The all-in-one 24-inch iMac with the Apple M1 chip is one of the few Apple computers that has not been upgraded to the latest M-series chips. We have heard rumors about the next iMac for some time, and it is highly likely that Apple will eventually upgrade this particular Mac. However, if the new rumors are accurate, the next iMac will receive an update.

According to Japanese Apple blog MacOtakara (via 9to5Mac), more powerful configurations of the existing M1 iMac have been delayed in shipping. 9to5Mac is well-sourced when it comes to hardware rumors, the blog says these delayed shipments could suggest that Apple is gearing up for a hardware refresh.

Here's where it gets interesting: according to MacOtakara, Apple is upgrading the iMac with the Apple M2 and Apple M2 Pro models.

This hardware update would have made sense a year ago when the Apple M2 chip debuted, or earlier this year when the M2 Pro and Apple M2 Max chips were introduced. However, some reports suggest that the Apple M3 processor could be available as early as the first half of 2024. If all of these rumors are true, the M2 iMac would be more powerful than its M1-equipped predecessor, but with an older processor by the time a Mac with an M3 chip is released.

To be fair, none of what we have reported above has been substantiated and is best taken with skepticism. It should also be noted that shipping delays do not necessarily indicate that a hardware refresh is imminent; as 9to5Mac points out, the current MacBook Pro 14-inch and MacBook Pro 16-inch are facing delays.

It is unclear when Apple plans to update the iMac or which processor it will ship with; the M2 and M2 Pro chips are powerful enough, but given the aging of the (still powerful) M1 chip, it makes more sense to release an M3 iMac It makes more sense to release the M3 iMac, given the aging of the (still powerful) M1 chip. But again, none of this is an official announcement yet, so it is best to wait and see until Apple makes a clear announcement.