iMac Pro i7 4K | Unveiling Features, Lifespan, and Why It Was Discontinued 

Since its release, the iMac Pro i7 4K has garnered quite an attention because of its powerful features catered to professionals and creatives. However, there has been some ambiguity regarding its display capabilities and longevity, especially with the changes within Apple’s product ecosystem. We will address some of the most important queries like, “Does the iMac have a 4K display? Is the iMac 4K or 5K?” discuss the details surrounding the iMac Pro—its lifespan and its reasons for discontinuation—and also touch upon as to how much does an iMac Pro cost and does the 2017 iMac Pro offer 4K support?  

What Is iMac Pro i7 4K?  

iMac Pro i7 4K is a high-performance variant of Apple’s iconic iMac for professionals that need powerful processing capabilities such as video editing, 3D rendering, and even scientific research. The i7 processor in the iMac Pro, combined with its 4K display, provide significant performance boosts over regular iMac models while catering to users who demand high resolution for sharp visuals and enhances the overall workflow.

This model is more attractive for creative specialists dealing with video, design, or other media-intensive work, as it has powerful hardware and a 4K display. While some people might think the iMac Pro has a 4K display by default, one should remember that displays can differ based on the specific model year and configuration.  

Does the iMac Have a 4K Display?  

The iMac does have 4K displays, but all iMacs are not the same, so it is important to differentiate them first. Take the 21.5-inch iMac for instance; it has a 4K Retina display option. Shrink the iMac even further to the 27-inch model and it features a 5K Retina display. This is important because a 5K display has more pixels per inch which means it’s sharper and better for editing photos and videos.  

For customers requiring a 4K display, the 21.5-inch iMac is ideal, whereas other customers who want 5K can opt for larger iMacs.

Is the iMac 4K or 5K?

This answer relies on the model and specific configuration of the iMac. As mentioned, the 21.5-inch iMac has a 4K Retina display while the 27-inch iMac has a 5K Retina display. So, is the iMac 4K or 5K? Check the model size and display configuration you are considering before making a decision. If editing or gaming is your primary concern, the 5K display may be worth it for the additional investment, owing to the overall sharper image and detail.  

Is the iMac 2017 4K?  

With the iMac 2017, there were multiple variants, so it did have both 4K and 5K options. The 21.5-inch iMac came with a 4K Retina display and the 27-inch model came with a 5K Retina display. So, in this case, we can say the iMac 2017 did have both 4K and 5K options depending on which size you went for.  

So for the question “Is the iMac 2017 4K?” the answer would be yes, but only with the 21.5 inches variant. As for the 27 inch iMac 2017 version, it comes with a 5K display which makes the resolution even sharper.

What Led To The Discontinuation Of The iMac Pro?

The discontinuation of the iMac Pro by Apple in 2021 left a lot of users questioning as to why the model was ditched. The primary reason behind this seems to be the introduction of the Apple M1 iMac models that came out with newer features. The M1 versions provide Intel iMac Pro level performance and even surpass it in some areas because of the integrated SoC and chip architecture. Additionally, Apple ecosystem compatibility with M1 powered devices comes with the ease of use and energy savings, which makes the Intel iMac Pro economically and technologically an antiquated device.

Another aspect that added to the discontinuation of the iMac Pro was the lack of value it offered with outdated upgrade potential. After the launch of the iMacs with the M1 chip, Apple had more cost-effective, high-performance alternatives to the Intel-based iMac-pro, making it logical to discontinue the obsolete model.

How Old is iMac Pro?

The iMac Pro was announced in 2017, meaning that it is quite young in Apple’s eyes. However, within just a few years back, Apple decided to retire the iMac Pro in 2021 due to the rapid pace of technological advancement and the release of the M1 chips. Therefore, in 2025, the iMac Pro would be close to 8 years of age, a product that was revolutionary during its launch, but now seems outdated due to newer releases. 

How Long Should An iMac Pro Last?

An iMac Pro can be maintained for 8-10 years, which positions it as a powerful long-term asset for professionals in need of heavy computing. The high-performance hardware will allow the iMac Pro to manage demanding tasks long after its purchase. However, like all technology, it’s upkeep will determine how long it will last. Sooner or later, the ability to receive software updates will come to a halt as new Apple products get launched.

With adequate care, most users can expect to obtain five to seven years of optimal performance from an iMac Pro, with further improvements possible through supplemental investments in storage or RAM.

How Much is the Mac Pro?

The Mac Pro, which is entirely a different offering than the iMac Pro, is significantly more expensive because of its fully modular construction and enterprise-level features. The base model Mac Pro retails at approximately $5,999 USD, but this value can quickly rise due to other upgrades or configuration options. However, for customers who seek the best performance on the market, the Mac Pro provides an unrivaled experience – though for an exorbitant price.

Mac Pro may come at a higher expense than the iMac Pro, but its modularity lets users tailor the machine to their requirements. As a result, it is the preferred option among companies, creative workers, and top-tier software engineers looking for the latest and most powerful components.

What is the Lifespan of iMacs?

With regular usage of an iMac for office work, browsing, or light media consumption, the device has the potential to last beyond eight years. However for intensive uses such as 3D rendering, video editing, or gaming, the longevity may be shorter. This is particularly true for older models which do not support software updates, or can’t be modernized to meet current software requirements. Generally, the range is somewhere between 5 to 8 years. 

In addition, the lifespan of the iMac is a product of how well the device is maintained, or “taken care” of. Preventing overheating, keeping the system clean, and regularly backing up important data all help in prolonging the iMac’s lifespan.

Conclusion

Apple computers have long been seen as elitist within the tech world, though the launch of its iMac Pro i7 4K shifted some of that perspective. Other then being extremely stylistic, it offered unparalleled performance for professionals at a much lower price when compared to other products from Apple. Though discontinued in favor of the newer M1 powered iMacs, the Pro i7 4K remains useful for those seeking strong performance within an all-in-one machine.

If you’re wondering “Is the iMac 4K or 5K” or other questions about the iMac Pro, like its lifespan or price, features and specs always serve as the foundation. The iMac Pro i7 4K is still great for any existing owners, but for new consumers looking to buy, the newer iMacs that have Apple’s M1 chips seem to be the better choice for performance and durability.