Is Apple Discontinuing The 27 Imac? | Clear Facts Revealed

The End of an Era: Why Apple Discontinued the 27-inch iMac

Apple’s decision to discontinue the 27-inch iMac marks a significant shift in its desktop lineup. After years of offering this flagship all-in-one desktop, Apple has phased out the Intel-based 27-inch iMac in favor of newer models powered by its own Apple Silicon chips, such as the M1 and M2 series. This transition reflects Apple’s broader strategy to unify hardware and software for better performance and efficiency.

The 27-inch iMac was beloved for its large Retina display, powerful Intel processors, and versatility. However, as Apple pushes forward with its custom silicon architecture, continuing to update Intel models no longer fits their roadmap. The discontinuation means no further updates or new iterations of the Intel 27-inch iMac will be released.

This move also aligns with Apple’s focus on sustainability and innovation. By consolidating their lineup around Apple Silicon, they can streamline production, reduce complexity, and deliver more optimized user experiences. While some users miss the classic Intel iMac’s upgradeability and ports, Apple’s vision centers on delivering superior performance through integration rather than incremental hardware tweaks.

What Replaces the 27-inch iMac?

Apple hasn’t left desktop users empty-handed. The discontinuation of the 27-inch iMac is balanced by two main offerings:

• 24-inch iMac with M1 chip: Released in 2021, this model features a stunning 4.5K Retina display and vibrant color options but has a smaller screen size compared to the discontinued 27-inch model.
• Mac Studio: Introduced in early 2022, Mac Studio is a compact powerhouse designed for professionals needing extreme performance. It pairs well with external displays like the Studio Display.

Both options showcase Apple Silicon’s power efficiency and speed but cater to different user needs. The Mac Studio targets creative pros who demand top-tier specs and modular setups. Meanwhile, the new 24-inch iMac appeals to everyday users wanting a stylish all-in-one experience.

Apple’s transition away from Intel chips means future desktops will likely focus on these designs rather than reviving the larger all-in-one form factor seen in the old 27-inch model.

Performance Comparison: Intel 27-inch iMac vs M1/M2 Models

The shift from Intel processors to Apple Silicon chips brings significant performance gains across CPU speed, graphics capability, and power efficiency. Here’s a quick look at how these systems compare:

Feature	Intel-based 27-inch iMac	M1/M2-based Models (24″ iMac & Mac Studio)
Processor	Up to Intel Core i9 (10-core)	M1 / M1 Pro / M1 Max / M2 / M2 Pro / M2 Max (Apple Silicon)
Graphics	AMD Radeon Pro Series	Integrated Apple GPU (up to 38 cores in Mac Studio)
RAM	Up to 128GB DDR4 (user upgradeable on some models)	Unified memory up to 96GB (non-upgradeable post-purchase)
Display Size & Resolution	27 inches; 5120 x 2880 Retina display	24 inches; 4480 x 2520 Retina (iMac), External Displays up to 6K (Studio Display)
Ports & Expansion	Multiple Thunderbolt/USB-C, SD card slot, Ethernet option	M1 iMac: Limited ports; Mac Studio: Extensive Thunderbolt/USB-C/HDMI ports
Power Efficiency	High power consumption typical of Intel architecture	Significantly improved power efficiency with Apple Silicon chips
User Upgradeability	Easier RAM upgrades on some models; storage soldered	No user upgrades; everything soldered onto logic board

This table illustrates that while the older Intel-based 27-inch iMac offered more traditional expandability and a larger built-in display, Apple Silicon devices excel in raw performance per watt and integrated graphics capabilities.

The Impact on Creative Professionals and Power Users

The discontinuation leaves many creative professionals wondering about their workflow options. The old 27-inch iMac was a staple for video editors, graphic designers, photographers, and other professionals who relied on its large screen real estate combined with powerful internals.

Apple’s new direction splits this audience between two camps:

• The All-in-One Fans: Those who valued having everything in one sleek package now have only the smaller-screened M1-powered iMac as an option.

• The Performance Seekers: Professionals needing maximum horsepower are encouraged toward Mac Studio paired with external displays like Apple’s Studio Display or third-party monitors.

While this might feel like a trade-off at first glance, it allows users to customize their setups more freely—choosing monitors that fit their needs rather than being limited by a fixed display size.

However, some users lament losing certain ports such as SD card slots or Ethernet jacks built into previous generations of the big iMacs. For those relying heavily on legacy peripherals or multiple external devices without docks or hubs, this transition requires additional investment in adapters or accessories.

