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The short version

  • The new iMac models utilize M6 chips, marking a jump from the previous M4 generation and bypassing the anticipated M5 series entirely.
  • Base pricing remains at $1,499 for the entry-level configuration, though customers now face fees for adding Ethernet or switching to a Magic Trackpad.
  • Hardware changes are limited to internal silicon upgrades and improved wireless standards, with no alterations to the physical chassis or color options.

Apple has announced a significant update to its iMac lineup, introducing models powered by the new M6 chip. This release represents a notable deviation from the company’s typical annual refresh cycle, as it skips the M5 generation entirely. The previous overhaul occurred two years ago with the introduction of M4 silicon, making this jump to M6 technology a more substantial leap in processing power than consumers might expect from a standard yearly update. The announcement arrives ahead of Apple’s scheduled 'Pro and Tell' event later this week, signaling a strategic push to refresh its desktop offerings before focusing on professional-grade hardware.

The core of this update lies in the silicon itself. The M6 is Apple’s first chip manufactured using 2-nanometer technology, a milestone that promises greater efficiency and performance density. Central to this improvement is a dual 16-core Neural Engine designed to accelerate on-device artificial intelligence tasks. According to company data, the new iMac delivers up to five times faster AI performance compared to the M4 model it replaces. This focus on machine learning capabilities suggests Apple is positioning its consumer desktops to handle increasingly complex local AI workloads without relying solely on cloud-based processing.

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Pricing for the refreshed iMac remains consistent with the previous generation’s entry point. The base model, equipped with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, starts at $1,499. This is the same price consumers paid for the M4 iMac, which featured an 8-core CPU configuration. For users requiring more power, a higher-tier option with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU is available starting at $1,699. By maintaining the price floor while upgrading the core processor from an 8-core to a 10-core setup in the base model, Apple appears to be offering improved value for entry-level buyers, even as the overall hardware design remains largely static.

Beyond the internal silicon, the update includes modest improvements to connectivity. The new iMac features Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip, bringing Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support to the base model. Previously, these advanced wireless standards were reserved for higher-specification variants. Additionally, the Ethernet port has been upgraded from 1 gigabit to 2.5 gigabit speeds. However, this connectivity enhancement comes with a caveat: users who opt for the Wi-Fi-only configuration must pay a $30 premium to add the Ethernet capability, whereas it was previously included without extra charge in certain configurations.

The physical design of the iMac remains unchanged from the M4 generation. Apple has not introduced new color options or altered the form factor, instead reusing existing marketing imagery with updated screen content to reflect the new hardware. The port selection also carries over previous limitations. The base 10-core model includes only two Thunderbolt ports, while the upgraded 12-core version offers four. This continuity in design suggests that Apple is prioritizing internal performance gains and AI capabilities over external aesthetic or ergonomic changes for this cycle.

Configuration options have become more restrictive and costly compared to the previous generation. Customers who wish to pair their iMac with a Magic Trackpad instead of the standard Magic Mouse will now face an additional $50 fee, despite this swap being free on prior models. Furthermore, Apple has removed the ability to configure the M6 iMac with a Magic Keyboard that includes Touch ID but lacks a numeric keypad. This limitation persists even though promotional materials for the new iMac display such a keyboard, creating a discrepancy between marketing visuals and actual purchasing options.

Preorders for the updated iMac are set to begin on October 28 at 1:10 PM ET, with general availability following on November 6. The timing of this release positions the product as a key offering in the fall shopping season, leveraging the performance benefits of the M6 chip to attract users looking to upgrade from older Intel-based Macs or even earlier Apple Silicon models. The skip of the M5 generation may also serve to clear out inventory and create a clearer distinction between current and future hardware tiers.

While the M6 chip offers a compelling performance boost, particularly for AI-driven tasks, the overall refresh is characterized by incremental changes rather than a comprehensive redesign. The retention of the existing chassis, limited port expansion on base models, and new fees for accessories suggest a strategy focused on maximizing profit margins while delivering essential internal upgrades. For consumers, the decision to upgrade will likely hinge on the need for faster processing power and improved wireless connectivity, rather than any desire for a new aesthetic or expanded peripheral options.

The introduction of the M6 iMac sets the stage for Apple’s upcoming 'Pro and Tell' event, where further advancements in professional hardware are expected. By updating the consumer desktop line first, Apple ensures that its entire ecosystem benefits from the latest 2-nanometer technology. This move reinforces the company’s commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities across all product tiers, even as it maintains a conservative approach to physical design and accessory pricing structures.

As the tech industry continues to evolve around artificial intelligence, Apple’s decision to highlight on-device AI performance in this refresh underscores a broader shift in computing priorities. The M6 iMac may not offer dramatic visual changes, but its internal upgrades reflect the growing importance of local processing power for modern applications. Users seeking a reliable, all-in-one desktop with future-proofed silicon will find value in this update, despite the minor inconveniences introduced by new configuration fees and limited customization options.

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