The iMac Is Back: A Splash of Color and M1 Power, But Is It Worth the Price?
The iMac has always been a statement piece. From the translucent Bondi Blue of the original model to the sleek aluminium of recent years, Apple has consistently used its all-in-one desktop to showcase its design prowess and entice consumers seeking a stylish and functional workspace. In 2021, Apple is doubling down on this legacy with the completely redesigned iMac featuring the M1 chip, launching a vibrant new era of colour and performance. But is this the iMac for everyone? We delve into its design, specifications, and performance, along with its strengths and weaknesses, to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.
A Symphony of Colors and a Slim Profile
The new iMac arrives in a large box brimming with excitement, showcasing the very color you’ve chosen. Upon opening, the iMac itself, along with all its color-matched accessories – Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and cables – are nestled within custom-sized cutouts. You’ll also find a fabric strap in your chosen color, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal.
You get to choose from a palette of seven vibrant colors: Silver, Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Purple. Silver remains the classic choice, while the other options offer a bold, two-tone effect – rich hues for the back panel, pedestal, and input devices, transitioning to paler pastel shades on the front panel and cables.
The iMac exhibits an undeniably modern design, with a remarkably thin 11.5mm body and a completely flat back. The thinness doesn’t translate into a smaller footprint, as the pedestal retains a relatively deep 14.7cm, but it certainly commands attention.
One key feature that might disappoint some is the persistent chin below the screen, a recognizable feature now integrated into the iMac’s design. However, the absence of the traditional Apple logo on the front and the inclusion of a white border around the screen add to the modern minimalist aesthetic. A webcam and LED activity indicator reside above the border, while two discreet microphone pinholes grace the top, and cooling vents are subtly placed at the bottom.
The stand offers only tilt adjustment, allowing you to move the iMac forward or backward, and the lack of height adjustment might be a drawback for some. While the 4.48kg weight makes it relatively portable, the lack of a more traditional barrel connector for power leads to a larger, external power brick, a necessary component due to the slim profile. The power brick, however, offers the option of Gigabit Ethernet passthrough for higher-priced models or as a configurable upgrade.
M1 Power and a Colorful Display
Apple has placed the M1 chip at the heart of the new iMac, a familiar silicon already powering the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iPad Pro. This integrated SoC features 4 high-performance CPU cores, 4 efficiency cores, up to 8 GPU cores, and numerous IO controllers and logic blocks for handling AI, security, image processing, and more. The base model comes equipped with a 7-core GPU, while higher-priced models boast an 8-core GPU. All configurations share the same 8 CPU cores and 16 neural engine cores.
Apple doesn’t disclose specific details like clock speeds, thermal thresholds, or power draw, but third-party sources have provided this information. The new iMac utilizes active cooling, which helps to address potential thermal challenges considering the slim body, given the same hardware performs well in thinner Macbooks.
The 23.5-inch display offers the 4480×2520 resolution of 4.5K at a 16:9 aspect ratio, boasting P3 wide colour gamut coverage, brightness reaching 500 nits, and True Tone technology for automatic colour temperature adjustment.
However, the lack of HDR support is a surprising omission, especially considering the capable GPU. The M1’s GPU can power the display while simultaneously supporting a single 6K external display.
The port selection differs depending on the configuration. The base variant offers just two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports and a 3.5mm audio jack. Higher-priced models add two USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C ports and Gigabit Ethernet via the power brick. The absence of USB Type-A ports might be less of an issue for laptops, but on a desktop, it can be a hurdle for users with various peripherals.
Other features include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5, along with an upgraded six-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos spatial audio for an immersive listening experience. The webcam boasts a 1080p resolution, ideal for video calls in the current world of remote communication.
Seamlessly Integrated Software
The new iMac ships with macOS Big Sur (11), which is included in older Mac models and will be eligible for a free update to macOS Monterey (12) later this year. The M1-powered Mac offers a longer software upgrade path, potentially extending for several years.
