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iMac (Apple silicon)

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iMac (Apple silicon)
iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021) in orange
DeveloperApple Inc.
TypeAll-in-one
Release dateMay 21, 2021
System on a chipApple M-series
PredecessoriMac (Intel-based)
RelatedMac Mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro

The iMac with Apple silicon is a line of all-in-one desktop Macs made by Apple Inc. since 2021. The first major redesign of the iMac line since 2012, the case and internals were redesigned to use Apple's custom processors, starting with the M1 system on a chip. The Apple silicon iMac features a 24-inch screen in a thin aluminum enclosure, elevated off the resting surface by a foot, and comes in seven colors.

Apple started shipping the first Apple silicon iMacs on May 21, 2021. The line was revised in 2023 to use the Apple M3 chip, and in 2024 to use the Apple M4. Reception to the iMac has generally been positive; critics highlighted the design, ease of use, and portability as positive features, while the lack of ports and height adjustment, cost, and lack of a larger screen size were common criticisms.

Overview

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The Apple silicon iMac is an all-in-one personal computer, with the computer components integrated into an enclosure with the display. The Apple silicon iMac is the first major redesign to the line since 2012. In lieu of the two previous size options—21.5 inches (55 cm) and 27 inches (69 cm)—the Apple silicon iMac comes in a single 23.5-inch (60 cm) (rounded to 24-inch) display size.[1][2] The computer is flat-backed and 0.45 inches (11 mm) thick, with half the volume and roughly 30 percent smaller footprint than the 21.5-inch iMac. As it does not fit in the shrunken enclosure, the power supply is located externally and connects magnetically to the computer.[2][3] The display tilts on a hinge attached to its non-removable metal foot; there is no way to adjust the display's height. A VESA mounting option is configurable at purchase.[4][5] USB ports are located on the back of the machine, while the headphone jack and Gigabit Ethernet port, due to their size being thicker than the case thickness, are located elsewhere—the Ethernet port on the power supply, and the 3.5-mm audio jack on the left edge of the iMac.[2][4][6]

The screen is a Retina display, with a resolution of 4480 x 2520 pixels.[7] It is surrounded by white bezels shrunk by roughly half compared to its predecessor.[1][2] The majority of the computer components are found in a small chin below the display.[2] The computer comes in seven colors—silver, blue, green, pink, yellow, orange, and purple—in a two-tone finish, with a lighter pastel tint on the front of the computer, and a darker shade on the back.[1][2] The included peripherals and power cords are color-matched to the finish, as are the macOS operating software accent color and wallpaper.[6] Above the display is a 1080p-resolution webcam, with image signal processing performed by the Apple silicon. The iMac captures audio through an array of three microphones, and outputs sound through a six-speaker system that supports Dolby Atmos.[8]

The iMac comes in two different models. The cheaper models come with two Thunderbolt/USB4 ports next to the power button at the back edge of the computer,[9] and lack Gigabit Ethernet as standard. They also have lower-specced chips with fewer graphics processing unit (GPU) cores. The more expensive models add two USB-C ports, come with Gigabit Ethernet, have higher configurable storage options, and have keyboards with Touch ID authentication. In early revisions, some colors were also exclusive to certain models.[7][8][10] The memory and storage are soldered and not upgradeable, while other parts such as the speakers, ports, and webcam and modular and can be replaced if defective.[11]

Release

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On June 22, 2020, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the Mac would transition from Intel processors to Apple-designed processors that use the ARM64 architecture, branded as Apple silicon. Apple announced a 24-inch iMac based on the Apple M1 system on a chip on April 20, 2021.[12] It was the first iMac available in multiple colors since the iMac G3, with Apple marketing manager Colleen Novielli saying the choice was made to make the new iMacs feel "light and optimistic"; CNET attributed the shift in part as a move away from minimalism and a return to nostalgia amid the work-from-home movement during the COVID-19 lockdowns.[13] Apple also suggested the variety of colors helped the machine feel at home in more settings, whereas the previous silver iMacs were found in offices.[14] Former Apple designer Jony Ive contributed to its development.[15]

The initial M1 iMacs featured 8-core processors with either 7 or 8 GPU cores, 256 GB solid-state drives, and 8 GB of random access memory, configurable up to 2 TB of storage and 16 GB of memory.[7] The iMacs shipped with a Magic Mouse 2 or Magic Trackpad 2 with a color-matching aluminum underside. It could be configured with one of three updated Magic Keyboards with rounded corners: a standard version, a version with a Touch ID sensor, and an extended layout version with a numeric keypad and Touch ID. The Magic Keyboards with Touch ID are compatible with other Mac computers with Apple silicon but initially only shipped with the iMac.[16]

