Apple updates iMac with Haswell processors, new graphics, next-gen Wi-Fi, and faster PCIe flash storage

Apple today updated iMac with fourth generation Intel quad-core processors, new graphics, next generation Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage options. The updated iMac brings the latest technology to the stunningly thin design and gorgeous display of the world’s leading all-in-one desktop.

“iMac continues to be the example that proves how beautiful, fast and fun a desktop computer can be,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Inside its ultra-thin aluminum enclosure, the new iMac has the latest Intel processors, faster graphics, next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage.”

The entry-level 21.5-inch iMac features a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and new Iris Pro graphics for unprecedented levels of integrated graphics performance. The high-end 21.5-inch model and both 27-inch models feature quad-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 3.4 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 700 series graphics with twice the video memory and up to 40 percent faster performance than the previous generation.* Customers looking for the ultimate in performance can upgrade to quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.5 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M series graphics with up to 4GB of video memory.

Apple iMac (8th gen)
Apple updated iMac

 
iMac now supports next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi. When connected to an 802.11ac base station, iMac delivers wireless performance that is up to three times faster than the previous generation.

The updated iMac now features support for PCIe-based flash storage that makes Fusion Drive and all-flash storage options up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation.* The popular Fusion Drive option combines the large storage capacity of a hard drive with the high performance of flash to deliver shorter boot times and faster access to apps and files. Customers can configure their iMac with a 1TB or 3TB Fusion Drive, and all-flash storage options are now available in configurations up to 1TB.

iMac comes standard with 8GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive, and customers can choose to configure their iMac with up to 32GB of memory and up to a 3TB hard drive. iMac also comes with two Thunderbolt and four USB 3.0 ports for connecting to external storage and other high performance peripherals.

Continuing Apple’s commitment to energy efficiency and the environment, iMac meets stringent Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves an EPEAT Gold rating.** iMac features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iMac includes PVC-free components and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants, and uses highly recyclable materials and material-efficient packaging designs.

iMac ships with OS X Mountain Lion, bringing Messages, Notification Center, system-wide Sharing, AirPlay Mirroring, Dictation, Game Center and the enhanced security of Gatekeeper to your Mac. With iCloud built into the foundation of OS X, Mountain Lion makes it easier than ever to keep your content up to date across your Mac, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Pricing & Availability
The new iMac is available today through the Apple Online Store, Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. The 21.5-inch iMac is available with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2 GHz and Intel Iris Pro for a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US); and with a 2.9 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US). The 27-inch iMac is available with a 3.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 755M for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US); and with a 3.4 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US). Additional technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/imac.

*Testing conducted by Apple in September 2013 using preproduction iMac configurations. For more information visit www.apple.com/imac/features.
**Claim based on energy efficiency categories and products listed within the EPA Energy Star 5.2 energy database as of September 2013. EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.

Source: Apple Inc.

42 Comments

    1. I haven’t seen benchmarks, but this seems like a very minor bump. I’ve had mine since Jan and don’t have upgrade envy on this one. I think just about the only thing that will give me a good case of envy is a retina screen, but on 27″ of real estate, I don’t expect it soon.

      1. Yep…very minor speed bump for the iMac; Haswell shows more bang for the buck in laptops, especially in power consumption area.

        Very happy with my 10 month old i7 Fusion Drive iMac. By the next iteration, I’ll be more inclined to consider another upgrade.

    1. I agree the upgradeable features should not just be in the 27″ because I have mine on the corner end of the Kitchen/nook countertop and the old 24″ fits well there, the first iMac that sat there was the original white half-a-mellon + lamp arm 17″ iMac—I do miss the swivel ability that screen had. I’d really not like to go beyond 24″, but 21″ seems small after I’m on a 27″ at work all day.
      I’m a Mac user since 1985, and I remember trying to design on those teeny B&W MacPlus screens! I don’t know how we did it, but it was all so new and cool then that to us it was a space age miracle just to be able to set our own type and do page layout in it. Woohoo! We felt lucky with a b&w screen about the size of the iPad (iPad might be larger!). Now I’m whining about a 21″ full color monitor being too small.

      1. MacRaven, you take me back to the days of my youth…the Mac Classics were “adorable” (do you remember the Color Classic?). We had a few in the student newspaper office as an undergrad running System 6, I believe. We were in utopia when the 17″ color monitor came out. I think we connected it to a Quadra. Or Performa…

        I really prefer the 27″. My desk is bending in the center from my iMac now, so I’d need to completely re-outfit my work area (new desk and chair, if they even fit) to make anything happen.

        Yes, it is funny how we manage to get work done on smaller screens. I regularly blog and write articles on my iPhone’s tiny screen. iPhoto and iMovie allow us to get usable imagery from handheld devices. It’s mission-critical work—Avid Media Composer, Aperture, Final Cut, Pixelmator, etc.— that makes me desire the real estate.

        Good reminiscing with you. It’s great to see how far we’ve come along the Mac road!

    1. Given the specs and the quality of the monitor on the iMac, it is not overpriced. Yes, you can piece together a cheaper Windows PC. But a similarly configured Windows PC will have a comparable price (this was certainly true the last time that I compared prices and read the online research, anyway).

      I replaced the HDD on my old 2007 24″ intel iMac, mainly for storage, not speed. It still works great. You sound like a person who wants near-instantaneous response, so I would go with SSD or Fusion.

      1. One would think that a display update would be easier to engineer than a new Mac Pro. One would also think that there are some Mac mini users out there who would very much enjoy a spiffy new Thunderbolt- equipped display. Maybe even an occasional iMac 2012 user who rocks with dual displays.

        Given these assumptions, one wonders what’s taking Cook so long to deliver what should be an obvious update. Why wait?

  1. So you went and bought one this morning, eh? Did you test drive a unit in the store?

    And instead of adding $200 for the Fusion drive option on your 1TB you have decided to claim the entire machine is an overpriced piece of junk? Well, even now you can go to NewEgg or MacSales and get a 7200 RPM drive for $70.

    1. The reason that the Mac Pro hasn’t shipped yet is because Thunderbolt 2 isn’t ready.

      And once it is, they are expecting “limited quantities” for a while as they ramp up production. So Apple could introduce a new model now sans Thunderbolt 2. Or wait 9 months to intro it.

  2. wow.
    thanks Apple.

    got new iMac Dec 2012 when you already had WiFi 802.11ac in McBk Air + new tower Airport, months earlier, yet you now only add latest WiFi into slight iMac upgrade?! how can one add AC WiFi to iMac 2012?! anyone know of 3rd party solution if Apple doesn’t offer it?! thanks!

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