New M1 iMacs may be just around the corner

We may be getting new M1-based iMacs in the near future. As noted by 9to5Mac, there are references to two new ‌iMac‌ models in macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta 5, identified as “iMac21,1” and “iMac21,2.” The new Macs use the code names J456 and J457, which were first revealed earlier this year by Bloomberg.

The updated all-in-one is expected to come in a 24-inch model (replacing the 21-incher) and 27-inch (or possibly a 32-inch) version. Most predictions have the smaller version coming this spring, and the larger model arriving in summer/fall.  However, I think we’ll see a 24-inch and 32-inch iMac arriving by May.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman — a dependable source of Apple predictions — says a long-awaited revamp of the iMac is on tap for this year and will be “one of the biggest visual updates to any Apple product this year.”

He says the form factor redesign will be akin to the Pro Display XDR with some iPad-ish touches, as well. Leaker Jon Prosser has said the iMacs would be offered in new colors (silver, space space, green, sky blue, and rose gold). The color scheme is designed to capitalize on the original iMac, which was offered in the “flavors” of tangerine, lime, strawberry, blueberry, and grape, he adds.