iMac M3 2023

The iMac "M3" 8-Core CPU/8-Core GPU/2 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C Ports (2023) model is powered by a 4.05 GHz Apple M3 processor. This CPU has 8 cores (4 performance, 4 efficiency), an 8-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and 100GB/s of memory bandwidth. It comes with 8 GB of onboard "unified" RAM and a 256 GB onboard SSD, neither of which are upgradable after 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 (pictured), green, 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 6E (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.3. 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 "2023 M3" iMac is very similar but features a newer, faster processor/GPU, more advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the option for more RAM if configured at purchase. 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 update from M1 to M3 brought a solid performance boost to this entry-level model. The evolution in graphics performance was particularly notable, making not only everyday tasks but also light creative work more comfortable. Under-the-hood improvements like Wi-Fi 6E support were also appreciated. However, the lack of a design change after more than two years since the M1 model, and the limitation of only two ports, drew some criticism from users who found it lacking. Nevertheless, its refined design and the efficient performance of the M3 chip remained a very attractive package for most home users.