What are the "pros and cons" of the iMac Pro? Is one right for me?

The iMac Pro has been discontinued, but this Q&A has been updated subsequently and can be quite helpful for anyone buying or selling one of these models on the used market.

Just like all other purchases, only you can decide if the iMac Pro is the right Mac for you, but you can evaluate objective pros and cons to see if your needs are met.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iMac Pro)

EveryMac.com also offers a detailed evaluation of the iMac Pro configurations as well as the differences between the non-Pro iMac and iMac Pro for those who appreciate a comprehensive evaluation, but for those just interested in the highlights, the following summary provides a quick read:

Pros:

• Powerful, particularly for high-end applications that can take full advantage of processors with multiple cores in addition to the graphics processor.
• Superfast internal SSD.
• Fast, upgradable RAM (although it is needlessly difficult to upgrade compared to the beautifully designed 27" non-Pro "Tapered Edge" iMac).
• Very quiet fans and high-quality speakers, which can be wonderful for audio production.
• Beautiful, high-quality "5K" display.
• Four "Thunderbolt 3" ports provide very fast external connectivity and multiple monitor support.
• Very fast Nbase-T (10-gigabit) Ethernet.
• Proper VESA support for mounting the system on a wall or articulating arm.
• T2 coprocessor can provide advanced security and encryption.
• Sleek design and attractive dark "Space Gray" color.

Cons:

• Expensive, but less so on the used market.
• No faster, even potentially slower, than non-Pro iMac models for many tasks, especially using software that only can take advantage of a single core.
• Largely limited to external expansion. RAM is needlessly difficult to upgrade, the SSD may be difficult or impossible to upgrade, and the video processor cannot be upgraded at all after system purchase.
• No support for additional internal storage or hard drives at all.
• No expansion slots.
• Fully laminated display means that the glass cover cannot be replaced separately from the LCD, adding both cost and complexity to repairs.
• T2 coprocessor and "Secure Boot" capability may make self-data recovery more difficult, particularly worrisome for a professional system. You never can have too many backups!
• SDXC card reader is awkwardly located and inconvenient to use.

So, is the iMac Pro for me?

Ultimately, when the iMac Pro was first introduced, it was quite expensive and best for true power users with high-end graphics, video, 3D, VR, and scientific software that could fully utilize multiple cores. For applications that only use one core, there may be little to no difference in performance between the iMac Pro and cheaper non-Pro iMac models from the same time and the iMac Pro would not be a good choice.

Additionally, because the iMac Pro represented an effectively all new design, for those who could not immediately put the performance to good use to make money (and time is money, after all), EveryMac.com originally opined that it would not be a bad idea to wait for subsequent iMac Pro models. However, Apple discontinued the iMac Pro entirely rather than releasing later versions. These days, the tower Mac Pro is a better choice for most power users.

Nevertheless, on the used market, the iMac Pro is less expensive than it once was and remains quite viable, particularly for those who do not need internal expansion.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iMac models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iMac Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iMac, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac will buy your older iMac with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a good selection of used and refurbished iMac Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

If you need to sell an iMac (Pro or otherwise), consider A+ BBB-rated site sponsor Cash for Your Mac. Cash for Your Mac provides an instant cash offer and free and insured FedEx shipping.