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iMac 2017 release date, news, specs rumors: New Apple desktop to be released early 2017?

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

During the last October 26 Apple Event, many tech followers expected that the Cupertino-based tech giant would finally unveil the next iteration of the iMac desktop computer. However, the said hardware event only focused on the new versions of the MacBook laptops, leaving dozens of iMac followers disappointed. However, according to the latest rumors, the new iMac will be released early next year instead.

As reported by Game N Guide, the current iMac version in the market was first released almost two years ago. This is why many people believe that the release of a new iMac desktop is long overdue. Apple has not yet confirmed that the iMac 2017 is indeed coming, although the speculations are rife that the company will refresh the product early next year. The timing of the iMac 2017's release is actually interesting as it will coincide with the company's celebration of the iPhone's tenth anniversary.

Some reports suggest that the new iMac could have been released a few months earlier. However, there were some issues that prevent the earlier unveiling of the iMac 2017. The online publication stated that the delayed release of Intel's next generation of processor, the Kaby Lake chipset, is among the possible reasons of the new iMac's later unveiling. However, it is also possible that Apple will stick to the current generation Intel Skylake chipset.

Mobile N Apps cited that the iMac 2017 will feature a touch-sensitive OLED screen display with virtual reality (VR) capabilities. It is also expected to include new USB Type C Thunderbolt 3 ports for faster data transfer.

PC Games reported that Apple might present the iMac 2017 to the public as early as January 2017. It is possible that Apple will be among the participants of the Consumers Electronics Show (CES) 2017 in Las Vegas next year, and the company will use the event to showcase their latest desktop computer.