iMac 2017 release date, specs & features news: Apple considers Intel Xeon as the next iMac processors

Jessica Ferrera Tuesday, November 29, 2016

In a sudden turn of events, Apple is reportedly considering its options of what processing chip to use for its next iMac line and is recently reported weighing in on using Intel Xeon.

The next set of iMacs has been expected to be revealed this year. However, Apple already held three events each last March, September and October and iMacs were consistently a no-show and no-mention in the said events.

A man inspects an Apple iMac at an electronics store in Mumbai, India, July 23, 2015. | Reuters/Danish Siddiqui

Reports suggest that Apple is taking its time before it announces or releases the new iMacs to the market because it prefers for it to be powered by Intel's Kaby Lake processors, which are expected to complete shipping before the year ends.

However, IB Times reports that there are newer rumors that suggest Apple is considering to use Intel Xeon instead of Kaby Lakes. Xeon processors have been a common processing chip for high-end workstations and servers.

The same report also noted the Intel Xeon has the ability to support error-correcting code memory. This feature paves way for an extremely enhanced computing performance.

Other reports maintain that Apple will still proceed to use the Intel Kaby Lakes. It is supported by some info leaks spotted previously such as the one that involves Best Buy's online store.

However, with the current page on the calendar, it looks like iMac fans have no choice but to anticipate the iMac release for another year. Breathecast noted that even if Kaby Lakes have been shipped out to manufacturers, its commercial release will not happen until 2017.

Reports suggest that iMac 2017 will definitely get hefty upgrades. Apple is expected to release a high-end 27-inch variant that has a 5K display feature with virtual reality (VR) support and will also feature the recently introduced organic light-emitting diode (OLED) Touch Bar. The Touch Bar was recently introduced to the newest line of MacBook Pro. It is an interchangeable function panel and a touchscreen that replaces the physical function keys. Its functions can be customized.