Apple has officially unveiled its new iMac with the M6 chip, bringing a major performance boost, more powerful artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and improved connectivity to its popular all-in-one desktop computer. Announced on 28 October 2026, the latest iMac combines Apple's next-generation silicon with a stunning 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, a slim design and the latest macOS 27 software.
Designed for everyone from families and students to small businesses and aspiring content creators, the new iMac aims to make everyday computing faster, smarter and more convenient.
With upgraded processing power, Apple's new Siri AI experience, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and storage that can deliver up to twice the previous generation's read and write speeds, the iMac with M6 looks set to be an appealing option for anyone considering a new desktop computer.
Here's everything you need to know about Apple's latest iMac, including its key features, benefits, Australian pricing and release date.
Apple iMac with M6: What's New?
The new iMac introduces several significant upgrades over the previous generation, including:
Apple M6 chip: Faster CPU and GPU performance for everyday tasks, creative applications and gaming.
Improved AI performance: A Dual 16-core Neural Engine and Neural Accelerators in every GPU core help accelerate AI workloads.
Siri AI and Apple Intelligence: New software features designed to make searching, writing and working across apps more intuitive.
24-inch 4.5K Retina display: A bright, detailed screen for productivity, entertainment and creative projects.
Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6: Next-generation wireless connectivity.
Faster SSD storage: Up to twice the previous generation's read and write performance.
Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports: Expanded connectivity on higher-end configurations.
Seven colour options: Blue, green, pink, yellow, purple, orange and silver.
macOS 27: Apple's latest desktop operating system, featuring updated software experiences and personalisation options.
Together, these upgrades make the new iMac a more capable desktop computer for both everyday users and people with more demanding workloads.
Apple M6 Chip Delivers a Major Performance Boost
At the heart of the new iMac is Apple's M6 chip, designed to provide faster performance across everyday computing, creative work and AI-powered applications.
The M6 features a CPU with up to 12 cores, two more than the previous generation, alongside a GPU with up to 12 cores. Apple says the processor delivers the world's fastest single-threaded CPU performance, helping applications feel more responsive during everyday use.
For the average consumer, this means tasks such as browsing the web, managing documents, attending video calls and switching between multiple applications should feel quick and smooth.
Families managing household finances, students working on assignments and small business owners juggling multiple applications can all benefit from the additional processing power.
Apple also claims that the new iMac can deliver up to 2.5 times faster performance in applications such as Microsoft Excel compared with an iMac featuring the M1 chip. Compared with the M4 model, Apple reports performance improvements of up to 1.5 times for this type of productivity workload.
Better Graphics for Photo and Video Editing
The M6's upgraded GPU also brings benefits for people who enjoy photography, video editing, graphic design and gaming.
Apple says the graphics processor delivers up to twice the graphics performance of the M4 iMac for more intensive tasks, including photo editing. In Affinity, the company reports up to 3.3 times faster graphics performance compared with the M1 iMac.
For budding content creators, this could mean less time waiting for demanding creative tasks to finish and more time working on their next project.
The improved graphics capabilities also support gaming, with Apple reporting up to twice the gaming performance with ray tracing compared with the M4 iMac.
While the iMac isn't necessarily a replacement for every high-end gaming PC, the additional graphics power makes it a more versatile option for people who want a desktop that can handle work, creativity and entertainment.
A More Powerful iMac for Artificial Intelligence
One of the biggest changes with the new iMac is its focus on artificial intelligence.
The M6 combines Neural Accelerators in every GPU core with a Dual 16-core Neural Engine, helping the computer handle AI-related tasks more efficiently. Apple says the new system delivers up to twice the AI compute performance of the previous generation.
This additional power is designed to support Apple's expanding Apple Intelligence features, as well as compatible third-party AI applications.
Apple reports that on-device AI prompt processing in LM Studio can be up to 12 times faster than on the M1 iMac and up to five times faster than on the M4 model.
What Does This Mean for Everyday Users?
Rather than AI being limited to a browser-based service, the new iMac can run compatible AI models locally on the computer.
This can be useful for people experimenting with AI tools, working with compatible language models or exploring new creative workflows.
Running supported AI tasks on-device can also help keep sensitive information on the computer rather than requiring every request to be processed by a remote service. However, privacy benefits depend on the particular application and whether it uses on-device processing or cloud-based services.
For consumers interested in exploring AI, the M6 provides a more capable foundation for the technology as it becomes increasingly integrated into everyday software.
Siri AI and Apple Intelligence Get Smarter with macOS 27
The new iMac comes with macOS 27, which introduces Apple's next generation of Apple Intelligence features and a more capable version of Siri known as Siri AI.
Apple says Siri AI is designed to be more conversational, personal and deeply integrated across supported applications.
Users will be able to ask questions, search for information across their messages, emails and photos, and perform actions across compatible apps.
Siri AI is also integrated into Spotlight, Apple's system-wide search feature. This allows users to search for answers and ask follow-up questions without having to jump between different applications.
AI Assistance Across Your Apps
Apple Intelligence also introduces a range of features intended to make everyday tasks easier.
