iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021)

iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021)
Name	iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021)
Caption	The iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021) in multiple colors.
Developer	Apple Inc.
Manufacturer	Foxconn
Family	iMac
Type	All-in-one computer
Generation	11th
Releasedate	April 20, 2021
Lifespan	2021–present
Os	macOS
Soc	Apple M1
Memory	8 GB or 16 GB unified memory
Storage	256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD
Graphics	Integrated 7-core or 8-core GPU
Sound	Six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet (optional)
Power	143 W power adapter
Dimensions	Height: 46.1 cm, Width: 54.7 cm, Depth: 14.7 cm
Weight	4.46 kg
Predecessor	iMac (Intel-based)
Successor	iMac (24-inch, M3, 2023)
Website	https://www.apple.com/imac-24/

iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021) is an all-in-one computer designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced on April 20, 2021, as part of the company's transition from Intel processors to its own Apple silicon and represents the first major redesign of the iMac line since 2012. The computer is notable for its thin profile, vibrant color options, integration of the Apple M1 system on a chip, and a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display. It succeeded the Intel-based iMac models and was later succeeded by the iMac (24-inch, M3, 2023).

Design

The design, led by Apple's design team under Jony Ive's lasting influence, marked a significant departure from previous generations, featuring a much thinner enclosure that measures only 11.5 mm at its edge. It is available in seven vibrant colors: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver, echoing the colorful aesthetic of the original iMac G3. The stand and matching color-matched accessories, including the Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and in higher-tier models, a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, contribute to a cohesive visual identity. The rear of the enclosure is flat, housing the logic board and a new magnetic power connector that attaches to the external power adapter, a design element reminiscent of the MagSafe technology used on older MacBook models.

Specifications

At its core, the iMac utilizes the Apple M1 chip, which integrates an 8-core CPU, a 7-core or 8-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine onto a single system on a chip. It is paired with 8 GB or 16 GB of unified memory and storage options ranging from a 256 GB SSD up to 2 TB. The display is a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with a resolution of 4480-by-2520 pixels, support for P3 wide color gamut, and True Tone technology. Connectivity includes two or four USB-C ports (with support for USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4), a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and optional Gigabit Ethernet built into the power adapter. The system features a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a studio-quality three-microphone array, and a six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers.

Performance

Performance benchmarks demonstrated significant gains over its Intel-based predecessors, with the Apple M1 delivering markedly faster CPU and GPU performance while maintaining exceptional power efficiency. Reviews from publications like Ars Technica and The Verge highlighted its capability to handle demanding tasks such as 4K video editing in Final Cut Pro, photo editing in Adobe Photoshop, and compiling code in Xcode with ease. The transition to Apple silicon also enabled seamless execution of iOS and iPadOS applications originally developed for the iPhone and iPad, expanding the software ecosystem available on macOS.

Software

The iMac shipped with macOS Big Sur and is compatible with all subsequent versions of macOS, including macOS Monterey, macOS Ventura, and macOS Sonoma. The integration of the Apple M1 chip allowed for universal compatibility with software built for both Intel and Apple silicon architectures through Rosetta 2, a dynamic binary translator. Key first-party applications like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and GarageBand were optimized to leverage the Neural Engine and media engines within the M1. The system also supports the full suite of iCloud services and deep integration with other Apple ecosystem devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

Reception

The iMac received generally positive reviews from the technology press. Reviewers at CNET and Engadget praised its striking design, excellent display quality, and impressive performance-per-watt ratio. The improved FaceTime HD camera and audio system were also frequently highlighted as major upgrades. Some criticism was directed at the base model's limited port selection and the inability for users to upgrade RAM or storage after purchase, a continuation of Apple's design philosophy. Overall, it was seen as a compelling consumer and professional device, earning awards from organizations like The Good Design Awards.

Timeline

The iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021) was announced via a pre-recorded presentation streamed on Apple's YouTube channel and the Apple website on April 20, 2021, with pre-orders beginning that day and the first units shipping in late May. Its release was a cornerstone of Apple's transition to Apple silicon, which was first announced at the WWDC 2020 keynote. The model remained the sole consumer iMac offering until it was quietly discontinued and replaced by the iMac (24-inch, M3, 2023) on November 1, 2023, following an event titled "Scary Fast."

Category:Apple Inc. hardware Category:All-in-one computers Category:Apple silicon computers Category:2021 introductions