iMac M1 2021

The iMac "M1" 8-Core CPU/7-Core GPU/2 USB-C Ports (2021) model is powered by a 5-nm 3.2 GHz Apple M1 processor, which includes 8 cores (4 performance, 4 efficiency), a 7-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It comes with 8 GB of onboard RAM and a 256 GB onboard SSD, neither of which are upgradable after the initial purchase.

This system is housed in a very thin aluminum case with flat edges, featuring a 23.5" 4480x2520, 218 PPI, LED-backlit, "True Tone" widescreen "Retina 4.5K" display on a slim aluminum stand. This model was available in three two-tone color schemes—blue, green (pictured), and pink—plus a classic silver. It also integrates a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a "studio-quality three-mic array," and a "high-fidelity six-speaker system" with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support.

Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the left edge, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.0. Gigabit Ethernet was an optional US$30 upgrade via a port on the power brick at the time of purchase.

Compared to its predecessor, the "2021 M1" iMac represents a complete overhaul, with a new external design and a fully different internal architecture that eliminates any possibility of internal upgrades.

By default, this iMac shipped with a color-matched wireless "Magic Keyboard" (without Touch ID or numeric keypad) and a wireless "Magic Mouse". For an extra cost at purchase, the mouse could be swapped for a "Magic Trackpad" (US$50), or both could be included (US$129). The keyboard could also be upgraded to a version with Touch ID (US$50) or with Touch ID and a numeric keypad (US$80).

The debut of the iMac with the Apple M1 chip was hailed as revolutionary in both design and performance. The astonishingly thin and colorful enclosure completely refreshed the iMac's image. The M1 chip's performance surpassed previous Intel-based models in many everyday tasks, and its power efficiency and quiet operation were highly praised. This entry-level model featured a 7-core GPU, which was more than sufficient for daily use and light creative work. While the limitation to two ports and the inability to upgrade RAM or SSD post-purchase were noted, the machine's overwhelming appeal, symbolizing the dawn of a new era for the iMac, more than compensated for these drawbacks.