iMac Mid-2017

The iMac "Core i5" 2.3 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Mid-2017/Kaby Lake) is powered by a 14-nm "Kaby Lake" 2.3 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (7360U), with two independent cores on a single chip and a 4 MB shared level 3 cache. It includes 8 GB of 2133 MHz DDR4 SDRAM, which is reportedly onboard but can be upgraded later. Storage is a 1 TB (5400 RPM) hard drive (though a 256 GB SSD became standard with an optional 1 TB "Fusion" Drive at the same price from August 4, 2020), and an "integrated" Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 processor that shares system memory. It also has a built-in "FaceTime HD" webcam and stereo speakers.

This model features a 21.5" 1920x1080 LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen IPS display with a fully laminated glass cover and an anti-reflective coating. The rear aluminum case is thicker at the center and tapers to a slim 5 mm at the edges.

Connectivity includes four USB 3.0 ports, dual Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2.

Compared to its predecessor, this model shares a nearly identical external enclosure but offers a more advanced processor, architecture, and graphics, as well as the modern Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports.

By default, the "Mid-2017" iMac models were originally supplied with a compact aluminum Apple Magic Keyboard and the multi-touch "Magic Mouse 2". For an extra US$30, you could upgrade to the "Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad," and for an additional US$50, you could switch the Magic Mouse 2 for the "Magic Trackpad 2," which provides multi-touch and pressure-sensitive "Force Touch" capabilities.

This non-Retina iMac served as the most affordable model in the lineup. The upgrade to a Kaby Lake processor and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 provided a steady performance increase from the previous generation. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 ports was also praised for enhancing future expandability. However, the model's biggest weakness was its standard, slow 5400 RPM hard drive, which was widely criticized for hindering the overall user experience. It was considered a regrettable model that, despite its beautiful design and modern ports, had its appeal diminished by its storage performance.