At a glance: Apple iMac 24-inch (M6) Review

What is it? Apple’s iMac with M6 is the latest generation of its all-in-one desktop. Like the M4, M3, and M1 before it, it keeps the modern, colorful design and slim build and includes a keyboard and mouse (or trackpad). Out of the box, it’s running macOS 27. 2; it’s a capable desktop for creative work, productivity, and everyday tasks. What does it cost? Good news: Apple hasn’t increased the starting price. For $1,499, you get an M6 chip with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and Dual 16-core Neural Engine, plus 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. A $1,699 configuration upgrades to a 12-core CPU and GPU and 512GB of storage. Nano-texture glass, additional Thunderbolt 4 ports, and Ethernet are also available as options. Alternatives
Apple’s Mac mini with M6 is the closest alternative, and it lets you bring your own display, keyboard, and mouse. There’s also the more powerful Mac Studio with M5 Max or M5 Ultra, alongside plenty of Windows desktop options. Apple iMac (2026, M6) scorecard
How the Apple iMac (2026, M6) scored in our review
Value
4. 5

Design
4. 5

Performance
5

Overall
4. 5

Group 1 Data Product Value () Design () Performance () Overall () Apple iMac (2026, M6) 4. 5 4. 5 5 4. 5

Apple iMac 24-inch (M6) Review: Value for money

(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future) Apple’s iMac with M6 isn’t a revolution, but a lesson in squeezing more value out of a familiar package without raising the price. And I’d like to underscore the latter, as the iMac still starts at $1,499 / £1,499 / AU$2,399 for the entry-level configuration (remember Apple increased prices earlier this year), bucking a larger trend. For that price, you get a well-equipped Mac desktop that gives you everything you need to get started right out of the box. That starts with a modern, slim, colorful design that won’t take up much real estate, while giving you the canvas of a 24-inch 4. 5K Retina display. Even without Nano-Texture glass — if you choose not to upgrade, as with my review unit — it’s a colorful, vibrant, and rich experience that works well for everyday tasks and more creative work alike. And, of course, there’s the M6 chip itself. It’s a meaningful performance upgrade that keeps everything running smoothly, whether you’re juggling everyday apps, working across multiple browser tabs, or getting stuck into more creative tasks. The addition of the Dual 16-core Neural Engine is another important part of the equation, helping accelerate AI-powered features and giving this iMac more room to grow as Apple Intelligence continues to evolve. It’s not just about getting a faster Mac today, but having a capable desktop that should feel ready for what’s next, too. Ultimately, it’s an excellent value for someone buying a new desktop Mac, whether it’s their first iMac or an upgrade from an older machine. If you already have the M4 iMac, though, there’s less reason to rush out and upgrade, even if you have the M3 or the M1. This is a speed bump rather than a reinvention, but getting more performance for the same price is still a win. So if you currently have an older iMac or an aging Mac and want a desktop that gives you everything you need out of the box — including a great display — there’s really no better value in Apple’s lineup. The iMac starts at the same $1,499 / £1,499 / AU$2,399 price, delivering more performance and a complete desktop setup without costing more than the previous generation. Apple iMac 24-inch (M6) Review: Design

(Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future) Familiar, colorful all-in-one design
Immersive 24-inch 4. 5K Retina display
You can still get it with nano-texture
Apple’s iMac is still instantly recognizable as the latest generation of its iconic all-in-one. The new iMac with M6 looks just like the iMac with M4, M3, and M1 that came before it. It’s still plenty colorful and offers an expansive 24-inch 4. 5K Retina display, all in a remarkably thin build that takes up minimal space wherever you decide to place it. With M6 under the hood, the iMac still looks like an iMac. On the front, the 24-inch screen is surrounded by a white bezel, with the bottom featuring a chin in whichever color you’ve chosen. I’m testing the Purple model, just like last time, which is a light, likely Wonka-approved take on the shade. The rear and sides feature a darker, matte aluminum version of purple that really pops, while the giant Apple logo remains front and center on the back. For connectivity, the left side has a headphone jack — yes, the iMac has a proper audio jack — while the rear houses the power connection, which magnetically snaps into place. It’s convenient, though not a quick-release connection like MagSafe on the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. Around back, you’ll either get two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports or four, depending on the configuration. I’m testing the higher-end option with all four, and the power adapter also features a 2. 5Gb Ethernet port. (Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future) Not much else is different here, especially since Apple introduced this design way back with the M1. If purple isn’t your shade, there are six other color options: Orange, Blue, Yellow, Green, Silver, and Pink. You’ll also get a color-matched keyboard and Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad in the box, along with a matching USB-C to USB-C cable. (Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future) The display is really good, with a 4480 x 2520 resolution and up to 500 nits of brightness. Using it as my daily Mac, I’ve found it to be a great screen for just about everything. Colors pop, there’s plenty of detail, and the resolution scales nicely whether I’m checking email, browsing the web, replying to messages, putting together presentations in Keynote, scrolling through Photos, or hopping on a FaceTime call. It’s equally enjoyable for watching content, whether that’s a full-screen YouTube video or something playing in a window while I work. And for more creative tasks, there’s plenty of detail and color to work with when editing photos or videos. I do miss the optional nano-texture glass on my review unit, particularly when dealing with natural light or other reflections. But if you’re placing the iMac in a space without a ton of direct sunlight or reflective surfaces, I think you’re largely all right with the standard glossy finish. Apple’s familiar slim, colorful iMac design returns, complete with a sharp 24-inch 4. 5K Retina display and a choice of seven finishes. Apple iMac 24-inch (M6) Review: Specs
Apple iMac 24-inch (M6): Specs Price
$1,299 / £1,299 / AU$1,99
$1,499 / £1,499 / AU$2,399
CPU
Apple M6 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple M6 (12-core CPU, 12-core GPU, and Dual 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics
Integrated 10-core GPU
Integrated 12-core GPU
RAM
16GB (starting, but configurable up to 24GB)
16GB (starting, but configurable up to 32GB)
Screen
24-inch 4. 5K Retina display with 4480 x 2520 resolution at 218 ppi and 500 nits brightness
24-inch 4. 5K Retina display with 4480 x 2520 resolution at 218 ppi and 500 nits brightness. Optional nano-texture glass. Storage
256GB (starting, but configurable up to 1TB)
256GB (starting, but configurable up to 2TB)
Ports
Two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, headphone jack
Four Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, headphone jack
Wireless
Wi-Fi 7 (802. 11be), Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity
Wi-Fi 7 (802…