Apple iMac Set for Color Palette Refresh in Late 2025
According to Mark Gurman's Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple is planning to refresh the iMac's color palette when it updates the all-in-one desktop later this year. The new iMac is expected to launch in the September-October window, with the M5 chip likely powering the device.
Details on the Upcoming Color Changes
Gurman reports that the upcoming iMac will feature a "refreshed color palette," though specific shades have not been disclosed. The current M4 iMac offers seven color options: blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow, green, and silver. This lineup has remained largely unchanged since the 2021 redesign introduced a two-tone look. Apple made slight adjustments to the tones with the M4 model in 2024, increasing saturation across the board, but the core selection stayed consistent.
Whether Apple will introduce entirely new hues or opt for another subtle shift remains unclear at this time. However, the color refresh indicates that Apple continues to experiment with the iMac's visual identity.
Timeline and Other Mac Updates
The iMac refresh is positioned behind other Mac updates in Apple's queue. Gurman anticipates upgraded Mac Studio models around mid-2026, with the iMac and Mac mini following later. The iMac will likely incorporate the M5 chip, aligning with what is already available in the MacBook Air.
On the design front, Gurman notes that Apple is exploring larger displays and more powerful processors for future iMacs, but these are longer-term projects not expected to arrive this year. Apple's desktop lineup for 2026 is gradually taking shape, with the Mac mini also slated for release alongside the iMac in the later window. Gurman mentions that the Mac mini will look identical to the current M4 version.
What's Not Included in the Refresh
For iMac enthusiasts hoping for significant changes, there is still no word on a 27-inch option or black bezels. The white bezels are expected to remain for now. Additionally, a high-end MacBook Pro with OLED and touch capabilities is penciled in for the end of the year, but this is separate from the iMac updates.
In summary, while the iMac refresh focuses on color and chip upgrades, major design overhauls are not on the immediate horizon. Apple's strategy suggests a gradual evolution rather than a radical transformation for its all-in-one desktop line.
