PREORDER ON OCT. 28: Preorder the new Apple iMac with M6 starting on Oct. 28 so it arrives on its Nov. 6 release day. Prices start at $1,499.
If you've been looking for the right time to upgrade your desktop computer, Apple just dropped a new iMac for the first time since 2024. While Apple's "Pro and Tell" event technically doesn't kick off until tomorrow, the company has launched the new desktop, as well as a new MacBook Pro and iPad mini before the event even begins.
The new iMac skips the M5 chip altogether and opts for the outrageously fast M6 chip. "Everything feels extra snappy and responsive for families managing busy calendars, students putting the finishing touches on a project, and small business owners running their companies," Apple writes in a press release.
As for how speedy it actually is, here's the breakdown:
Up to 2.5 times faster performance in apps like Microsoft Excel compared to M1 iMac, up to 1.5 times faster than M4 iMac
Up to 3.3 times faster graphics performance compared to M1 iMac, up to 2 times faster than M4 iMac
Up to 12 times faster AI performance compared to M1 iMac, up to 5 times faster than M4 iMac
Up to 2 times higher gaming performance compared to M4 iMac
Aside from the addition of the M6 chip, the new iMac also has the Apple N1 wireless networking chip, alongside Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 on the base model. Otherwise, it's not all that different from the previous M4 iMac from 2024. It still features a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, a 12MP Center Stage camera, up to four USB-C ports, and the ability to connect up to two 6K external displays.
The M6 iMacs start at $1,499 for the 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration, while the 12-core CPU and GPU model starts at $1,699. In the age of RAMageddon, these prices come as no surprise. The M6 iMac comes in the same shades of green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and standard silver as the M4 iMac.
Where to buy the Apple M6 iMac
The new Apple M6 iMac is available for preorder from Apple starting at 1:10 p.m. ET on Oct. 28. Other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy will likely join the fray shortly after. The desktop computer will be fully available in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers on Friday, Nov. 6.