iMac M1 2021

The iMac "M1" 8-Core CPU/8-Core GPU/4 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), an 8-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It comes with 8 GB of onboard RAM and either a 256 GB or 512 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 six two-tone color schemes—blue, green (pictured), pink, yellow, orange, and purple—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, two USB 3 ports (all with USB-C connectors), a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the left edge, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.0. Gigabit Ethernet is included by default via a port on the power brick.

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 with Touch ID" (without a numeric keypad) and a wireless "Magic Mouse". For an extra US$30 at purchase, the keyboard could be upgraded to a "Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad". The mouse could also be swapped for a "Magic Trackpad" (US$50) or both could be included (US$129).

As the higher-end M1 iMac model, this machine offered superior graphics performance and greater expandability with its 8-core GPU and four ports. The enhanced graphics performance was noticeable in tasks like photo and video editing, as well as light gaming, setting it apart from the lower-end model. The two additional USB 3 ports and the standard Gigabit Ethernet were also significant advantages for users connecting multiple peripherals. The inclusion of the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID as standard was also praised for its added convenience. It was the optimal M1 iMac for users who required more performance and connectivity.