Apple Plans iMac Refresh with New Chip This Year, OLED Model in Development

Apple is set to release an updated iMac later this year, featuring a new chip, according to recent reports. While the specific processor—whether the existing M5 or the forthcoming M6—is yet to be confirmed, this update marks the first refresh of the iMac in two years. The current model, equipped with the M4 chip, was introduced in October 2024.

The upcoming iMac is expected to maintain its 24-inch LCD display without significant design changes. However, Apple is reportedly developing a future iMac model that will incorporate an OLED display, aiming for a release further down the line. This aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to transition more of its product lineup to OLED technology, which offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and improved energy efficiency compared to traditional LCDs.

In recent years, Apple has streamlined its iMac offerings by discontinuing the Intel-based iMac Pro and the 27-inch iMac models in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Since then, the iMac has been available exclusively in a 24-inch size. Despite ongoing speculation about a larger iMac Pro with a display of at least 30 inches, no such model has been announced to date.

It’s also noteworthy that Apple recently increased prices across its Mac lineup, including the iMac. In the United States, the base price of the iMac has risen from $1,299 to $1,499, reflecting broader trends in rising component costs and supply chain challenges.

As Apple continues to refine its desktop offerings, the forthcoming iMac refresh with a new chip underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing performance within its existing design framework. The development of an OLED iMac indicates a forward-looking approach to display technology, promising future improvements in visual quality and energy efficiency. Consumers should stay tuned for official announcements to understand how these updates will impact their computing experience.