New iMac FAQ: Everything you need to know!

Updated June 5th, 2017: Added more specific information of processors, RAM, storage, and graphic capabilites of the new iMacs and added the link to order one today.
The iMac lineup is getting an update. Brighter displays, faster processors, more memory storage and more updates are headed to the iMac! If you're curious about the new machines, we've got all the answers! Here's everything you need to know!
New Lineup and Sizes
When it comes to size, the new bunch of iMacs has pretty much stayed the same. There will still be a 21.5-inch iMac, a 21.5-inch iMac with a Retina 4K display, and a 27-inch iMac with a Retina 5K display.
More Brightness
The screens on the 21.5-inch 4K Retina display and the 27-inch with 5K Retina display models are now able to produce the brightest picture ever. Apple has stated they are 500 nits which are the brightest display ever on a Mac. It's quoted at being 43% bright than the previous iMac models.
New insides for everyone model
The processors. storage. and graphics got an update for each model; here's what they look like.
21.5-inch iMac:
- Processor Options: 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz.
- RAM Options: 8GB or 16GB of RAM.
- Hard Drive Options: 1TB 5400-rpm hard drive, 1TB Fusion Drive, or 256GB SSD.
- Graphics Options: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 with 64GB eDram.
21.5-inch iMac with 4K Retina Display:
- Processor Options: 3.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, 3.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, or 3.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.2GHz.
- RAM Options: 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of RAM.
- Hard Drive Options: 1TB 5400-rpm hard drive, 1TB Fusion Drive, or an SSD with a capacity of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB.
- Graphics Options: Radeon Pro 555 with 2GB of VRAM or Radeon Pro 560 with 4GB of VRAM.
27-inch iMac with 5K Retina Display:
- Processor Options: 3.4GHz, 3.5GHz, or 3.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor or a 4.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz.
- RAM Options: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of RAM.
- Hard Drive Options: a Fusion Drive with a capacity or 1TB, 2TB, or 3TB, or a SSD with a capacity of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB.
- Graphics Options: Radeon Pro 570 with 4GB of VRAM, Radeon Pro 575 with 4GB of VRAM, or Radeon Pro 580 with 8GB of VRAM.
Thunderbolt 3
The new iMac will have Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on the back, replacing the Thunderbolt 2 from the previous models. It appear that two Thunderbolt 3 ports will appear right beside the USB-A ports on back of the new iMacs in the bottom right corner.
Pricing
If you're curious about how much the new iMac will set you back, here's the pricing:
- 21.5-inch iMac: Starting at $1099
- 21.5-inch iMac with 4K Retina Display: Starting at $1299
- 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina Display: Starting at $1799
New Magic Keyboard with Numeric Pad
While the new iMac will ship with a Magic Keyboard and a Magic Mouse 2, Apple also released the brand new Magic Keyboard with Numeric Pad today. It's the same slim and sleek design of the Magic Keyboard you know and love, but it has a full-size number pad! Finally, entering numbers into your spreadsheets will be a way easier and familiar experience.
You can pick the new Magic Keyboard with Numeric Pad from Apple for $129.
See at Apple (opens in new tab)
When are they available?
Apple announced the new iMacs would be shipping today, and you can order them right now!
See at Apple (opens in new tab)
Excited for the new iMacs?
Let us know in the comments below!
○ Everything about WWDC 2020
○ WWDC 2020 remote lineup
○ Download the Apple Developer app (opens in new tab)
○ iOS/iPadOS 14
○ macOS 10.16
○ watchOS 7
○ tvOS 14
○ Discussion forums
Get more iMore in your inbox!
Our news, reviews, opinions, and easy to follow guides can turn any iPhone owner into an Apple aficionado
Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way.
Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.
-
The new iMac announcements are great! I'm looking to replace my trusty late-2009 iMac. Do you know if the memory is user replaceable/upgradable? Or are we stuck with the same amount of RAM from the day we purchase the machine?
-
Same question.
-
@VTChamp - Looks like the outer casing and upgradability are the same as previous years.
You CANNOT upgrade the memory in the 21.5 inch models. But, all the 27.5 inch models have 4 "User Accessible" memory slots for upgrading the memory.
https://www.imore.com/e?link=https2F2Fc2F4... On top of that, the previous iMac officially supported 32GB of RAM, but you could actually put 64GB of RAM into it.
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac-core-i7-4.0-27-inc... These new ones now officially support 64GB of RAM. I wonder if we'll be able to put 128GB of RAM into them? :) -
With the new Thunderbolt 3 ports will target display mode make a comeback?
-
Same question here! I would love to use the new 5k iMac also as an external monitor...
-
Anyone know how large the SSD portion of the various fusion drive options are?