Apple has officially launched its new 24-inch iMac with the powerful M6 chip, bringing major performance improvements, faster AI processing, and upgraded connectivity to its all-in-one desktop. Announced on October 27, the new iMac retains its familiar slim design and seven color options, with prices starting at $1,499 in the United States.
The latest model replaces the M4 iMac introduced in 2024 and delivers up to 5x faster on-device AI performance, twice the graphics performance, and significantly faster storage. Apple has also added Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and support for its latest Siri AI features in macOS 27.
The announcement follows earlier reports about Apple’s plans to introduce an M6 iMac before the end of 2026.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
M6 Chip Brings Major Performance and AI Improvements
The biggest upgrade is Apple’s M6 processor, built using advanced 2-nanometer technology. It features up to a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, adding two cores to each compared with the previous generation.
Apple has also integrated Neural Accelerators into every GPU core and introduced a Dual 16-core Neural Engine for demanding AI workloads.
According to Apple’s performance tests, the new iMac delivers:
- Up to 18x faster overall performance compared with a popular Intel-based iMac.
- Up to 2x faster graphics performance than the M4 iMac.
- Up to 5x faster on-device AI prompt processing than M4 in LM Studio.
- Up to 1.5x faster spreadsheet performance than M4 in Microsoft Excel.
- Up to 2x faster gaming performance with ray tracing compared with M4.
Memory bandwidth now reaches 170GB/s, helping the computer handle large creative projects, multitasking, and local AI models more efficiently.
Same 24-Inch Design With Better Connectivity
Apple has retained the 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, which offers 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide color support, and more than one billion colors.
The new iMac also includes a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, a six-speaker audio system, and a studio-quality three-microphone array.
However, connectivity receives several important upgrades, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, optional 2.5Gb Ethernet, and SSD read and write speeds up to twice as fast as before.
Users also get up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports and support for two external 6K displays.
Apple continues to offer seven colors: blue, green, pink, yellow, purple, orange, and silver. Meanwhile, OLED technology for future iMac models remains under development.
New iMac M6 Specifications
| Feature | iMac With M6 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M6 |
| CPU | 10-core or 12-core |
| GPU | 10-core or 12-core |
| Neural Engine | Dual 16-core |
| Memory bandwidth | Up to 170GB/s |
| Display | 24-inch 4.5K Retina |
| Camera | 12MP Center Stage |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 |
| Ports | Up to four Thunderbolt 4 |
| Operating system | macOS 27 Golden Gate |
| Starting price | $1,499 |
macOS 27 Brings More Powerful Siri AI Features
The new iMac ships with macOS 27 Golden Gate, featuring Apple’s next-generation Siri AI and deeper Apple Intelligence integration.
Users can ask Siri questions about content displayed on their screens, search across personal information, and perform actions inside supported applications. Apple has also integrated Siri AI into Spotlight and introduced additional AI-powered tools in Safari, Shortcuts, and Photos.
Pricing and Availability
Apple will open preorders for the M6 iMac on October 28, 2026, with general availability beginning November 6.
| Configuration | US Price |
|---|---|
| M6 with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | $1,499 |
| M6 with 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU | $1,699 |
| Education pricing, 10-core model | $1,449 |
| Education pricing, 12-core model | $1,599 |
Customers can order through the official Apple Store.
With substantial improvements in processing power, AI performance, and connectivity, the M6 iMac offers a particularly compelling upgrade for Intel-based iMac owners and users working with demanding creative applications.
Discussion