As we predicted in our article Intel iMac Rumour - Would You Buy It? Our Survey Suggest You Won't Wait For Apple Silicon, tonight Apple has announced new iMac 21.5 and 27-inch versions and a small improvement to the base iMac Pro too. We have the details…
New iMac 21.5 And 27 Inch iMac All-In-One Computers
Apple has announced updates for both iMac models. The updates include Intel 10th Gen Comet Lake processors and a new higher-resolution 1080p HD webcam up from the 720p version found in previous Macs.
All Models Come With T2 Security Chips
When it comes to hard drives, SSDs are now standard across the line, which will also mean all iMacs will now have Apple’s T2 chips, and none will come with the old Apple Fusion drives, which were problematic to DAW users.
Apple says that the new T2 chip also enables some other features for the webcam like tone mapping, exposure control, and face detection and we understand that the improved camera features will work in any videoconferencing app, not just FaceTime. However, the face detection is just for ensuring your face is properly exposed in video calls. It won’t be able to unlock your new iMac as it doesn’t have any biometric login options, no Face ID or fingerprint sensor but you will be able to use your Apple Watch to log in automatically.
Even though the speaker and display hardware are unchanged, when it comes to audio, the T2 chips in the new iMacs will offer support for “Hey Siri,” as well as a new audio controller designed to improve audio bass and fidelity at lower volumes. However, the microphones in the new iMacs have been updated with a three-mic “studio quality” array.
New Nano-Texture Option For The 27 Inch iMac
One of the options available on the new 27” iMac will be a new nano-texture coating to the screen, heralding the return of a matte option back to the iMac. Apple says that the $500 option offers the same treatment that they have on the Pro Display XDR that partners the MacPro 7,1. Apple says this finish "maintains contrast while scattering light to reduce glare to the barest minimum" but just like the Pro Display, you will need to use a special cloth to clean your nano-texture screen.
Processors, GPUs And RAM
When it comes to processors, Intel’s 6 and 8-core versions will be fitted to the standard versions, with a 10-core i9 option that turbo boosts up to 5.0GHz.
The standard iMacs will have AMD’s Radeon 5300 or 5500XT graphics cards, with the 5700XT with 16GB VRAM available as an option. Apple says that these graphics cards will offer up to 55% faster performance compared to the previous generation.
As far as RAM goes these new iMacs will support up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM.
New iMac Pro
Apple has also made a minor update to the iMac Pro, with the base configuration now coming with the 10-core 3.0 GHz Xeon W chip, which was an option in the previous model.
All other specs appear to be the same, with 14-core and 18-core processors available as upgrades. The starting price also remains at $4,999, although the improved base processor essentially offers an $800 price cut.
However, the $500 nano-texture glass option will not be an option for the new iMac Pro.
Prices And Availability
The 27-inch iMac is available to order today and will ship this week and prices with start at $1,799.
The 21.5-inch iMac base model will be priced at $1,099 and is due to ship next week.
The base model iMac Pro with the 10-core Intel chip will be $4,999 and will ship from next week.