Apple just introduced the new 2021 24″ M1 iMac at the Spring Loaded Event!
The new newly redesigned iMac is here! I know you have questions, and I’m here to answer them. This article will be updated with the latest information on both models of the brand new 2021 24″ M1 iMac.
This article will be updated as new information comes in.
UPDATED 6/04/21
Table of Contents
- When can I order the new 24″ M1 iMac?
- 24″ iMac Links
- Two Different 24″ Models
- Base iMac 24-in (M1 Two Ports, 2021)
- Upgraded iMac 24-in (M1 Four Ports, 2021)
- Where are the ports? (USB-A & SD Card Slot)
- Why does the new iMac have a chin?
- Why is the Apple logo missing from the front?
- New proprietary magnetic power adapter with built-in ethernet port
- The 24″ iMac is so thin that the 3.5mm headphone jack had to be on the side.
- Is the 24″ iMac just an M1 13″ MacBook Pro with a screen?
- Does the 24-inch iMac have the same M1 single external display limitation?
- New Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
- Does the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID work with the M1 Mac Mini, Air or Pro?
- Will the new Magic Keyboard Touch ID be available for separate purchase?
- Does the 24″ iMac have a Kensington lock port?
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera
- New iMac Colors
- New 4.5k Screen
- Upgraded Speakers and Microphone
- Updated WiFi & Bluetooth
- The new iMac supports “Hey Siri”
- How much does the new iMac weigh?
- Should you buy the 24″ model or wait for the rumored 30″ model?
- Will the new iMac have a VESA mount option?
- Is the MAC address of the Ethernet port inside the power brick?
- Can the new 24″ M1 iMac be used as a 2nd display? (Target Display Mode)
- How many watts is the new 24″ M1 iMac power supply? (also compared to 21.5)
- Can the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID work with the new M1 iPad Pro?
- Is the new 24″ M1 iMac stand height ajustable?
- What do I think of the new iMac?
1. When can I order the new 24-inch M1 iMac?
You can order it on April 30th, and it will be available “second half of May”
2. New 24″ iMac Links
Main 24″ iMac page.
https://www.apple.com/imac-24/
New 24″ M1 iMac Tech Specs
https://www.apple.com/imac-24/specs/
Apple Spring Loaded Event link
https://www.apple.com/apple-events/april-2021/
You can view a nice side by side comparison here >
https://www.apple.com/mac/compare/?modelList=iMac-24_2,iMac-24_4,iMac-5K
3. Brand New 24″ iMac has 2 different models.
The new 24″ is replacing the old 21.5 inch Intel iMac. The rumors mention that we might get a 30″ or larger iMac that replaces the current 27″ Intel model. It will most likely have a newer M1 Chip that has double the amount of cores.
New 2021 24″ iMac DeviceID & ProductID Found!
Base Model = J456AP & iMac21,1
Upgraded Model = J457AP & iMac21,2
macOS Big Sur 11.3 (20E232) has built in support for both models.
4. Base iMac 24-in (M1 Two Ports, 2021)
The first model is a base $1299 version. It comes with an M1 processor with 8 performance cores and 7 GPU cores. It only includes two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports.
- Apple M1 chip
- 24″ 4.5k Retina Display
- 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
- 7-core GPU (graphics)
- 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB Standard unified memory (16GB optional)
- 256GB SSD hard drive storage (Optional 512GB or 1TB SSD)
- 2 Total ports (Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports).
- 4 Colors – (Blue, Green, Pink & Silver)
- Standard Power Brick – (Optional Ethernet power adapter)
- Standard Magic Keyboard – (Optional Touch ID Magic Keyboard)
5. Upgraded iMac 24-in (M1 Four Ports, 2021)
The second model is an upgraded $1499 version. It comes with an M1 processor with 8 performance cores and 8 GPU cores. It includes 4 total ports (2 Thunderbolt & 2 USB 4 ports).
- Apple M1 chip
- 24″ 4.5k Retina Display
- 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
- 8-core GPU (graphics)
- 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB Standard unified memory (16GB optional)
- 256GB SSD hard drive storage (Optional 512GB, 1TB or 2TB SSD)
- 4 Total Ports (2 Thunderbolt & 2 USB 4 ports).
- 7 Colors – (Blue, Green, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Purple & Silver)
- Ethernet-equipped power adapter brick.
