Apple is supposedly turning to AMD to supply the processors for the rumored iMac 2017. Aside from this sudden shift, the other big news about Apple's highly anticipated desktop is that it might come with support for virtual reality.
iMac 2017 Switching From Intel to AMD
Initial reports said that the iMac 2017 will have the latest Kaby Lake processor. The rumor first emerged after benchmark tests of the latest Intel CPU showed up late last year. Since the release of Intel's 7th-generation Kaby Lake processor, iMac fans concluded that the supposed 2017 version of the desktop will sport the said CPU. However, if the new rumor is to be believed, the iMac 2017 will be switching to AMD. This new rumor coincides with the release of the latest AMD processors. The AMD Ryzen 7 chips are meant to challenge Intel's latest processors particularly the Core i5 and i7 CPUs.
Another version of the rumor stated that the iMac 2017 will indeed run on the latest Kaby Lake processor but will use AMD's graphics chips. Apple actually has a contract with AMD, which was agreed upon last October. The deal has AMD supplying graphic cards to Apple, particularly two under the Polaris line. The Radeon Polaris 10 and Polaris 11 are expected to be utilized in Apple's future desktops and laptops.
iMac 2017 with VR Capability
Apple is supposedly keen on augmented reality but this doesn't mean that it will entirely skip virtual reality. As a matter of fact, recent rumors signify that the iMac 2017 will have VR support. This rumor coincides with the one mentioned above that says the desktop will come with AMD's graphics chips. The Radeon Polaris graphic chips will allow VR programs to run on the iMac 2017.
The next iMac is expected to cost a little lower than one would expect from Apple. Rumor has it that Apple is looking at making the iMac 2017's price a bit more competitive against Microsoft Surface Studio which costs at least $2,999.
