Apple has introduced an M6 version of its 24-inch iMac, updating the all-in-one desktop with a faster processor, dedicated machine-learning hardware and newer wireless standards. Pre-orders are due to begin October 28, with general availability scheduled for November 6.
The computer retains the thin enclosure, 24-inch 4.5K Retina display and seven-color selection associated with the current iMac design. The panel is rated at 500 nits and supports the P3 wide-color gamut. Apple will continue to offer a nano-texture glass option intended to reduce reflections in brightly lit rooms.
Inside, M6 adds a Neural Accelerator to each GPU core and two 16-core Neural Engines. Apple says the hardware speeds up everyday work, photo and video editing, local AI models and other computationally intensive tasks. Unified memory can be configured to 32GB, allowing the same pool of memory to serve the processor, graphics and machine-learning components.
The company's comparisons include claims of performance up to 18 times faster than a popular Intel-based iMac and on-device AI performance up to five times faster than an M4 iMac. Those are Apple measurements tied to particular tests and configurations, not broad guarantees for every application. Independent reviews will be required to measure sustained performance and the benefit for typical desktop workloads.
Apple is also moving the iMac to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The desktop retains a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera that can automatically adjust framing during video calls and provide a top-down Desk View. Directional microphones and a six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers remain part of the integrated communications and media package.
The M6 iMac runs macOS 27, including Apple's new Siri AI and Apple Intelligence tools. Apple says users can ask questions through Spotlight, organize Safari tabs, monitor websites for changes, edit images and build Shortcuts from natural-language descriptions. The company also promotes local processing and Private Cloud Compute as privacy protections when larger server-based models are needed. Availability and usage limits may apply to individual AI features.
Continuity functions link the desktop with an iPhone, including file transfers, shared clipboard, calls and messages, and the ability to interact with phone content from the Mac. Those features reinforce Apple's approach to the iMac as a family, education, creative and small-business computer rather than a modular workstation.
The update is primarily an internal refresh. Its significance will depend on how much M6 improves responsiveness and local AI tasks without increasing noise or power use. For buyers, the main confirmed changes are the processor, AI acceleration and wireless connectivity; the display, camera, speakers and industrial design follow the established 24-inch formula.