For example, users can take advantage of writing and editing assistance in supported apps, while Siri can help with writing in many places where text can be entered. In Mail and Messages, the assistant can also reflect a user's typical writing style and tone.
The new iMac's large display also supports Visual Intelligence through a dedicated keyboard shortcut. This allows users to ask Siri about content on their screen, such as a chart in a spreadsheet or a photograph displayed in a browser.
Other Apple Intelligence enhancements include:
Smarter Safari browsing: Automatically organise browser tabs into topics.
Website change notifications: Receive alerts about changes such as product restocks or price drops.
Custom Safari extensions: Create extensions by describing what you want them to do.
Intelligent photo editing: Access AI-powered editing tools in the Photos app.
Shortcuts automation: Create automations by describing the task you want to accomplish.
These features could be particularly useful for people who spend much of their day working across multiple apps or managing large amounts of information.
It's worth noting that Apple's announcement identifies Siri AI as a beta feature in macOS 27.2, with availability dependent on supported languages, devices and regions. Some Apple Intelligence features also have usage limits or other restrictions.
A Stunning 24-Inch 4.5K Retina Display
Apple has retained one of the iMac's most recognisable features: its large, high-resolution display.
The new iMac features a 24-inch-class 4.5K Retina display, with an actual diagonal measurement of 23.5 inches. It delivers a resolution of 4.5K, brightness of up to 500 nits and support for the P3 wide colour gamut, displaying more than one billion colours.
For everyday users, this means text should appear crisp, photographs can look vibrant and videos can be enjoyed with plenty of detail.
The generous screen space is also useful for multitasking, allowing users to keep documents, browser windows and communication apps visible while working.
For photographers and aspiring creators, the wide colour support and high resolution provide a useful canvas for editing images and creating content. Meanwhile, families can enjoy streaming services, video calls and other entertainment on a bright, detailed display.
Apple says the screen offers five times the resolution and nearly 70 per cent greater brightness than the bestselling 24-inch all-in-one PC used in its comparison.
A nano-texture display option is also available on the 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU configuration, offering an additional choice for users who want to reduce distracting reflections.
Better Video Calls with a 12MP Camera and Upgraded Audio
Video conferencing has become an important part of everyday computing, whether you're working from home, studying remotely or catching up with friends and family.
The new iMac features a 12MP Center Stage camera designed to keep users well framed during video calls.
Center Stage automatically adjusts the framing to help keep the person in view, making it easier to move around during a call without constantly repositioning the camera.
The camera also supports Desk View, which provides a top-down view of your workspace. This could be especially useful for educators demonstrating a task, students presenting a project or creators showing viewers how something works.
Apple has also equipped the iMac with a studio-quality three-microphone array, designed to help capture clear audio during meetings and calls.
Immersive Sound for Music, Movies and Games
The built-in speaker system includes two pairs of force-cancelling woofers and two tweeters, delivering fuller sound with rich bass.
Spatial Audio support with Dolby Atmos can provide a more immersive listening experience when playing compatible content.
For consumers, the benefit is a desktop computer that can handle video calls, music, movies and games without necessarily requiring a separate webcam, microphone and speaker system.
That helps maintain the iMac's appeal as an all-in-one computer designed to keep your desk looking clean and uncluttered.
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Faster Storage
Apple has upgraded the iMac's connectivity, introducing Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
Wi-Fi 7 is designed to support faster wireless networking and improved performance on compatible networks. Actual speeds will depend on your internet connection, router and surrounding network conditions.
Bluetooth 6 provides support for compatible wireless accessories, helping users connect devices such as keyboards, mice and headphones.
For users who prefer a wired network connection, an optional 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connection is available on the higher-end configuration. Apple says it can deliver up to 2.5 times faster wired connectivity than the previous generation.
Faster SSD Storage
The new iMac also features SSD storage with up to twice the read and write performance of the previous generation.
Faster storage can make a noticeable difference when opening applications, loading large files and working with substantial photo libraries or video projects.
For everyday consumers, it means less waiting when getting started with work. For creators, it can help streamline workflows involving large media files.
Up to Four Thunderbolt 4 Ports
The iMac offers up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, depending on the configuration, making it easier to connect compatible accessories and peripherals.
These ports can be used with devices such as external storage drives and docks, giving users more flexibility as their setup grows.
Apple also says the new iMac can connect to up to two external 6K displays, providing a much larger workspace for people who need additional screen space.
It's important to note that all four USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 4 on the 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU configuration. Buyers should check the specifications of their chosen model before purchasing.
Seven Colours and a Slim All-in-One Design
Apple continues to make design a major part of the iMac experience.
The new model is available in seven colours: blue, green, pink, yellow, purple, orange and silver.
The slim all-in-one design integrates the computer's main components into the display, reducing the need for a separate desktop tower and helping keep desks tidy.
This makes the iMac particularly appealing for home offices, study spaces, family rooms and small businesses where both appearance and practicality matter.
The range of colours also gives buyers the freedom to choose a computer that complements their workspace rather than settling for a conventional black or silver desktop.
