July 17, 2026, 9:30 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The legendary iMac G3 might soon make a comeback, but not as a computer–as a Lego set. A fan-developed replica of the iconic Apple computer has cleared the next major hurdle in the Lego Ideas program, giving it a good chance of becoming the next nostalgia favorite.
The design comes from Lego Ideas user “terauma” and replicates the Apple iMac G3 from 1998. Like the original, the model features the characteristic transparent Bondi Blue casing. It also includes a keyboard, cables, and the infamous round “hockey puck” mouse. The set consists of nearly 700 pieces. Even the computer’s interior, with its CRT and motherboard, has been recreated.
Between Hope and Waiting
As early as September 2025, the project reached 10,000 supporters, qualifying it for official review by Lego. In the results of the corresponding review round published on July 14, 2026, Lego neither accepted nor rejected the design. Instead, it was moved to the so-called Parking Lot.
This means Lego sees potential but needs more time to make a decision. For fans, this is generally good news. However, the model is still far from official approval. Lego now has three review phases to decide the model’s future.
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Apple Has the Final Say
The biggest hurdle is likely not the model itself but Apple. For an official set, Lego would need to license trademark and design rights. Whether there are already discussions between the two companies is unknown.
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The iMac G3 is considered one of the most important computers in Apple’s history. Its transparent, colorful casing made it a design icon and played a significant role in Apple’s comeback under Steve Jobs.
What Is the Lego Ideas Program?
For Lego fans who want to bring their own creations to the masses, the Lego Ideas program is the first stop. The community decides with their votes which projects have the potential for official release. Once an idea reaches 10,000 supporters, Lego reviews it in a multi-stage evaluation phase. The company examines market potential, feasibility as a kit, and legal and licensing issues. If a project passes the review successfully, Lego releases it as a regular set.
For many fans, Lego Ideas is the most realistic way to bring unusual or niche themes to the shelves as official sets. In recent years, Lego has brought numerous models to market this way that might never have been created otherwise. At the same time, only a few designs make it from submission to release. Even projects with tens of thousands of supporters can still fail if Lego has doubts about economic feasibility or if necessary licenses are missing.