The Software Angle: Optimizing for Apple Silicon vs Intel Macs

Software compatibility was once a major concern during Apple’s transition from Intel processors to Apple Silicon. Today’s landscape is far more mature:

• Universal Apps: Most major software vendors have released Universal versions optimized for both chip architectures.

• Rosetta 2: This translation layer allows Intel apps to run seamlessly on Apple Silicon machines without noticeable slowdowns.

• Niche Software: Some specialized or legacy applications may still require updates or alternatives that support ARM architectures.

For professionals considering whether to stick with an older Intel machine like the discontinued 27-inch iMac or move forward with new hardware, understanding software support is crucial. The industry has largely embraced Apple Silicon now, making newer Macs future-proof for years ahead.

The Market Reaction: How Consumers Responded to Discontinuation News

The announcement sparked mixed reactions across tech forums and social media platforms:

• Loyalists’ Nostalgia: Many longtime fans mourned losing their favorite desktop model that balanced power and screen size beautifully.

• Eager Early Adopters: Some welcomed Apple’s push toward cutting-edge silicon technology as an exciting leap forward.

• Bargain Hunters: The discontinuation led to discounts on remaining stock of the old model at retailers—creating opportunities for buyers seeking last-generation specs at lower prices.

Despite initial reservations from some corners about port configurations or upgradeability limitations in newer models, overall reception leaned positive once benchmarks demonstrated impressive gains in performance per watt.

The Price Factor: Comparing Costs Across Generations

Pricing plays a key role when deciding between keeping an older model or investing in new hardware. Here’s how costs generally stack up:

Model	Starting Price (USD)	Key Cost Considerations
Discontinued Intel-based 27″ iMac (2020)	$1799 – $4999+	No longer sold new; prices vary on used/refurbished market; upgradeable RAM adds value.
M1-powered 24″ iMac (2021)	$1299 – $1699+	Lighter price tag but smaller screen; limited upgradeability; vibrant colors included.
Mac Studio + Studio Display Bundle (2022)	$1999 – $7999+	Packed with pro-level specs; requires separate display purchase; premium pricing reflects workstation status.

Choosing between these depends heavily on use case—casual users may find excellent value in the new smaller iMacs while creatives needing raw power might justify Mac Studio’s higher cost.

The Technical Limitations Behind Discontinuing The Classic Model

Several technical factors influenced Apple’s decision beyond marketing strategy:

• The thermal design constraints of fitting powerful processors into thin all-in-one bodies became increasingly challenging as chip architectures evolved.

• The shift from Intel’s x86 architecture toward ARM-based custom silicon meant redesigning motherboards and components entirely—making incremental upgrades less feasible.

• The desire for tighter integration between hardware and macOS features like instant wake times, advanced security enclaves, and energy-saving modes required fresh engineering approaches incompatible with older platforms.

These realities made continuing investment into maintaining an aging product line impractical compared to launching entirely new systems built around proprietary technology.

A Closer Look at Upgradeability Trade-Offs

One last aspect worth highlighting is how upgrade paths changed drastically with this shift:

• Older generation Intel-based machines allowed users some RAM upgrades post-purchase.
• Newer Apple Silicon Macs have unified memory soldered directly onto logic boards.
• Storage upgrades are also fixed at purchase time.

This means buyers must carefully consider future needs before committing since expanding memory later isn’t possible without replacing hardware entirely.

For professionals accustomed to upgrading over time instead of buying brand-new machines frequently, this represents a fundamental shift in purchasing philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apple discontinuing the 27-inch iMac?

Yes, Apple has officially discontinued the 27-inch iMac. This marks the end of the Intel-based 27-inch model as Apple transitions to newer desktops powered by its own Apple Silicon chips, such as the M1 and M2 series.

Why did Apple discontinue the 27-inch iMac?

Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac to focus on unifying hardware and software with its custom Apple Silicon architecture. Continuing Intel-based models no longer fits their roadmap, allowing them to streamline production and improve performance and efficiency.

What replaces the 27-inch iMac after discontinuation?

The 27-inch iMac has been replaced by two main options: the 24-inch iMac with an M1 chip and the Mac Studio. Both offer powerful performance using Apple Silicon but cater to different user needs and preferences.

How does performance compare between the 27-inch iMac and newer models?

The newer models with M1 and M2 chips offer superior performance and energy efficiency compared to the Intel-based 27-inch iMac. Apple’s Silicon provides better integration of hardware and software, resulting in faster speeds and improved user experiences.

Will Apple release a new larger all-in-one iMac like the 27-inch model?

Currently, Apple has not announced plans to release a new larger all-in-one iMac similar to the discontinued 27-inch model. Their desktop lineup now focuses on compact designs like the 24-inch iMac and modular systems like Mac Studio.