Redesigned iMac with M1X chip will offer the "true pro levels of performance" that can be expected from the next-generation Apple Silicon

There’s been considerable discussion among leakers, tipsters, and content creators lately about what Apple has in store for 2021. One thing that seems to be generally agreed upon is the appearance of a redesigned iMac. Alleged renders of the Apple iMac 2021 have already been shared, showing the all-in-one desktop computer decked out in a range of colors, and there have consistently been rumors that there will be a large 30-inch model in the series. Unsurprisingly, a new iMac is going to be associated with new Apple Silicon, with some expecting the M1X to make a star turn in the next variant of the desktop device.

With the supposed 12-core Apple M1X offering no less than eight high-performance cores, so double the “Firestorm” cores of the M1, you can imagine any Mac computers featuring this SoC will require decent cooling solutions to deal with the thermal emissions caused by the increased power requirements and faster operations. While it has already been reported that the 2021 MacBook Pro 16 (and Pro 14) will have a redesigned cooling system, the form factor of the laptop will still restrict the M1X thus keeping high clocks to periodical boosts. However, it has been opined that the larger iMac (especially a 27-inch or 30-inch model) won’t be as limited and will therefore sustain the “true pro levels of performance” of the next-generation Apple Silicon for longer durations.

It has even been suggested that the thermal capabilities of the larger 2021 iMac devices will allow Apple to fit them with an M-series chip with “a couple more CPU cores”, so it might not just be a 12-core M1X that is possibly unveiled this year. Luke Miani has offered up a handy tier system organized by a device’s thermal management capabilities (see embedded tweet below). As can be seen, the 27-inch and 30-inch iMacs are currently the only systems in tier 3, indicating they are the Apple devices that can offer sufficient thermal headroom to allow the M1X SoC to reach its full potential. Those pining over the loss of the iMac Pro will soon forget the discontinued workstation once a 30-inch M1X iMac hits the shelves.

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