Apple may reveal an iMac with a ProMotion display in 2026. While nothing has been confirmed, reports suggest that the company might be testing high-refresh-rate displays for its next all-in-one desktop. Here’s a closer look at what the rumors are saying.
ProMotion is Apple’s marketing term for a high refresh rate monitor. As of publication, that means up to 120Hz.
When Could the ProMotion Display iMac Be Released?
With little to base our estimate on, we don’t expect to see a ProMotion iMac until at least 2026.
Here’s why the rumors are growing:
- According to analyst Ross Young, this iMac will have a variable refresh rate of 24Hz–120Hz and mini-LED backlighting.
Is Apple Even Considering the Release of Any Kind of iMac?
New iMacs are always expected, largely because Apple has a consistent history of refreshing the lineup every few years. This pattern has continued with recent updates like the M1 iMac in 2021, followed by the M3 model in 2023, and the M4 iMac in 2024. These regular updates suggest that the company is invested in keeping the iMac relevant.
While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed a new model yet, the expectation of updated hardware and design tweaks never really goes away. Given its steady cadence and pace of chip development, it’s almost guaranteed that Apple is developing a new iMac; we’re just not sure if or when it will have a ProMotion display.
Our Thoughts on Potential ProMotion Display iMac Features
The major news here is that the iMac will have ProMotion tech. First introduced in the iPad Pro in 2017, and then in later products like the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro, here’s how Apple describes it:
…a new technology that delivers refresh rates of up to 120Hz for fluid scrolling, greater responsiveness and smoother motion content.
If you’re not familiar, a dynamic refresh rate means that the display refresh rate can change on the fly, allowing for better power management and smoother display motion.
Here’s what else we could see:
- Mini-LED backlighting: Alongside ProMotion, the iMac may include mini-LED backlighting for improved brightness and contrast.
- M4 Pro/Max chip options: Following the M4 iMac from late 2024, this model could be configurable with either the M4 Pro or M4 Max chips to give users higher performance tiers to choose from.
- Slim, black bezels: Concept designs suggest a sleek look with thinner, black bezels for a more modern appearance.
- Face ID: Apple may introduce Face ID to this iMac, a feature initially planned for an earlier redesign but possibly arriving in this model.
- Color variation by model: Color options will probably vary depending on how Apple presents the iMac. If it’s simply an upgraded version of the 24-inch iMac, we’ll see similar colors. However, if it’s called the iMac Pro, we’ll probably see “Pro-level” colors, like gray and silver.
