Apple iMac 2017 basic model launches Q3; Server-grade pro variant at year-end

A couple of weeks ago, Apple unexpectedly announced that not only is it going to launch an iMac 2017 update, the company is likewise planning to release a pro variant of its all-in-one desktop. The Cupertino, California-based tech giant did not provide specifics about the potential specs and release details of the upcoming iMacs, but a new report reveals some insight on the refresh.

The new basic iMac units will reportedly be in production next month, while Apple aims to launch them around the third quarter of the year. The Mac maker is said to be testing a new “server-grade” iMac Pro variant for the high-end market. This pro model is expected to compete directly with the recently released Surface Studio, rival Microsoft’s own all-in-one PC.

According to Digitimes, the new Apple iMac 2017 models are likely to be manufactured by Quanta Computer, a Taiwan-based electronics hardware company founded in 1988. Quanta Computer happens to be the world’s largest manufacturer of notebooks. Its long list of customers includes Dell, HP, Lenovo, Alienware, LG, Sony, Toshiba and, of course, Apple.

“Thanks to its orders from Apple and HP, Quanta is expected to remain the largest [all-in-one] PC maker in 2017,” states the report. “However, Quanta declined to comment on its orders or clients.”

Apple currently has two iMac variants available in the market: a 21.5-inch unit and a 27-inch version. The upcoming 2017 devices are likely to be upgrades of the two current models. The new server-grade iMac Pro is reportedly going to feature an Intel Xeon E3-1285 v6 processor with 64GB ECC RAM, up to 2TB NVMe SSD plus a “latest discrete graphics card.” The pro model is projected to be released by the end of the year, just in time for the holiday season.

This isn’t the first time the above-mentioned specs were linked to the new iMac. Previous reports also indicated that the new Apple desktop could incorporate AMD graphics (apparently for virtual reality and professional app support) and Thunderbolt 3 ports, which are currently included in the latest MacBook Pro.

What’s more, Apple is reportedly going to release the new iMac 2017 models with brand new keyboards. The company is supposedly going to consider changing the name of the operating system as well. The future macOS is said to be dropping the mountain/park name. Stay connected with IBTimes Australia for more updates on Apple and its products.

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