Apple might be discontinuing the iMac Pro, as per a new message on its store page which says “while supplies last”. The company is only selling the $4,999 base model now, without any option to change its configuration. This coincides with recent news that Apple has stopped producing 512GB and 1TB SSD 21.5-inch iMac 4K models, as it prepares to start producing Apple Silicon powered 24-inch iMacs which will be launching this year, as per rumors.
The entire iMac lineup is overdue for a new design and specifications update, and it seems that the only way Apple will update it is through the introduction of Apple Silicon. The rumor mill has been going full speed with the expected changes for the new iMac: powerful M-series chips, five new color options, and Pro Display XDR-like design language.
iMac Pro discontinued, 21.5-inch iMac production slowed down
With its first-generation Apple Silicon MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, Apple chose to re-use their existing design, while only changing the internals. This is similar to what Apple did when it switched its Macs from PowerPC chips to Intel back in the day. However, with iMac, rumors suggest that Apple will be going all-in with a new design, which should not only mark the introduction of powerful Apple Silicon to the line-up but also make it look modern. What this means for iMac Pro is unclear, but it might be possible that M-series chips might remove the need for the model in the new lineup. A cheaper Pro Display XDR and Mac Pro mini might replace it in the future.
The report regarding Apple’s hold on production for 512GB and 1TB 21.5-inch iMac comes from Apple Insider, while iMac Pro’s store update was first reported by MacRumors.
Apple could also chose to only replace the cheaper iMac models with new Apple Silicon chips while selling the higher-end model with Intel-chips for some time to come, similar to what it did with the MacBook Pro. However, this might push people away from the more expensive models, as everyone knows that Apple plans to migrate all Macs to Apple Silicon over the next 2 years.
No matter what the situation is, it is certain that the company is preparing to launch its new 24-inch and 32-inch Apple Silicon iMacs, and we can be sure that they will be faster than most desktop PCs in the market, in terms of both computing and integrated graphics performance.
Update: Apple has confirmed to MacRumors that iMac Pro will not be available anymore after supplies run out. The company says that the 27-inch iMac fulfills the needs of most professional users, while those looking for more performance should check out the Mac Pro.
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