During its virtual event today, Apple introduced a new iMac powered by the Apple M1 chipset, expanding the number of Apple Silicon-based products in its lineup. In addition to changing the specs, the new model comes with an all-new design, with more colors, a slimmer chassis, and smaller bezels.
The new iMac comes with a 24-inch panel thanks to the slimmer bezels, and the side profile of the device itself has also been made much thinner. Apple says it could significantly reduce the size of the logic board thanks to the switch to the M1 chipset, which has many system components built into it, and so the chassis is 50% smaller than its predecessor. That display is also a 4.5K Retina panel and it supports TrueTone so it adjusts the color balance to your environment.
The new iMac also comes in an array of vibrant colors, which is a significant departure from Apple"s usual approach of making pretty neutral colors for its PCs.
Apple has also improved the camera and microphone on the iMac. It now comes with a 1080p FaceTime camera, and it has improved image processing to make the final result even better. It also has two new beamforming mics too, which promise a better sound experience. You also get improved speakers, with two pairs of "force-canceling woofers" and a pair of tweeters.
Of course, Apple is also touting better performance thanks to the Apple M1 chipset. Apple touts an 85% faster CPU, 50% faster graphics compared to the fastest 21.5-inch iMac, and three times the machine learning processing speeds.
The new iMac also comes with a redesign magnetic power connector, with a fabric-covered cable that"s color-matched to the iMac itself. The power adapter converts power and also includes an Ethernet port, so you only have one cable connecting directly to the iMac. This should help reduce some clutter on your desktop.
Apple has also redesigned the accessories that are compatible with the iMac. The new Magic Keyboard now includes Touch ID so you can login more easily on desktop, and both the Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad are now partly color-coded to the iMac.
In terms of connectivity, the iMac features four USB Type-C ports, two of which also support Thunderbolt 4.
The iMac will be available to order from April 30 and begin shipping in mid-May. The base model features an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, and just two Thunderbolt ports, along with a Magic Keyboard without Touch ID for $1299. For $1499, you can upgrade to an 8-core GPU, add two USB Type-C ports, Ethernet, and get Touch ID built into the Magic Keyboard. The more expensive model also comes in seven different colors, as opposed to the four available on the cheaper one.