad apps. If you’ve ever felt a hankering to play Monument Valley on your desktop, well now’s your chance.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t a new Intel model on the way. Apple has confirmed it will still launch Intel-run Macs in future, but will phase them out within the next two years. Rumours point towards a Q3 2020 launch for a new Intel iMac, which will likely feature either 9th Gen or 10th Gen Intel Core chips.