Mac Studio
It appears that after 12.5 years the ubiquitous iMac 27-inch has been discontinued. After the launch of the Mac Studio at the latest Apple Event, Apple removed the iMac 27-inch from their online store, leaving just the iMac 24-inch as their only all-in-one desktop.
No matter how we crunch the numbers, if you want a Mac setup with a 27-inch display it is going to be more expensive than buying a 27-inch iMac. The most recent entry level 27-inch iMac (2020 model) retailed for £1799 but the equivalent spec with a Mac mini, Studio Display and Apple keyboard and mouse will now set you back £2496, that’s an extra £697 (which could nab you an Apple Watch and the latest iPad with change left over!).
No matter how we crunch the numbers, if you want a Mac setup with a 27-inch display it is going to be significantly more expensive than buying a 27-inch iMac was.
Options for a setup with more than 24-inches
The current rumor mill indicates there is no pending replacement, so what options are there for people who want a desktop with a display larger than 24-inches?
Option 1 - from £3498
New Mac Studio with Studio Display
Order the sparkly new Mac Studio and a Studio Display from an eye watering £3498 🥺! For users looking to have 32GB memory or more, this jump in price over the iMac 27-inch will be a tough pill to swallow.
- New Mac Studio with 32GB memory, 512GB storage (entry level) - £1999
- Apple Studio (27-inch) with Tilt-adjustable stand - £1499
- Total: £3498 (not including Mouse/Keyboard!)
Option 2- from £2198
New M1 Mac mini with Studio Display
Great, it’s cheaper but with 8GB memory and 256GB SSD this will not be suitable for users who need a bit more room and grunt.
- New M1 Mac mini with 8GB memory, 256GB storage (entry level) - £699
- Apple Studio (27-inch) with Tilt-adjustable stand - £1499
- Total: £2198 (not including Mouse/Keyboard!)
Option 3 - from £2798
New M1 Mac mini with 1TB SSD and 16GB memory with Studio Display
As the Mac mini can take a maximum of 16GB memory this option may limit some pro users.
- New M1 Mac mini with 16GB memory, 1TB storage (entry level) - £1299
- Apple Studio (27-inch) with Tilt-adjustable stand - £1499
- Total: £2199 (not including Mouse/Keyboard!)
Option 4 - from £450
Refurbished 27-inch iMac from £825 or Mac mini with display from £450
Refurbished devices are a great way to lower the entry price with options to fit a range of budgets. We've shortlisted some potential options for you below. 👇
Note: Prices above were correct as of March 2022
Refurbished options for a setup with more than 24-inches
We have a number of 27-inch iMac and mac Mini options that offer a massive saving against new. Below i've shortlisted some options to give you an idea.
- Option A, is an entry level 27-inch 2020 iMac with a 6-core processor and SSD storage. These start from £1000 and are configurable with up to 128GB memory.
- Option B is for those looking for something more powerful, it's an upgraded 2019 27-inch iMac with an 8-Core i9 processor. These have 8GB GPU options and SSD storage making them well suited to professional use.
- Option C: Check out a refurbished M1 Mac mini, featuring an Apple Silicon processor. You could either use this with a display of your own or pair with a LG 27-inch 4K display for £379.99.
