Apple's forthcoming standalone displays are anticipated to arrive in 2026, as discussions around the company's display strategy intensify. The current limitation of the iMac, designed to only function as an all-in-one computer, has drawn criticism due to its inability to serve as an external monitor, a feature lost with the introduction of the 5K display in 2014.
Advancements in technology now allow modern Macs, such as the MacBook Pro, to support multiple high-resolution displays, including 8K and 6K options. Despite this capability, contemporary iMac models do not offer repurposing as external monitors, leading to concerns about wastefulness as the lifespan of displays often exceeds that of the computers they are integrated with.
To align with its environmental commitments, Apple is urged to reconsider its approach and reintroduce a display mode for its iMacs. The existing Studio Display, which uses an A13 Bionic chip, illustrates that such a feature is feasible. Implementing a modern version of Target Display Mode could enhance the utility of iMacs and reduce electronic waste.