Apple sets $1,499 price floor for M6 iMac launch
The new all-in-one desktop skips the M5 generation to adopt Apple’s first 2nm chip, with preorders opening October 28.
By Sienna Foster ·
Apple has set the entry price for its new M6-powered iMac at $1,499, a figure identical to the base model released two years prior. The company announced the refresh on Monday, positioning the hardware update ahead of its "Pro and Tell" event scheduled for Wednesday. This price point applies to the configuration featuring a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU.
The shift to the M6 chipset represents a notable jump in processing power for the all-in-one desktop. Apple’s press release states that the M6 delivers up to 5x faster on-device AI performance compared to the M4 model. This performance gain is attributed to the M6 being Apple’s first 2nm chip, which incorporates a dual 16-core Neural Engine. The iMac had previously received an update with M4 chips, meaning the M5 series is bypassed entirely for this hardware line.
A higher-specification option is available for customers seeking more power. The 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU configuration starts at $1,699. Beyond the processor, the new iMac integrates Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip. This addition brings Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 capabilities to the base model, features that were previously reserved for higher-end variants.
The physical design remains largely consistent with the previous generation, and Apple has retained the same color options. However, the configuration process now includes new fees and restrictions. Customers opting for a Magic Trackpad instead of a Magic Mouse will pay an additional $50, a cost that did not exist in the prior model. Similarly, upgrading the Ethernet port from 1 gigabit to 2.5 gigabit now carries a $30 premium.
Thunderbolt port availability also depends on the chosen chip. The 10-core version includes two ports, while the 12-core version provides four. Apple has also removed the option to configure the device with a Magic Keyboard featuring Touch ID but lacking a numeric keypad, despite displaying an image of that specific setup on the announcement page.
Preorders for the M6 iMac begin at 1:10 PM ET on October 28. The hardware will become fully available to customers on November 6.
Source: The Verge