Apple announced updated iMac models on October 30, 2023. These models featured the Apple M3 chip with 8 CPU cores and up to 10 GPU cores, faster Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and up to 24 GB of memory.[17] The M3 chip adds support for improved graphics features, such as raytracing in hardware.[18] The design, pricing, and other features remained identical.[5] The line was revised again on October 28, 2024, with the Apple M4 chip. The M4 models feature modified colors, 16 GB memory as standard, an improved webcam that supports Center Stage, support two external displays, and come bundled with USB-C peripherals.[10][19]

Reception

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The Apple silicon iMac received generally positive reviews from critics. Ars Technica's Samuel Axon and PCMag's Joe Osborne considered the iMac a return to the product line's roots as a simple computer for consumers.[2][20] Reviewing the M1 model, PCMag's Tom Brant suggested the new iMac could define the next decades of desktop computing.[14] Reviews often highlighted its role as an approachable computer for families.[21][22] The reduced weight and size of the iMac made it easy to transport, with Jason Snell saying that while no one would use the iMac as a laptop it was far more mobile than its predecessor.[6] In contrast Dan Seifert, writing for The Verge, questioned whether a "a simple all-in-one desktop computer is something most people want or need at this point."[5]

The colorful redesign was generally praised as stylish and well-considered,[8][18][22] with TechRadar's Matt Hanson wrote that the "bold and modern" redesign had successfully refreshed a product that had become outdated.[23] Some reviewers felt that the white bezels were a step down from the black of its predecessors,[2][6][22][24] or that the bold look and bright colors were not for everyone.[25] Katie Collins from CNET said the design was a statement piece that served as a "symbol of hope" while working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic; and also considered this to be part of an anti-minimalism trend, an end to "austerity" in product design.[13] Technology blogger John Gruber predicted its design would stand the test of time.[26] Some reviews likened the design to a large iPad on a stand.[11][27] Some reviews lamented the bulky external power brick, while others appreciated the addition of ethernet on the brick allowed for reduced desktop clutter.[6][4][14] Other points of praise were the improved webcam, speakers, and microphones.[4][6][14][21]

The iMac's speed was positively noted,[28][29] with Engadget testing finding the machine's responsiveness waking from sleep mode or starting up welcome,[21] and Monica Chin noting the iMac achieved higher single-core Geekbench performance scores than any previous iMac, including the iMac Pro.[8] Benchmarks and testing found the Apple silicon iMacs performed similarly to other Apple computers with the same chip.[14][24] The main weakness of the machines was noted as its graphics capabilities,[5][9][30] though some reviews of the M3 models were surprised by its games performance.[28][29] Tom's Guide and Digital Trends found the entry-level iMac disappointingly limited, and the added costs to add Touch ID unreasonable.[4][25] PCMag, USA Today and others felt the machine quickly became pricey for the specs, as a similarly-performing Mac mini could be had for half the price.[14][21][28][30]

Reviews found the iMac's display bright and clear,[14][21][29] although in bright environments the glossy screen could cause glare.[28][31] Wired and others criticized the removal of the larger 27-inch screen size, finding the smaller screen occasionally cramped.[32][5] The continued lack of height adjustment on the display was faulted.[9][21][22][25] Other complaints included the paltry number of ports and their placement,[4][14][29] and the low amount of starting memory and storage in the entry-level machines.[22]

The Apple Silicon iMacs pivoted the line back to a consumer focus, and away from enthusiast and professional use cases, a role it had grown into during the Intel-powered iMac era alongside stagnation of Apple's Mac Pro lineup in the 2010s.[33] Snell found that the entry-level processor kept the iMac from being a choice for users who needed more power,[6] and some critics wished for a higher-end and larger "iMac Pro".[5][25][30]