- Touch ID equipped Magic Keyboard
6.Where are the ports? (USB-A & SD Card Reader)
This is a desktop computer. It is meant to sit on a desk and be not be portable. The upgraded model has a total of 5 ports if you include the ethernet port on the power brick. It does include a headphone jack on the left-hand side.
Noticeably missing is a USB-A port and an SD Card Reader.
You might be thinking, why would Apple include a USB-A port on the new iMac?
First off the new M1 Mac Mini has 2 USB-A ports! If USB-A is dead, why include them on the latest desktop computer? The previous 21.5″ Intel had 4 USB-A ports. The ports might make a return on the rumored 30″+ model that will replace the 27″ Intel Mac. We will have to wait and see if that happens or not.
7. Why does the new iMac have a chin?
This one seems to be a strange design choice. Was the new 24″ iMac designed to be so thin that it still needed a lower chin section? You would think that it could have been built with a thicker case. Apple could have included everything inside the main case behind the screen.
8. Why is the Apple logo missing from the front?
Another strange design choice is not including an Apple logo on the front of the new iMac. (The logo is still on the back of the case). This is not the first time that Apple has not included the model or apple logo on the front. One example of this is the 13″ & 15″ Retina Macbook Pro. Both models were introduced and did not have the “MacBook Pro” text under the LCD screen. Apple later added the text back in the 2016 MacBook Pro. Will Apple add the logo to the 27″ Model or is it gone for good? Weird…
9. New proprietary magnetic power adapter with built-in ethernet port.
A second design decision had to be made due to the thinness of the computer. The power supply had to be moved outside of the case for the first time since the 2009 Mac Mini. Again this is super strange, if the case was made a little bit bigger the power supply and the ethernet port could have been included in the case.
Why is this a big deal? The cable is now proprietary
Instead of using the standard 3 prong plug, a new expensive power brick needs to be ordered if it fails. You can no longer just grab a black 3 prong and use it to power on the new iMac. This used to be the case for the old Mac Mini. You needed a proprietary power brick that only worked with the 2004-2009 Mini. For the 2010 model, Apple moved the power supply into the Mac mini and you could use a standard 2 barrel power plug.
The speed of the port is 1 gigabit. The M1 Mac Mini can now be configured with 10 gigabit ethernet.
10. The 24″ iMac is so thin that the 3.5mm headphone jack had to be on the side.
You could consider this the 3rd design decision related to the size of the new 24″ iMac case. The case is so thin that the regular 3.5mm headphone jack will not fit in the rear of the case. Keep in mind that this is a super small thing, and I’m glad Apple included the headphone jack.
11. Is the 24″ iMac just an M1 13″ MacBook Pro/Air with a screen?
Unknown. The iMac M1 Logic board includes 2 fans, which is interesting.
- 24″ iMac – 2 Fans
- M1 Mac Mini – 1 Fan
- 13″ MacBook Pro – 1 Fan
- MacBook Air – No fan
We know that the M1 Air will throttle if it gets hot enough. The Pro and Mini can cool down the processor with one fan.
Will the new iMac be able to achieve higher performance due to better cooling? We will find out soon enough, when the benchmarks hit.
12. Does the 24-inch iMac have the same M1 single external display limitation?
It is possible. Apple does mention that the new iMac can run 1 Apple HDR Display, but did not say anything about other monitors. If I had to guess, only one external monitor will be supported.
13. New Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
The new Touch ID Equipped Magic Keyboard is awesome! Ever since Touch ID was introduced on the 2016 MacBook Pro, users have wanted the feature on desktop models. That time has finally come, and I can’t wait to try it out.
14. Will the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID work with the M1 Mac Mini, Air or Pro?
UPDATE: MacRumors says the new Touch ID Keyboard works with all M1 Macs.
macrumors.com/2021/04/20/magic-keyboard-touch-id-compatible-all-m1-macs/
The keyboard will also work on Intel Macs without the Touch ID option.
If you are wondering if the Touch ID keyboard works with the M1, apparently the answer is no.
macrumors.com/2021/04/21/touch-id-magic-keyboard-m1-ipad-pro/
Unknown at this time, but it sure would be awesome if it did! I will update as soon as the info is known.
