Next iMac hardware update?

Hi guys, I was wondering if you guys have any predictions on WHEN or WHAT the next hardware upgrade for iMac is.

Please search before posting. This has been discussed more than once in the last few months.
Read this thread, as it will answer you question. http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/apple-desktops/232222-new-imac-2011-a.html

Actually I saw that thread.

I was more interested in knowing WHAT the next exterior upgrade for the iMac would be.

When they upgraded the iMac to all aluminum, it was a big deal. And judging by the timeline, they did a big upgrade with a new exterior body about every 4 years. It's been about 4 years now since the Aluminum body, hasn't it? I was wondering if Apple will keep up that trend or not? I honestly don't see how Apple will improve the exterior from the current aluminum body though.

I think, look at the front of the iPhone for and imagine that as the front of an iMac. I think that's where it'll go next. All black, all glass.

iMac

I don't think they will change the design, but they will probably upgrade to the new sandy bridge processor. Apple will refresh the iMac line this summer, maybe July or August.

No one is able to tell you for certain when new models are coming out until Apple actually announces a date. However, there are some sites that try to guess based on previous hardware refreshes.

A great one is the Macrumors Buying Guide:
Mac Buyer's Guide: Know When to Buy Your Mac, iPod or iPhone

The best rule of thumb is if you need a new computer and the current models meet your needs go for it. If you're not in a rush and choose to wait for the next refresh, you can do that. Either choice is ultimately up to you.

There will always be the next new version, so waiting indefinitely is often not worth it.

Interesting to see on the Macrumors Buying Guide that the Mac Pros were last updated at the same time as iMacs, and while iMacs are past their average refresh period, for Mac Pros the average hasn't been reached yet.

Reckon Apple will update them both at the same time again, but I think it will be before July or August.

The Mac Pro is top of the line and geared more toward the professional and as such is not refreshed as often as other Macs.

An iMac refresh may be forthcoming within the next couple of months, however, I don't expect we'll see the same for the Pro for awhile. Of course I could be wrong about that...

Ah, OK.

An iMac refresh may be forthcoming within the next couple of months

Click to expand...

A couple of months feels like a loooong time!

Just saw this today:

Potential iMac Update to Sandy Bridge and Thunderbolt in 4-6 Weeks? - Mac Rumors

-MikeM

imac won't get an external design change, apple just introduced that design late '09.