Apple recently announced the 2021 iMac computer with its first generation Apple Silicon chipset. The computer has 24-inch display and an array of color options.

Based on general overviews, the device functions well and even faster than the previous model thanks to the new Apple M1 chipset on board.

Taking things down the memory lane, Apple first introduced the aluminum iMac back in August 2007 and it was made in two variants: the model with 20-inch display and the other having 24-inch display size.

The first Apple did was the plastic version which came in a triple display variations. However the redesign of the computer with an aluminum frame on its front with a plastic back casing gave the device the unique look and feel of a real AIO device.

The aluminum unibody frame of the 2009 upgrade of the iMac with a 21.5-inch display and a larger 27-inch variant was a tremendous addition to the lineup.

The design will further shape the future generation of the iMacs as it can be seen today. The curved back of the device to house its stand and other components as well as its ultra-thin sides made things more funky and interesting.

That was the case when Apple had to redesign the device later on in 2012 but then the biggest upgrade to the device was the inclusion of a Retina display back in 2015 to enhance the display capabilities of the device.

Even though there have been many overhaul in terms of changes in terms of components both internally and externally, majority of the design aesthetics still remain the same through out this period but not until the new release of the 2021 model which sports a 24-inch display and the M1 chipset.

iMac (2021): “iDesigned“

Multiple color (green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver) options to chose from and True Tone display technology, the 2021 iMac features a number of upgrades and will be the first major redesign of the device since 2007.

Now featuring an ultra thin design and smaller bezels, if you’re looking at the computer from a side, it basically looks like an iPad Pro sitting on a stand.

Measurements of the 24-inch iMac:

• Weight: 9.83 pounds
• Width: 21.5-inches
• Height: 18.1-inches
• 11.5mm thin

For the first time, Apple has decided to pull off its logo from the chin of the device which had also been reshaped to become much smaller. It fits my above description of looking like a giant iPad pro.

Processor and specs

Since the Cupertino-based tech giant is known for being self sufficient, it has decided to build its own chipset in house which leads to the invention of the M1 chipset.

The same M1 chip powers the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro and the Mac Mini and now the 2021 24-inch iMac.

The transitioning started back in 2020 when the company decided it was done with Intel chips.

In terms of configuration, the 24-inch iMac is configurable with either a 7-core GPU or an 8-core GPU however, users still gets an 8-core CPU in both GPU configurations.

Its also possible to spice up the storage capability up with either an 8GB or 16GB of unified memory while storage option ranges from 256GB, 512GB to 1TB or even 2TB.

On the base model, Apple includes two Thunderbolt ports and an headphone jack on the 2021 24-inch iMac M1 computer which is really interesting.

But there is also a high-end variant which features two Thunderbolt ports, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack and ethernet connectivity on the power brick.

At least now, you’ll be less reliant on dongles if you’re willing to pay for the high-end iMac 2021.

Accessories of the 24-inch iMac

Now Apple has decided to include TouchID on the new iMac and can be used to authenticate payment via the Apple Pay and App Store purchases and much more.

Apple also ensured that the keyboard color-matched the iMac casing itself as well as the Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad.

The external Magic Keyboard comes with the TouchID technology and its not sold separately and Apple announced it will work with any M1 Mac computer.

So if you get yourself one of these devices, you can use it with the Magic Keyboard which has Touch ID .

How much is 24-inch iMac 2021 M1

The pricing ranges but overall, it’s a high-budget device which will set you back between US$1,299 and US$1,499. Below is a simple break down of what you’ll get for whatever price you pay for the 24-inch iMac M1 (2021)

• $1,299 – 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU with 8GB of unified memory, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt ports, a Magic Keyboard without Touch ID, and a Magic Mouse. 
  • Available in: Green, pink, blue, and silver. 
• $1,499 – 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU with 8GB of unified memory, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt ports, two USB 3 ports, a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, a Magic Mouse, and Ethernet connectivity. 
  • Available in: Green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver

You can also upgrade the $1,499 tier with up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage inside.

Release date of 24-inch iMac M1 2021

The 24-inch iMac went up for pre-order on April 30, and the first orders are slated to arrive today, May 21st.

Will there be a 27-inch iMac 2021?

Apple is reportedly working on the larger 27-inch iMac which will also feature the M1 chipset within it later on this year and if that is true, it might be in fall.

However. it’s worth noting that the 24-inch iMac M1 2021 is meant to be a replacement for the older 21.5-inch iMac which was equipped with the Intel chipset inside.