Apple unveils new iMac with M6 chip and Siri AI

A major leap in chip power

Apple has officially introduced the new iMac, which centers on the superfast M6 chip. This hardware provides a significant boost for both everyday productivity and heavy creative workflows like video editing. The chip includes a 12-core CPU and a 12-core GPU, both of which feature Neural Accelerators in every single core.

For those upgrading from older Intel-based models, the jump in speed is substantial. As Apple reported, the new machine provides a performance increase of up to 18x when compared to the most widely used Intel-powered iMac. This leap is designed to make the system feel more responsive for students, small business owners, and families managing complex schedules.

The M6 also handles graphics more efficiently than its predecessor. It delivers up to 2x faster graphics for intensive tasks like photo editing and gaming compared to the M4 chip. Furthermore, the system provides up to 170GB/s of memory bandwidth to help the computer rip through demanding AI tasks like running local models.

Deep integration with Siri AI

The new iMac arrives with macOS 27, which introduces the next generation of Apple Intelligence. This system is built with privacy as a core principle and integrates deeply across various apps. A major highlight is the updated Siri AI, which is designed to be more conversational and capable of taking actions across different programs.

Users can interact with Siri AI through the standard Spotlight search to find information across emails, photos, and messages. A new feature called Visual Intelligence allows users to use a dedicated keyboard shortcut to ask Siri about anything currently visible on their 4.5K Retina display. This could include analyzing a chart in a spreadsheet or identifying an object in a web browser.

Apple Intelligence also makes specific apps smarter and more useful for the average user. In Safari, it can automatically organize tabs into specific topics and notify users of price drops or product restocks. Additionally, users can describe an automation in the Shortcuts app using plain language, and the system will build it for them.

Faster storage and connectivity

Beyond the internal processing power, Apple has overhauled the connectivity options for the new iMac. It now supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, which are essential for faster file transfers and smoother high-resolution streaming. It also includes 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, providing up to 2.5x faster wired connectivity than the previous generation.

Storage speeds have also seen a notable increase with SSD read and write performance reaching up to 2x faster. This ensures that large projects, such as extensive photo libraries or high-resolution video files, launch almost instantly. The device also includes up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports to support a wide range of external accessories and docks.

For power users who need more screen real estate, the iMac can connect to up to two 6K external displays. This setup allows for a workspace of more than 50 million pixels. These hardware improvements ensure that the all-in-one remains a viable tool for professional environments and demanding business workflows.

Design and environmental goals

The iMac maintains its signature thin all-in-one design and comes in seven vibrant colors, including blue, green, pink, yellow, purple, orange, and silver. It features a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display that offers 500 nits of brightness and P3 wide color. The display provides 5x more resolution than many competing 24-inch all-in-one PCs.

Audio and video features remain high-end, including a 12MP Center Stage camera and a studio-quality three-microphone array. The speakers use force-cancelling woofers to provide bold, bass-rich sound with Spatial Audio support. These features are designed to make video calls and media consumption more immersive for educators and creators alike.

Apple also emphasizes the environmental impact of the new hardware as part of its goal to be carbon neutral by 2030. The stand is made from 100 percent recycled aluminum, and the magnets contain 100 percent recycled rare earth elements. The manufacturing process utilizes 40 percent of its power from renewable sources like wind and solar across the supply chain.

Pricing and availability

The new iMac with M6 will be available for pre-order starting tomorrow, October 28, in 35 countries and regions. Customers can expect the devices to begin arriving at the Apple Store and authorized resellers on Friday, November 6. The entry-level model with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU is priced at $1,499 in the U.S.

For those seeking more power, the 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU configuration starts at $1,699 in the U.S. Education pricing is also available for students and educators, with the base model starting at $1,449. These discounts apply to both the standard and high-performance configurations of the new machine.

Apple is offering several ways to purchase the new device, including a monthly lease option starting at $28.99 per month for eligible U.S. customers. Trade-in programs are also available for those looking to swap their current computers for credit toward the new M6 iMac. New users can also use the iPhone to securely transfer their settings and files to the new Mac.