24″ iMac (2021): Everything you need to know
Apple has officially unveiled its first Apple Silicon iMac. The new 24-inch iMac features an all-new design that comes in seven different colors, as well as the M1 processor inside. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Table of contents
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History lesson: The last iMac redesign
The aluminum iMac was first released in August of 2007, and it came in two sizes: 20-inch and 24-inch. This was a significant improvement over the previous plastic form of the iMac, which was offered between August 2004 and August 2007 in 17-, 20-, and 24-inch screen sizes.
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That means it took three years for Apple to release the white plastic iMac G5 and the aluminum iMac in 2007 — a relatively speedy turnaround for a significant Mac overhaul. That iMac from mid-2007, on the other hand, was just a stepping stone. Despite the elegant metal front, it had a back casing composed of black plastic, which contrasted sharply with the clean aluminum front.
Apple revamped the iMac portfolio in 2009, bringing the two screen sizes that are still in use today with aluminum unibody designs in 21.5-inch and 27-inch variations. This design has influenced the iMac's development, with Apple opting for iteration rather than a complete redesign.
Apple revamped the iMac in October 2012, removing the SuperDrive and replacing it with an ultra-slim side profile. Despite the fact that the narrowest point is 5mm, the back of the iMac has an ugly bulge to accommodate the internals and cooling system. The iMac received a Retina display update in 2015.
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The iMac's general look has remained consistent throughout these changes: an aluminum body with black bezels and an aluminum chin. The iMac's most recent major modification was the launch of the unibody metal design in 2009, however that transition began in 2008.
Apple making the iMac's side profile ultra-slim in 2012 was undoubtedly a sleek aesthetic and promoted as a major overhaul at the time. However, in real-world use, that alteration has been significantly less noticeable, especially since the iMac's front-facing look has remained constant for so long.
Apple has officially revamped the iMac with the new 24-inch 2021 iMac.
iMac (2021): Design
The new iMac comes with a 24-inch display that uses True Tone technology. It now comes in a variety of new hues. The new iMac has a slimmer profile with lower bezels surrounding the display, but the chin remains, and the look is similar to that of the previous-generation iMac but without the Apple logo.
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Measurements of the 24-inch iMac:
Weight: 9.83 pounds
Width: 21.5-inches
Height: 18.1-inches
11.5mm thin
The 2021 iMac comes in seven different colors: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. The colors are bolder on the back and lighter on the front chin.
Processor and specs
Last year's unveiling of the M1 CPU, which currently powers the latest MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, wowed the tech world. Apple's work isn't done yet, and in 2021, it will continue to migrate its Mac lineup, including the iMac, to Apple Silicon.
The new 24-inch MacBook Pro is powered by an Apple Silicon M1 chip, which is also found in the M1 Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.
A 7-core GPU or an 8-core GPU can be installed in the 24-inch iMac. An 8-core CPU is included in all variants. You can also choose between 8GB and 16GB of unified memory when configuring the system. 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB of storage are available.
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Two Thunderbolt ports and a headphone connector are included in the base model iMac (2021). Two Thunderbolt connections, two USB-C connectors, a headphone jack, and ethernet connectivity on the power brick are included in higher-end versions.
Accessories
Apple also revealed a new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID to go along with the new iMac. Touch ID is now available on an external keyboard for the first time, allowing you to unlock your Mac, authenticate for Apple Pay and App Store transactions, and more.
The Magic Mouse and the Magic Trackpad, like the keyboard, are color-matched to the iMac's hue.
Although Apple does not sell the external Magic Keyboard with Touch ID separately, it does state that it will function with any M1 Mac. If you can get your hands on one, the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID will work with an M1 Mac mini, an M1 MacBook Air, and an M1 MacBook Pro.
Price
In terms of pricing, there are especially two tiers of the 24-inch iMac.
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$1,299 – 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU with 8GB of unified memory, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt ports, a Magic Keyboard without Touch ID, and a Magic Mouse.
Available in: Green, pink, blue, and silver.
$1,499 – 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU with 8GB of unified memory, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt ports, two USB 3 ports, a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, a Magic Mouse, and Ethernet connectivity.
Available in: Green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver
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You can also upgrade the $1,499 tier with up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage inside.
Release date: When did the 2021 iMac come out?
The 24-inch iMac went up for pre-order on April 30, and the first orders arrived on May 21.