15. Will the new Magic Keyboard Touch ID be available for separate purchase?
Unknown at this time. Apple released a matching Space Grey edition of the Magic Keyboard. Users immediately asked for to buy it separately and Apple obliged. I guess it is possible for the normal version but again will be dependant on Touch ID compatibility.
Right now the keyboards are only available with the new iMac.
16. Does the 24″ iMac have a Kensington lock port?
This is the question that everyone is asking about.
No.
17. 1080p FaceTime HD camera
Users have complained about the quality of the Mac FaceTime camera for years. The 24″ iMac has introduced a new HD 1080P camera that should make most users very happy!
18. Colors
I love the new colors! Seeing them brings me back to when Apple released a full set of colors on the original iMac from 1998.
Give us the same color choices on the new MacBook Pro!!!
19. New 4.5k screen.
The screen has also been updated.
4.5K Retina display = 4480 by 2520 pixels
Previous 21.5″ Screen = 4K Retina display 4096 by 2304
The new model also supports True Tone technology.
20. Upgraded Speakers and Microphone
The new iMac comes with newly redesigned speakers.
High-fidelity six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers
Wide stereo sound. Support for spatial audio when playing video with Dolby Atmos
The microphone was also upgraded.
Studio-quality three-mic array with high signal-to-noise ratio and directional beamforming
21. Updated WiFi & Bluetooth
WiFi was also updated from 802.11ac Wi-Fi to 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth was updated from Bluetooth 4.2 wireless to Bluetooth 5.0 wireless
22. The new iMac supports “Hey Siri”
The new iMac supports Activate hands-free with only your voice using “Hey Siri”
23. How much does the new iMac weigh?
Base Model = 9.83 pounds
Upgraded Model = 9.88 pounds
Previous 21.5″ iMac = 12.1 pounds
24. Should you buy the 24″ model or wait for the rumored 30″ version?
Apple is going to replace the 27″ model, that much is certain. The real question is when will this happen? At this point, no one knows for sure. It might be released this year or next year. The bottom line is, if you like the M1 MacBook Pro/Air but wanted a desktop version with a screen this iMac is for you. If you want an iMac with a larger screen, more CPU cores, and more than 16Gb of ram then I would wait.
25. Will the new 24″ iMac have a VESA mount option?
UPDATE: YES!
HT @scriptingosx for pointing out that Apple does have a new VESA Mount Adapter for the new 24″ M1 iMac
https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/imac-vesa
Commenter Matt asked this great question. I’m not sure yet, he mentioned that it looks like you can remove the hinge on the back side. Apple did not say anything about this. I’m wondering if a 3rd party could make a VESA mount?
26. What do I think of the new iMac?
This my day one review. Keep in mind, my opinion might change when I see the new iMac in person.
I think that the new 24″ iMac is positioned as an entry level desktop. Some of the criticism that I pointed out, might be addressed in future pro level Macs.
Entry Level
- 1. M1 Mac Mini
- 2. M1 MacBook Air
- 3. M1 13″ MacBook Pro
- 4. M1 24″ iMac
Pro Level
- 1. M1X 15″ MacBook Pro (16″ Intel replacement)
- 2. M1X 30″ iMac (27″ Intel replacement)
- 3. M1X Mac Pro Mini (Future Middle desktop between 30″ iMac and Full Mac Pro Tower)
- 4. M1X Mac Pro Full Tower (Update to the 2019 Mac Pro)
Like
- Colors – I love the new colors!!! In my opinion, Apple needs to bring the same colors to the MacBook line.
- M1 in the iMac – It is hard to put into words how good the M1 is. You just need to use an M1 Pro and Intel Pro together to see how much better the M1 is. The chip rarely ever gets hot so you never hear the fan. The performance is lightning quick on almost every single task compared to Intel.
- New Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. I can’t wait to test this new keyboard out!
- Updated screen, speakers, microphone, and FaceTime Camera – The new screen looks great as does the long-overdue update to the speakers, mic and FaceTime camera.
Dislike
- Chin – I don’t like that the new iMac carries over the previous lower chin part of the case. I was really hoping Apple would design the iMac like the old 27″ Thunderbolt monitor. I think most users would be fine if Apple made the case thicker and then could have removed the lower chin.
