Apple needs to update the iMacs, right now.
Fun fact, since the release of the original iPad til now, the front of the iMacs have looked exactly the same. That’s right, the iMac’s front-facing design has not changed for a decade. Just look at this page on the Apple website that helps you identify your iMac model. Turns out, after the release of the 2009 iMac, your average-joe today is not going to be able to tell a single difference between your super powerful 2019 iMac vs your potatoes 2010 iMac.
Why is this a problem?
iMacs are now probably one of the best dollars per performance you can get in the Mac category. In fact, at times it could be even the same price as a PC equivalent if you get the same components and of course that gorgeous 5K display. For a professional who is sedentary and requires Mac OS for a variety of different reasons will probably be better off with an iMac. However, if a creative professional is not obligated to use Mac OS, I would argue that the iMacs are going to simply not be on the list anymore. Let’s look back at the main features of an iMac. It is powerful, has decent value, is constantly at a desk, has a high-resolution display, and possesses an overall sleek and modern design. Now let’s be forthright about this, it is powerful but has to be always at a desk which immediately makes it a no for some people. Also, most creative professionals don’t need anything beyond a 4K panel, if they do, it would not an LCD panel from Apple. And finally, the design of the iMac is ugly and outdated. Everything that I just said is the reality. This means that iMac’s no longer have that good value. Sure it might be a good value compared to other Macs but compared to a similar PC workstation. Would you seriously want a pixel-sharp 5K display only to ruin the scene with inch thick bezels and that huge chin? Not to mention most people can’t tell the difference between 4 and 5K. So if you don’t count in the display, the PC is still going to be a better value compared to the iMac. Unless you are a creative professional who often works at a desk and needs a lot of horsepower, and most importantly needs Mac OS, the iMac in its current state simply does not make sense. If you are a regular consumer seeking a good home computer, you could find plenty of almost bezeless monitors for a cheap price paired with a good PC. Even if you like Mac OS, the design of the iMac alone could completely question your decision to buy a Mac. A creative professional that isn’t bounded to Mac OS would no longer have an iMac on one of their go-to list of computers because the iMac design is inferior. Without considering the 5K display, the PC would be aesthetically pleasing while being a good value.
So what should Apple do? Change the design in the next iMac refresh, I.e, cut down the side bezels, and remove the chin similar to the Pro XDR display but without the other “Pro” features
How would change in design benefit?
The change in design will make iMacs cool again if you will. It will bring a new flock of average consumers into purchasing the iMac as an alternative home computer. Creative Professionals not bounded to Mac OS might switch to an iMac because of its beautiful design and powerful performance. Apple has squeezed the iMac bucket for over ten years. In this time, once iMac owners have moved on to more modern looking hardware. The only ones who are staying are those who are restricted to using Mac OS by their profession, but are dying for an upgrade to bring their setup, should I say, looking like it’s from the 2020s.
Conclusion
This article was inspired simply because I realized how long Apple has not updated this iMac, it is absurd to me that Apple has been milking it for this long. Anyhow, current iMac owners, I am interested to hear your perspective on this. Does the design of the iMac really bother you? And because of it, would you consider switching just because of the design? Thank you guys for taking the time to read this article and stay safe out there amongst this pandemic.
