New processor promises faster creative workflows
Apple has announced a new iMac powered by its M6 chip, promising faster performance for everyday tasks, creative work and on-device artificial intelligence.
According to the supplied announcement, dated 27 October 2026, the updated desktop combines a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with upgraded connectivity, faster storage and macOS 27. It comes in seven colours: blue, green, pink, yellow, purple, orange and silver.
The launch targets households, students, creators and small businesses, with Apple positioning the computer as an upgrade for users of older Intel-based iMacs.
A stronger focus on on-device AI
The M6 chip offers configurations with up to a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, with Neural Accelerators in each GPU core. Apple says the processor also includes a Dual 16-core Neural Engine and memory bandwidth of up to 170GB/s.
These upgrades are designed to support tasks such as running local AI models, editing photographs and producing videos while using several applications at once.
Apple claims up to five times faster on-device AI performance than the M4 iMac in LM Studio prompt processing, alongside up to twice the graphics performance in selected workloads. These figures reflect specific tests and should not be interpreted as equivalent gains across every application.
Faster connections and storage
Connectivity upgrades include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, while 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet is available on the model with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU.
Apple also claims up to twice the SSD read and write performance of the previous generation, potentially reducing the time needed to open large photo libraries, video projects and other demanding files.
Selected configurations feature four Thunderbolt 4 ports, and the new iMac supports up to two external 6K displays for users who need additional workspace.
Familiar design with tools for creators
The iMac retains its slim all-in-one design, with a 4.5K Retina display offering 500 nits of brightness and P3 wide colour support.
A 12MP Center Stage camera helps keep users framed during video calls, while Desk View provides a view of the surface in front of the computer. The feature could prove useful for demonstrations, lessons and creative presentations.
The audio system combines force-cancelling woofers, tweeters and Spatial Audio support with Dolby Atmos. A three-microphone array rounds out the setup for calls and recording.
Colour-matched accessories feature USB-C charging, with Touch ID availability depending on the chosen configuration.
macOS 27 adds interface refinements
The announcement identifies the operating system as macOS 27 Golden Gate, with updates to performance, search and the Liquid Glass interface.
A new setting allows users to adjust the appearance of Liquid Glass from clearer to more tinted, while app icons receive further visual refinements.
Integration with iPhone includes file sharing, task handoff and iPhone Mirroring, subject to compatibility and feature availability.
Pricing and availability
According to the release, pre-orders opened on 28 October, with customer deliveries and retail availability scheduled to begin on Friday, 6 November, in participating markets.
US pricing starts at $1,499 for the model with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. The version with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU starts at $1,699, with education pricing also available.
The supplied announcement does not include South African pricing or confirm local availability.