Specifications

[edit]
Model 24-inch, 2021, Two Ports[34] 24-inch, 2021, Four Ports[34] 24-inch, 2023, Two Ports[35] 24-inch, 2023, Four Ports[36] 24-inch, 2024, Two Ports[37] 24-inch, 2024, Four Ports[38]
Release date April 20, 2021 October 30, 2023 October 28, 2024
Display 24-inch 4.5K Retina display 4480 × 2520 resolution at 218 pixels per inch with support for 1 billion colors (P3 color gamut)
500 nits brightness with True Tone technology
Chip 8-core Apple M1 chip
7-core GPU
16-core Neural Engine 		8-core Apple M1 chip
8-core GPU
16-core Neural Engine 		8-core Apple M3 chip
8-core GPU
16-core Neural Engine 		8-core Apple M3 chip
10-core GPU
16-core Neural Engine 		8-core Apple M4 chip
8-core GPU
16-core Neural Engine 		10-core Apple M4 chip
10-core GPU
16-core Neural Engine
Memory 8 GB unified memory
Configurable to 16 GB 		8 GB unified memory
Configurable to 24 GB 		16 GB unified memory
Configurable to 24 or 32 GB
Storage 256 GB or 512 GB
Configurable to 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB
Camera 1080p FaceTime HD 1080p FaceTime HD with 12MP camera supporting Center Stage
Wireless Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
Bluetooth 5.0 		Wi-Fi 6E (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
Bluetooth 5.3
Connectivity 2 x Thunderbolt 3/USB4 USB-C ports (up to 40 Gbit/s)
3.5 mm headphone jack 		2 x Thunderbolt 3/USB4 USB-C ports (up to to 40 Gbit/s)
2 x USB-C ports (up to 10 Gbit/s)
3.5 mm headphone jack
Gigabit Ethernet 		2 x Thunderbolt 3/USB4 USB-C ports (up to to 40 Gbit/s)
3.5 mm headphone jack 		2 x Thunderbolt 3/USB4 USB-C ports (up to to 40 Gbit/s)
2 x USB-C ports (up to 10Gb/s)
3.5 mm headphone jack
Gigabit Ethernet 		2 x Thunderbolt 4/USB4 USB-C ports (up to to 40 Gbit/s)
3.5 mm headphone jack 		4 x Thunderbolt 4/USB4 USB-C ports (up to to 40 Gbit/s)
3.5 mm headphone jack
Gigabit Ethernet
Input Magic Keyboard & Magic Mouse
Configurable with Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad, and Magic Trackpad
Power 143 W power adapter
Dimensions 18.1 in (46 cm) x 21.5 in (55 cm) x 5.8 in (15 cm)
Weight 9.83 pounds (4.46 kg) 9.88 pounds (4.48 kg) 9.75 pounds (4.42 kg) 9.87 pounds (4.48 kg) 9.74 pounds (4.42 kg) 9.79 pounds (4.44 kg)
Greenhouse gas emissions 481 kg CO2e[39] 486 kg CO2e[39] 359 kg CO2e[40] 389 kg CO2e[40] 346 kg CO2e[41] 391 kg CO2e[41]
Colors
   
   
Silver
   
   
Blue
   
   
Green
   
   
Pink
   
   
Silver
   
   
Blue
   
   
Green
   
   
Pink
   
   
Yellow
   
   
Orange
   
   
Purple
   
   
Silver
   
   
Blue
   
   
Green
   
   
Pink
   
   
Silver
   
   
Blue
   
   
Green
   
   
Pink
   
   
Yellow
   
   
Orange
   
   
Purple
   
   
Silver
   
   
Blue
   
   
Green
   
   
Pink
   
   
Yellow
   
   
Orange
   
   
Purple

Software and operating systems

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The macOS operating system has been pre-installed on all Apple silicon iMac computers since release, starting with version macOS Big Sur, which is the first release of macOS that can run on Apple Silicon Macs.

Supported macOS releases
OS release M1, 2021 M3, 2023 M4, 2024
11 Big Sur 11.3 — —
12 Monterey Yes — —
13 Ventura Yes 13.5 —
14 Sonoma Yes Yes —
15 Sequoia Yes Yes 15.1

Timeline of iMac models

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Timeline of iMac and eMac models (sorted by screen sizes)
Mac StudioApple WatchiPadiPhoneMacBookMac MiniPower Mac G5iPodPower Mac G4 CubeiBookPower Macintosh G3iMac (Apple silicon)iMac (Apple silicon)iMac (Apple silicon)iMac ProiMac (Intel-based)iMac (Intel-based)iMac (Intel-based)iMac (Intel-based)iMac (Intel-based)iMac (Intel-based)iMac (Intel-based)iMac (Intel-based)iMac (Intel-based)iMac (Intel-based)iMac (Intel-based)iMac G5iMac G5iMac G4iMac G3#2nd generation: Slot-loadingiMac G4eMaciMac G4iMac G3
See also: List of Mac models

