Apple Launches 24-Inch iMac With M6 Chip

Apple's updated iMac brings its first M6 processor and starts at $1,499 for the 24-inch model.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Computers

Apple Launches 24-Inch iMac With M6 Chip

Apple released a 24-inch iMac powered by the M6 chip, its first major desktop update since the M4 model arrived in 2024. The desktop keeps a 4.5K Retina display and slim design, with base pricing starting at $1,499.

Why it matters

The update marks Apple's first iMac refresh since 2024 and comes after the company skipped the M5 generation for this model. Buyers gain a newer processor and faster graphics and on-device AI performance in a product line Apple continues to sell through its own stores and authorized retailers.

Apple reports the M6 chip delivers up to twice the graphics performance and up to five times faster on-device AI performance than the M4 processor used in the prior generation. Independent benchmark results were not included in the available source material, so the figures remain Apple's own claims.

The players

Apple

Apple is a California-based technology company known for its Mac computers, iPhone and iPad, and it designs its own Apple silicon chips.

The details

The 24-inch iMac integrates the M6 chip for the first time and keeps a 4.5K Retina display and slim design. The base model includes a 10-core CPU, 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of SSD storage, while the $1,699 configuration adds a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU along with four Thunderbolt 4 ports. Both models include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and a 12MP Center Stage camera.

2024: The M4 iMac arrived as Apple's last major desktop update before the M6 model.
November 6, 2026: The M6 iMac officially became available through Apple and authorized retailers.

The Tech Race

The M6 iMac succeeds the M4 model released in 2024, with Apple skipping the M5 generation for this desktop line. The update continues Apple's transition of its Mac lineup to its in-house Apple silicon chips.

Buyers choosing between the $1,499 and $1,699 models will weigh the cost of the extra GPU and CPU cores against the added Thunderbolt 4 ports. The base model's two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports may suit users with fewer peripherals.

The takeaway

Shoppers comparing the two iMac configurations should weigh port count and graphics capacity against price, since the upgraded model adds four Thunderbolt 4 ports and a higher core count for $200 more. Checking the Apple store or an authorized retailer before buying can confirm current availability and configuration options.