Apple updates iMac with M6, Wi‑Fi 7, and new features

The new 24-inch iMac features a 2-nm M6 chip, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and faster SSD and Ethernet, while retaining the same display and camera. Prices start at $1,499, and sales begin November 6.

Apple updates iMac with M6 chip and Wi‑Fi 7

The iMac with an M6 processor is the latest generation of Apple’s all-in-one computer. The model retains the slim design and 24-inch display familiar from the first Apple Silicon iMac, introduced in 2021. The iMac has been part of the Mac family for nearly 30 years: the first model came out in 1998.

Apple calls the new model “the best all-in-one computer in the world.” The update is built around the M6, the company’s first chip manufactured using a 2-nanometer process. In August, Apple introduced this processor in the new Mac mini.

Performance and graphics

According to Apple, the M6 speeds up overall computer performance with the company’s fastest CPU core to date, a more powerful GPU, and increased memory bandwidth. The new dual 16-core Neural Engine delivers up to twice the AI compute performance of the previous generation. This should improve performance when working with AI models and large language models.

Faster graphics and AI computing can be useful for photo processing and video editing. Compared with the first iMac with an M1 chip, the new model delivers up to 3.3 times the graphics performance when editing images in Affinity. Compared with the iMac with M4, the performance increase reaches two times. The all-in-one skipped the M5 generation.

Data transfer and display connectivity

The new iMac supports Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Wired Ethernet, with speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps, is up to 2.5 times faster than on the previous model. Apple says this means faster transfers of large files, smoother playback of high-resolution video, and better performance in games and resource-intensive work.

According to Apple, the built-in SSD’s read and write speeds have increased by up to two times. The computer has up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports. You can connect up to two external 6K displays while using the built-in screen at the same time.

Display, camera, and sound

The display is unchanged: a 4.5K panel with brightness of up to 500 nits. The 12-megapixel Center Stage camera also remains. The sound system includes two force-canceling woofers and a pair of tweeters, with Dolby Atmos support.

“iMac is the best all-in-one computer in the world, and today it raises the bar once again,” said Shelly Goldberg, Apple’s vice president of hardware engineering.

According to Goldberg, the M6’s performance and AI capabilities will speed up a wide range of tasks, and the computer will get the next generation of Apple Intelligence with Siri AI. Goldberg also highlighted the 24-inch Retina display, the design and seven vibrant case colors, as well as macOS 27. In her words, the new model is designed for business, everyday tasks, and bringing ideas to life.

Configurations, price, and availability

The iMac with M6 will be available in blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow, green, and silver. Matching accessories are included.

The $1,499 base configuration has a 10-core CPU and GPU, 16 GB of unified memory, and 256 GB of storage. The version with a 12-core CPU and GPU starts at $1,699. When ordering, you can choose up to 32 GB of unified memory and an SSD of up to 2 TB. Nano-texture glass is available for an additional $200. You can also order the computer with a VESA mount adapter at no extra cost.

Preorders open October 28 at 1:10 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time (10:10 a.m. Pacific Time). Deliveries begin November 6.