New iMac Tipped For Q3 With Improved Display, New Processors

Apple is gearing up to released a refreshed iMac lineup before the end of this quarter, according to KGI Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo, the industry analyst with easily the best track record when it comes to predicting Apple's plans. Among the improvements of the new iMacs are said to be more powerful processors, along with better display technology, although it's not clear if that includes a new Retina display option for the smaller size 21.5-inch iMac.

What Kuo did have to say about the improved display is that it will focus on image quality and color saturation. The analyst predicts a new LED phosphor material, KSF, will be will be used in the panels. Unfortunately he made no mention of Retina's inclusion on the 21.5-inch iMac, something that has been speculated since late June, when mentions were discovered in an OS X El Capitan beta.

As for the new CPUs, they are expected to be a considerable upgrade for iMac models other than the 27-inch Retina 5K, which was already refreshed earlier this year. Those other configurations haven't been updated since 2013, with it being said that Apple has had to wait for new processors from Intel, such as the current Broadwell and forthcoming Skylake.

Also included in his write-up, Kuo said he predicts the iMac's sales to double quarter-over-quarter, ending the quarter with 1 million units shipped. His basis for the strong growth is the release of the new iMac lineup, along with promotions like the current Back to School program.

VIA MacRumors