Colour-Matched Accessories and Touch ID
The new iMac comes with colour-matched accessories, including a Magic Keyboard and a choice of Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.
These accessories feature USB-C ports, making it easier to charge compatible devices using a common cable.
The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID adds another layer of convenience, allowing supported configurations to authenticate users with a fingerprint.
Touch ID can be used to unlock the computer, switch between users, authorise Apple Pay purchases and approve app downloads.
The standard configuration includes Touch ID on the 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU model. On the 10-core configuration, a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad is available as a configurable option.
These small conveniences help make the iMac easier to use every day, particularly for households where multiple people share a computer.
macOS 27 Brings a Refined Mac Experience
The iMac with M6 runs macOS 27, which introduces refinements to the operating system's design, performance, search and everyday usability.
Apple has also updated its Liquid Glass interface, including sharper, more defined app icons and a new slider in Settings that lets users adjust the appearance of Liquid Glass from ultraclear to fully tinted.
For new Mac users, macOS provides an integrated environment for productivity, communication, entertainment and creative applications.
Existing iPhone users can also benefit from Apple's Continuity features, which help compatible devices work together.
Users can share files and photos, hand off tasks between devices and, with supported configurations, control their iPhone from the Mac. People switching to Mac for the first time can also use an iPhone to transfer settings, files, photos and passwords.
For anyone already using an iPhone, these features can make moving to a Mac feel more seamless.
A More Environmentally Conscious iMac
Apple says the new iMac has been designed with environmental considerations in mind as the company works towards carbon neutrality across its entire footprint by 2030.
The computer includes:
A stand made with 100 per cent recycled aluminium.
Magnets made with 100 per cent recycled rare earth elements.
Apple-designed printed circuit boards using 100 per cent recycled gold plating and tin solder.
Manufacturing supported by 40 per cent renewable electricity across the supply chain.
Fibre-based paper packaging designed to be recyclable.
For consumers who consider sustainability when buying technology, these measures offer additional information about the materials and manufacturing processes used in the new iMac.
Apple iMac with M6: Australian Pricing and Availability
Apple has confirmed Australian pricing for the new iMac with M6, with two starting configurations available.
Configuration Australian RRP (including GST) Education pricing
M6 with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU A$2,399 A$2,319
M6 with 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU A$2,699 A$2,539
Education pricing is available to eligible university students and educators. Additional configurations and optional accessories may affect the final purchase price.
Pre-orders open: Thursday, 29 October 2026.
Availability begins: Friday, 6 November 2026.
Customers will be able to order through Apple's Australian online store and the Apple Store app, with the new iMac also becoming available through Apple Store locations and Apple Authorised Resellers.
Apple Trade In may also allow eligible customers to receive credit towards a new Mac when trading in their current computer, with the value depending on the device's condition, age and configuration.
For buyers who want additional protection and support, AppleCare+ is also available as an option, subject to the plan's terms and local availability.
Is the New iMac with M6 Worth Considering?
The new iMac with M6 looks like a substantial upgrade for consumers who want a powerful desktop computer without the complexity of a separate tower, monitor and accessory setup.
Its faster processor and graphics performance should benefit everyday productivity, while the upgraded Neural Engine and Apple Intelligence features make it better equipped for Apple's increasingly AI-focused software experience.
The combination of a high-resolution Retina display, quality built-in camera and audio, modern connectivity and colour-matched accessories also helps the iMac remain an attractive all-in-one solution.
Who Should Buy the New iMac?
Families and everyday users: The iMac offers a convenient desktop for web browsing, online shopping, managing household finances, streaming entertainment and video calling.
Students: The combination of performance, a large display and built-in productivity tools makes it suitable for assignments, research, presentations and multitasking.
Aspiring content creators: The improved GPU and AI performance could make photo editing, video projects and other creative tasks faster.
Small business owners: Faster performance, modern connectivity and the clean all-in-one design make it worth considering for office work and day-to-day business operations.
Existing Intel-based Mac users: Apple claims performance can be up to 18 times faster than its most popular Intel-based iMac, making this a particularly significant upgrade for people using much older hardware.
However, owners of a recent M4 iMac should consider their actual needs before upgrading. Although Apple reports improvements in processing, graphics and AI performance, the benefits may be less noticeable for people whose current computer already handles their everyday tasks comfortably.
Final Thoughts: The RANT Tech Verdict
Apple's new iMac with M6 brings together faster performance, improved graphics, more capable on-device AI and modern connectivity in a familiar, colourful all-in-one design.
The addition of Siri AI and Apple Intelligence could make everyday computing more convenient, while the upgraded display, camera, speakers and microphones continue to make the iMac a well-rounded option for home and office use.
Starting at A$2,399 in Australia, the new iMac isn't the cheapest way to get a computer, but it offers an integrated desktop experience with a premium display and accessories included.
For consumers buying their first Mac, families looking for a shared home computer or creators wanting more performance without a bulky desktop setup, the iMac with M6 is worth considering.
With pre-orders opening on 29 October and availability beginning on 6 November 2026, Apple's latest desktop is set to bring a fresh combination of performance, AI and style to the Mac lineup.