Apple’s M6 iMac has arrived – here’s what’s changed since the M4
Apple’s colorful all-in-one gets its first refresh in two years. Here’s what you get for the $1,499 starting price.
Apple unveiled the refreshed iMac lineup, featuring the new M6 chip, marking a comeback after a year without a refresh. The M6 processor comes in 12- or 16-core versions, delivering a substantial leap in performance and speed compared to the M4. With the neural engine upgraded to 16 cores, AI tasks are up to five times faster and twice as efficient as the M4, enabling more LLMs to run directly on the device without compromising performance.
The M6 chipset also supports improved ray tracing for enhanced gaming visuals. Configured with a 12-core GPU, the M6 offers double the graphics processing speed of its predecessor, making it an attractive option for content creators and animation students who previously needed separate peripherals. Apple emphasizes the iMac as the "gateway" device, offering a seamless setup experience with one cable and included accessories.
Additionally, the 2026 iMac boasts Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connectivity, 2.5Gb ethernet for faster file transfers, and up to twice the read and write speeds of the M4-era SSD. The 24.5-inch Retina Display provides a 4.5K resolution and peak brightness of 500 nits for comfortable all-day use. The base configuration starts at $1,499, positioning the M6 iMac as a mid-range alternative to Apple's Studio lineup.
Pre-orders begin on October 28, with a retail release slated for November 6, just in time for the holiday shopping season.
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