4th M6 iMac Refresh Starts at $1,499, Tops Out at $1,699

Apple's M6 iMac went on sale this month as the fourth refresh of the Apple Silicon-era all-in-one, according to a review published by Ars Technica. The base model starts at $1,499. A step-up configuration costs $1,699.

The outward design has not changed. The 24-inch screen, white bezel, and color-matched accessories carry over from the M4 generation, Ars Technica reported.

What Does the $1,499 Base Model Include?

The entry-level iMac uses a reduced version of the Apple M6 chip. It has 10 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, per Ars Technica. Maximum RAM on this tier is 24GB. Storage starts at 256GB and tops out at 1TB.

Port count is limited. The base model has two Thunderbolt ports on the back and a headphone jack on the left side, the review said. Ars Technica compared the port layout to a MacBook Air.

The standard keyboard that ships with this configuration lacks Touch ID. Getting Touch ID requires buying the keyboard with a built-in number pad, which costs an extra $80, according to the review.

What Do You Get for $1,699?

The $1,699 configuration carries the full version of the M6 chip, with all CPU and GPU cores intact, Ars Technica reported. The review described this tier as the one to choose for anyone planning to use the iMac as a workstation rather than a casual desktop machine.

How Many Thunderbolt Ports Does the M6 iMac Have?

Port count still splits the lineup. The four-port version can drive two external displays. The two-port version supports only one external display, according to Ars Technica.

Ethernet is not built in on either configuration. It is available only through the power brick, for an additional $30, the review said.

By the Numbers

• Base price: $1,499
• Step-up price: $1,699
• CPU/GPU cores, base model: 10 and 10
• CPU/GPU cores, full model: 12 and 12
• Maximum RAM, base model: 24GB
• Storage range, base model: 256GB to 1TB
• Thunderbolt ports: 2 or 4, depending on configuration
• External displays supported: 1 (two-port) or 2 (four-port)
• Touch ID keyboard upsell: $80
• Ethernet-on-power-brick upsell: $30
• Screen size: 24 inches
• Color options: six tints plus silver
• Refresh number: fourth Apple Silicon-era iMac

Is the M6 iMac Still the Same Design?

Yes. Ars Technica's review noted that Apple has not changed the iMac's exterior since moving to Apple Silicon. The computer remains thin, with a screen built into a stand and a thick white bezel surrounding the display. The review noted that black is still not offered as a bezel option.

"I still wish black were at least an option," the Ars Technica review said, "but Apple apparently doesn't agree."

Color-matched accessories — front, back, stand, keyboard, mouse, trackpad, and cables — continue across the lineup. The six color tints plus silver match what Apple offered with the M4 iMac, according to the review.

What Upgrades Cost Extra?

Buyers who want Touch ID on the keyboard must pay $80 for the version with a built-in number pad, Ars Technica reported. There is no standalone Touch ID keyboard option without the number pad.

Ethernet is not included in either base configuration. Apple charges $30 for an Ethernet-equipped power brick, according to the review.

Storage and memory ceilings differ by tier. The base $1,499 model tops out at 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Ars Technica's review did not specify maximum RAM or storage figures for the $1,699 configuration beyond noting it uses the full M6 chip.

Glossary

Thunderbolt 4 — A data and display connection standard used for Apple's external ports, supporting high-speed data transfer and external monitor connections.

Apple M6 — Apple's sixth-generation custom chip for Mac computers, available in reduced and full-core versions depending on the iMac configuration.

Touch ID — Apple's fingerprint-based login feature, available on the iMac only through a specific keyboard upgrade.

For the full breakdown of performance testing and buying advice, see the original review at Ars Technica.

Artiglio is A coming-soon iPhone chief of staff for briefings and drafts. Not on the App Store yet.