References

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  1. ^ a b c Ackerman, Dan (April 21, 2021). "Apple's new iMac proves it's an M1 world, and we just live in it". CNET. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Axon, Samuel (June 6, 2021). "24-inch iMac review: There's still no step three". Ars Technica. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  3. ^ Kastrenakes, Jacob (April 20, 2021). "Apple announces thinner iMac with M1 chip and bright colors". The Verge. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Wawro, Alex (October 5, 2023). "Apple iMac 2021 review (24-inch)". Tom's Guide. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Seifert, Dan (November 8, 2023). "The iMac Has Become a Computer in Search of a Purpose". The Verge. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g Snell, Jason (May 18, 2021). "24-inch M1 iMac review: She's a rainbow". Six Colors. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Casserly, Martyn (December 7, 2023). "M1 vs M3 iMac: What is the difference?". Macworld. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d Chin, Monica (May 18, 2021). "Apple iMac M1 review: the all-in-one for almost everyone". The Verge. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c Gibbs, Samuel (May 18, 2021). "Apple 24in iMac M1 review: faster, bigger screen and brilliant bold colours". The Guardian. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Cunningham, Andrew (October 28, 2024). "Apple's $1,299 M4 iMac at long last bumps the base model to 16GB of RAM". Ars Technica. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Porter, Jon (2021-05-25). "See inside Apple's colorful new M1 iMac, thanks to iFixit's latest teardown". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
  12. ^ "iMac features all-new design in vibrant colors, M1 chip, and 4.5K Retina display". Apple Newsroom. Archived from the original on 2021-04-20. Retrieved 2021-04-20.
  13. ^ a b Collins, Katie (April 24, 2021). "How Apple's new iMacs color-matched today's home fashion trends". CNET. Archived from the original on 2021-05-01. Retrieved 2021-05-01.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h Brant, Tom (May 18, 2021). "Apple iMac 24-Inch Review". PCMag. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  15. ^ White, Jeremy. "The 2021 iMac is a great family computer, thanks to Jony Ive (again)". Wired UK. ISSN 1357-0978. Archived from the original on 2022-04-07. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
  16. ^ "Magic Keyboard With Touch ID Compatible With All M1 Macs, But Only Sold With iMac For Now". MacRumors. 20 April 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-04-20. Retrieved 2021-04-21.
  17. ^ Song, Victoria (October 31, 2023). "Apple announces a speedier M3 iMac". The Verge. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  18. ^ a b Anzar, Khalid (December 18, 2023). "Apple iMac M3 Review: Pricey, but a Worthy All-in-One with Good Performance". Business Standard. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  19. ^ Haslam, Karen (October 28, 2024). "M4 iMac updated: Everything you need to know". Macworld. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  20. ^ Osborne, Joe (November 6, 2023). "Apple iMac 24-Inch (2023, M3) Review". PCMag. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  21. ^ a b c d e f Hardawar, Devindra (May 18, 2021). "Apple iMac M1 review: The ideal portable desktop". Engadget. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  22. ^ a b c d e Goldman, Joshua (November 6, 2023). "Apple iMac M3 (2023) Review: Everything You Could Want in an All-in-One". CNET. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  23. ^ Hanson, Matt (May 19, 2021). "iMac (24-inch, 2021) review". TechRadar. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  24. ^ a b Loyola, Roman (June 1, 2021). "24-inch iMac review: Cutting-edge in full color". Macworld. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  25. ^ a b c d Larsen, Luke (November 7, 2023). "Apple iMac (M3) review: When enough is enough". Digital Trends. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  26. ^ Gruber, John (May 18, 2021). "The 24-Inch M1 iMac". Daring Fireball. Archived from the original on 2023-01-25. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  27. ^ Ackerman, Dan (April 22, 2021). "24-inch iMac vs. 12.9-inch iPad Pro: Here's what $1,499 buys for each". CNET. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  28. ^ a b c d Stoylar, Brenda (November 10, 2023). "Review: Apple iMac (M3, 24-inch)". Wired. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  29. ^ a b c d Andronico, Mike (November 7, 2023). "The M3 iMac makes Apple's gorgeous all-in-one much more powerful". CNN. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  30. ^ a b c Ramirez, Adrien (November 27, 2023). "Apple's iMac M3 Has the iMac M1's Strengths Yet Doesn't Stand Out Among All-in-One PCs". USA Today. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  31. ^ Loyola, Roman (November 7, 2023). "iMac M3 review: Apple's iconic all-in-one gets a shot in the arm". Macworld. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  32. ^ Chokkattu, Julian (May 21, 2021). "Review: Apple iMac (24-Inch, 2021)". Wired. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  33. ^ Cunningham, Andrew (November 7, 2024). "Thoughts on the M4 iMac, and making peace with the death of the 27-inch model". Ars Technica. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  34. ^ a b "iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021) - Technical Specifications". Apple Support. 2023-08-21. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  35. ^ "iMac (24-inch, 2023, Two ports) - Technical Specifications". Apple Support. 2023-11-28. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  36. ^ "iMac (24-inch, 2023, Four ports) - Technical Specifications". Apple Support. 2023-11-28. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  37. ^ "iMac (24-inch, 2024, Two ports) - Technical Specifications". Apple Support. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  38. ^ "iMac (24-inch, 2024, Four ports) - Technical Specifications". Apple Support. 2023-11-28. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  39. ^ a b "Product Environmental Report 24-inch iMac with M1 Chip" (PDF). Apple. April 20, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
  40. ^ a b "Product Environmental Report 24-inch iMac with M3 Chip" (PDF). Apple. October 30, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
  41. ^ a b "Product Environmental Report 24-inch iMac with M4 Chip" (PDF). Apple. October 28, 2024. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
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