This stunning M2 iMac concept is the desktop we want from Apple

A yellow iMac on a wooden desk with Bluetooth peripherals beside it
(Image credit: Pickaxe Media / Shutterstock)

Now we have our first Apple computer with the new M2 chip — the recently revamped 2022 MacBook Air — it’s only a matter of time before the company revisits the desktop all-in-one iMac.

Given a bold new look last year, the 2021 iMac introduced a set of playful colors, a more angular look and the introduction of Apple Silicon with the M1 chip. But rather than maintaining the two size options of previous generations — 21.5-inches and 27-inches — Apple instead decided to split the difference, with just one 24-inch version.

We don’t know for sure what Apple is planning next, but hopefully the company is thinking along the lines of Vox Media’s Parker Ortolani, who has imagined what the M2 iMac could look like when it emerges.

In terms of design, as you can see from the included images, Ortolani hasn’t tried to reinvent the wheel, merely refining Apple’s design. Gone is the white bezel of the 24-inch iMac, for starters, which may seem odd, but it’s not just down to personal preference. 

A concept for the M2 iMac

(Image credit: Parker Ortolani / Twitter)

“Took em away because of the MacBook Air,” Ortolani tweeted. “Figured if it was something the vast majority liked about the iMac, it would’ve been applied there too. Plus if past is prologue, they’ll follow the current iMac with much a [sic.] more subdued one.”

Subdued is how you might describe the colors Ortolani has picked out, too. While the current iMac is available in seven vibrant shades, the designer imagines just five more serious colors for the M2 iMac, with only the pink version offering the playfulness of the previous generation.

A concept for the M2 iMac

(Image credit: Parker Ortolani / Twitter)

He also imagines some very sharp looking Magic Keyboards built to match the new color options, as well.

A concept for the M2 iMac

(Image credit: Parker Ortolani / Twitter)

But the biggest change — and the one we really hope Apple adopts — is the reintroduction of a larger model for power users. Yes, Ortolani imagines a 27-inch model to compliment the 24-inch version. He’s even bold enough to predict prices, with an imagined $1,299 starting point for the smaller model, rising to at least $1,799 for the larger version.

There’s certainly an appetite for a larger screen Mac experience, and while there’s nothing stopping you plugging a Mac mini or Mac Studio into any size of monitor, there’s something especially elegant about Apple’s all-in-one solutions. 

While Bloomberg’s well connected reporter Mark Gurman once predicted a 2022 refresh of the 24-inch iMac, more recently he’s stated that the hardware may skip M2 entirely with an M3 iMac arriving next year. If that’s the case, these renders sadly may be as close as we get to a new Apple desktop in 2022.

TOPICS
Alan Martin

Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, you'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.

Read more
Mac Studio on desk plugged into Studio Display
Apple reportedly working on two new Studio Display monitors — here's what I want to see
Mac Studio M4 Max
Apple announces Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra — here's what's new
Apple Studio Display shown side on with Wheel of Time playing
Apple's next Studio Display tipped to arrive in 2026 — and it'll be brighter than ever
MacBook Air M4
MacBook Air M4 live updates — the new MacBook is official
MacBook Air 13-inch M3
MacBook Air M4 tipped for imminent arrival — here's when it could launch
M3 MacBook Air
MacBook Air M4 expected to launch this week — here's what to expect
Latest in Apple Desktops
Apple Mac Studio M4 Max review unit on a desk
Apple Mac Studio M4 Max review: More powerful than ever
Apple Studio Display shown side on with Wheel of Time playing
Apple's next Studio Display tipped to arrive in 2026 — and it'll be brighter than ever
Mac Studio on a desk plugged into a Studio Display
Apple's Studio Display may be getting a welcome Mini LED upgrade
The Mac mini M4 on top of Satechi's new Mac Mini Hub on a desk underneath an Apple Studio Display with a mechanical keyboard on a desk
This brilliant Mac mini M4 accessory fixes the weirdest thing about Apple's tiny computer — and it costs less than $100
Apple Magic Mouse
Apple's next Magic Mouse will reportedly fix its biggest design blunder
Mac mini M4 with a Tom's Guide Cyber Monday deals badge
This Mac mini M4 Cyber Monday deal is almost too good to be true — grab yours before it's too late
Latest in News
Reddit logo and Reddit logo on phone
Reddit and MLB.TV down — live updates on major outage
Nintendo Switch 2 console, Joy-Con controllers and dock
The Switch 2's mysterious "C" button may have just been confirmed by Nintendo
Nintendo Switch virtual game card
Nintendo just announced 'Virtual Game Cards' ahead of Switch 2 launch
Gerard Butler as Detective Nick "Big Nick" O'Brien in "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera"
Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
Graphic screen displaying malware detection warning
This dangerous new Windows malware hides from your antivirus while impersonating a popular PC brand
Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, John Turturro and Britt Lower in Severance
Ben Stiller says 'Severance' season 3 coming 'as fast as possible'