- Proprietary Power Brick – This is another issue that I noted above. The case is so thin that the power supply can’t fit! I figured after the 2009 Mac Mini that Apple was done with external desktop power supplies. The worst part is that the cable is now proprietary. You can no longer just grab a 3 prong power plug to use the new iMac.
- Missing Apple Logo on the front. If you need the chin, then at least put the Apple logo on it. The front of the computer looks so strange without the logo. The iMac had the Apple logo on the front of every single model since 2004.
- Missing USB-A and SD Card Slot – How could Apple not include USB-A ports and an SD Card reader in the new iMac? The new iMac will be used for a video and camera editing station in a lot of cases. Why not include a simple port that would help creatives? The same goes for USB-A. If Apple included it in the new M1 Mac Mini, why not on the new iMac?
Conclusion
Keep in mind, some of the dislikes that I’ve mentioned (missing the Apple logo) are just small annoyances. The new iMac is shaping up to be an amazing Mac desktop. I can’t wait to see one in person.
Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments.
I am running OS Big Sur 11.6 on my iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021). Apple M1
I have a HP Color Laser Jet Pro M252dw which I bough specifically for the duplex printing facility. The printer still prints single sided but can no longer print double sided. Do you have any plans to solve this problem?
Wireless AX?! This is exciting! Has anyone caught the Chipset manufacturer for this? I hope it’s not engrained in the M1. If a separate entity, it would be nice to track it down and add it to the MacPro I’ve been keeping alive and patched all these years.
Where is the slot to slide in a disk when I add photos to the 2021 iMac?
What are the dimensions of the standard and ethernet power bricks?
Curious about the size without the mount (for VESA mount). I have a roll top desk that I mounted a pole inside and currently using a 28″ Asus monitor that extends out too far to close the top easily. The desk has a 23″ wide by 16″ high opening for an older CRT type monitor so it’s not a really old desk but one built as a computer desk. Gift from my wife and I just enjoy iy too much. Using the 2018 Mac mini with the Asus and it does the job very well but being able to close the top would be nice as well.
I’d need to mod the desk for the supposedly new 30″ iMac coming but it depends if they go space gray with the 24″. The white bezel is a deal breaker as is the gray chin. Not into the colors at all. Black tape? Spray paint? That would just be tacky. I’ll wait.
Could it be used as an external monitor for a MacBook M1 ? 🙂 can’t find any information if this is possible again. Would be awesome to have a setup to work on from home and to come to the office, plug in and be done. While at the same time having a stand alone machine there
Article needs a small correction. The screen resolutions need to be switched.
4.5K Retina display = 4096 by 2304 pixels
Previous 21.5″ Screen = 4K Retina display 4480 by 2520
Fixed David thanks!
Thank you for this article!
Guess there is an error?
4.5K Retina display = 4096 by 2304 pixels
Previous 21.5″ Screen = 4K Retina display 4480 by 2520
Oops!! thanks for the note Maxim. Fixed
Great article!
However the screens resolutions are switched over on section 19.
Thankfully the 4.5K Retina display is not of lower resolution than the former 4K Retina display!
About VESA this is also an option you can order instead of the stand, for the same price.
Fixed! I also added the VESA option thank you
Disappointed beyond words with this new iMac. Amazing gadget for my daughter but not for me… 512gb maximum? How is it possible that the iPad Pro has 2 TB of storage space and this iMac has 256-512 gb? Even if the new processor and architecture is a game changer in specs, will 8 gb RAM be enough for a professional use? Why on earth didn’t they just add a dark grey color (the one on the extinct iMac Pro). Light grey bezel is a no-no at all for me……..
As you said, this is an entry level iMac and the question is when will they release a Pro version of these M1 iMacs. If you need a replace of a professional use iMac, you are now lost between buying a soon obsolete Intel option or these insufficient iMacs.
Hope they are not trying to hill the desktop in favor of iOS style products….. Time will tell.
I hear you. We will have to wait until the pro level iMac comes out. My guess is that it will come with more standard colors i.e space grey.
Helpful article – thanks! I’m interested if there will an option for Vesa mounting the screen. The stand hinge seems to be on the outside this time so hopefully there will be the option to unscrew it and add a Vesa adapter instead.
Oh!! Great question Matt, I need to put that in the article (I do not know the answer).
There is indeed the option in Apple’s website: https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/imac-vesa
Added thank you!