Apple just announced a refreshed version of its colorful desktop computer.
The latest-gen iMac comes with the new M6 processor, which packs up to a 12-core CPU and up to a 12-core GPU, plus an upgraded Neural Accelerator.
A new chip brings more power to the colorful desktop
Apple claims the new M6 chip offers an 18X performance boost over popular Intel-based chips and a 1.5X speed boost for daily productivity tasks when compared with the company’s M4-powered iMac.
The Neural Engine, in particular, is getting a big bump to accelerate AI-related tasks. For this, Apple has opted for a dual 16-core Neural Engine that delivers a 5X improvement in on-device AI workflows. Compared to the M4, Apple claims the new Neural Engine not only enables faster LLM processing but also improves AI-first apps.
Although the design and display hardware remain identical, the connectivity suite gets a major boost. The new iMac adds support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, alongside a 2X faster SSD.
Four Thunderbolt 4 ports make room for dual 6K displays
Apple also expanded the I/O, arming its latest desktop with four Thunderbolt 4 ports that support up to two 6K external displays.
On the software side, the new iMac ships with macOS 27 out of the box. Video calling is still handled by a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, complete with Desk View.
The refreshed iMac comes in seven color options and starts at $1,499 in the US for the entry-level variant with a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU.
The more powerful variant with a 12-core CPU and a 12-core GPU starts at $1,699. Pre-orders go live on October 28th, and shipments are expected to begin on November 6th for buyers in the US and other markets.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M6 (10-core model: 10-core CPU with 2 super cores, 3 performance cores, 5 efficiency cores, 10-core GPU), Apple M6 (12-core model: 12-core CPU with 2 super cores, 4 performance cores, 6 efficiency cores, 12-core GPU), Neural Accelerators, Hardware-accelerated ray tracing, Dual 16-core Neural Engine, Up to 170 GB/s memory bandwidth |
| Memory | 16GB unified memory standard, Configurable to 24GB (10-core model), Configurable to 24GB or 32GB (12-core model) |
| Storage | 256GB SSD standard, Configurable to 512GB or 1TB (10-core model), Configurable to 512GB, 1TB or 2TB (12-core model) |
| Display | 24-inch 4.5K Retina display (actual diagonal 23.5 inches), 4480 × 2520 resolution at 218 ppi, 500 nits brightness, 1 billion colors, P3 wide color, True Tone, Nano-texture glass option (12-core model) |
| Camera | 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, 1080p HD video recording, Advanced image signal processor with computational video |
| Audio | High-fidelity six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers, Wide stereo sound, Spatial Audio support with Dolby Atmos, Studio-quality three-mic array |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 (10-core model), Four Thunderbolt 4 (12-core model), 3.5 mm headphone jack, Configurable 2.5Gb Ethernet |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread networking |
| External Displays | Supports one external display up to 6K at 60Hz or 4K at 165Hz (10-core model), Supports up to two external displays up to 6K at 60Hz / 4K at 165Hz or one up to 8K at 60Hz (12-core model) |
| Colors | Blue, Purple, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Green, Silver |
| Starting Price | $1,499 (10-core model), $1,699 (12-core model) (US) |