Users familiar with older Macs, especially those using AirPods, iPhone, and iPad, will appreciate the interoperability of audio switching, iMessage, AirDrop, Handoff, Sidecar, Universal Clipboard, and Keychain – services that enhance productivity and simplify the user experience. However, to fully utilize these features, you’ll need to rely on iCloud and Apple’s own apps and services like
Apple Music, Safari, and Mail.
The ability to run iOS apps via the App Store on M1-powered Macs adds another dimension, however, there are limitations. Many apps have been optimized for Apple Silicon, while those that haven’t run smoothly thanks to Rosetta 2 emulation.
Unfortunately, Boot Camp hasn’t been updated, so Windows is not officially supported. However, Windows for ARM can be downloaded and run with some effort, and virtualization options like Parallels Desktop already support Windows 11 betas.
Performance and Everyday Usability
The bright, bold colors might be a tad overwhelming at times: the white frame around the screen does provide some visual respite, but users involved in color-sensitive creative work might find the Silver option a more suitable choice. The display itself is exceptionally sharp and vibrant, but the lack of a high refresh rate or HDR capability sets it apart from higher-end PCs and laptops.
The audio system is a highlight, delivering crisp, loud, and bass-rich sound, but the thin soundstage might not provide the most immersive experience. While the Magic Mouse remains unchanged, its Lightning port placement still makes charging awkward. The Magic Trackpad, on the other hand, has a satisfying haptic feedback and provides a comfortable experience, particularly when placed next to the keyboard.
The keyboard, while comfortable, features a laptop-style layout, with a cramped arrow cluster and the option for a full-sized number pad requiring an additional cost. The inclusion of a Touch ID sensor is a welcomed feature, providing a quick and convenient way to unlock the Mac and authorize App Store purchases.
The new iMac boasts impressive performance, with quick boot times, near-instant application opening speeds, and seamless web browsing. Even demanding apps like Garage Band run without hiccups. Content creation activities such as video editing, graphic design, animation, and 3D modeling are within reach, while performance surpasses previous generations of Intel-powered iMacs.
Benchmark scores confirm the iMac’s power: Blackmagic Disk Speed Test recorded impressive read and write speeds, while Geekbench 5 and Cinebench R23 show exceptional single-core and multi-core performance. Blender demonstrates the iMac’s capabilities with a respectable render time for the BMW scene, and browser-based benchmarks also indicate impressive performance.
While the integrated GPU offers impressive performance for typical tasks, gaming at its native 4.5K resolution is not a viable option. Benchmark scores reveal that the M1’s integrated GPU struggles to handle modern games at 4.5K resolution but can manage older games and casual titles at 1920×1080 resolution.
Despite the active cooling system, the iMac runs remarkably silent, with the only audible sound being the whirring of the fan during demanding tasks. The iMac’s design, however, is a different matter, drawing attention with its vibrant color scheme.
Is the iMac Worth It? A Balancing Act
The new iMac boasts impressive design, performance, and software, with the vibrant color scheme and M1 chip ushering in a fresh era for Apple’s all-in-one desktop. It’s undoubtedly an eye-catching addition to any workspace, with exceptional performance for various tasks. The combination of value-added software and free OS updates creates a compelling package, especially for those who appreciate the Apple ecosystem.
However, several compromises might give some users pause. The lack of upgradeability, including RAM and storage, might dissuade users who require a future-proof investment. Apple’s configuration options come at a premium, further intensifying the price tag for a truly versatile and powerful experience. The limited ports and awkwardly placed ports could be a hindrance for users with various peripherals. The keyboard’s cramped layout might not appeal to those seeking the comfort and productivity of a full-sized keyboard.
Ultimately, your decision whether to purchase the new iMac is a balancing act between its strengths and weaknesses. While the base model might suffice for basic uses, those seeking a more powerful and flexible configuration will find the price tag a significant deterrent.
If you value design and performance above all else and fully embrace Apple’s ecosystem, the new iMac might be the perfect fit. However, if you prioritize flexibility, upgradeability, and a more traditional desktop experience, exploring other options like the Mac mini, which offers similar performance at a lower price point, might be a better choice.
