Apple launches iMac powered by M6 chip

The new iMac’s design has barely changed. However, Apple has boosted the all-in-one’s performance, expanded its AI capabilities and improved wireless connectivity.

Display and design

The all-in-one retains the previous 24-inch Retina IPS display with 4.5K resolution (4480 × 2520 pixels), a 60 Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 500 nits. The screen is still surrounded by wide white bezels, with a large metal chin below it. The main new feature is the option to order the display with nano-texture glass, which reduces glare and reflections in bright ambient light.

The computer is still available in seven colors. It also features a 12-megapixel camera with Center Stage support for video calls.

Processor

The iMac is powered by the M6 chip, with configurations offering up to 12 CPU cores and 12 GPU cores. By comparison, the previous generation, powered by M4, had a maximum of 10 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores. Apple says graphics performance is up to twice that of the M4 iMac.

The new Neural Engine speeds up AI tasks, while memory bandwidth reaches 170 GB/s. Performance can be up to five times higher for some AI tasks performed directly on the device.

Wi-Fi 7 and a faster SSD

The iMac supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. According to Apple, SSD read and write speeds have doubled compared with the previous model. The higher-end configuration includes four Thunderbolt 4 ports and supports connecting up to two external displays with 6K resolution.

Release date and price

Preorders for the new iMac open on October 28, with sales starting November 6. The base model, with 10-core CPU and GPU, costs $1499, while the configuration with 12-core CPU and GPU starts at $1699.

Prices in Europe vary by country. For example, the new iMac starts at €1799 in Germany and Austria, and at €1899 in Finland.