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Review: Apple’s M6 iMac is pricey, but it’s still a good choice for a clean desk
Apple’s M6 iMac refresh keeps the all-in-one desktop current but changes little in design. It remains a colourful, compact option for people who want a simple computer and a tidy desk, though buyers pay a premium for its integrated screen and coordinated accessories.
The $1,499 model has a 10-core CPU and GPU, up to 24GB of memory, 256GB to 1TB of storage and two Thunderbolt ports. At $1,699, the model adds the full-speed M6, support for up to 32GB of memory and 2TB of storage, four Thunderbolt ports and Touch ID keyboards. Ethernet costs an extra $30, while the Mac mini with comparable core specifications starts at $899, making the iMac’s design and convenience central to its value.
In short
- M6 iMac gets a modest update.
- Prices start at $1,499.
- Its design and convenience carry a premium.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The iMac offers an uncluttered, compact setup with a built-in screen and coordinated accessories, which can be worth paying more for if ease of use and a tidy desk matter to the buyer. Its current processor, memory and storage options may also make it a convenient all-in-one choice for people who do not want to assemble a separate computer and monitor.
The case against
The premium is substantial when a Mac mini with comparable core specifications starts at $899, and the iMac’s limited design changes may make that extra cost harder to justify. Buyers who already have, or are willing to choose, a separate monitor and accessories can get more flexibility and potentially better value without paying for an integrated screen.
Explained simply
The iMac is Apple’s desktop computer, with the screen and computer built into one unit. That makes it a compact alternative to a separate monitor and computer, and its coloured finish and matching keyboard and mouse are part of its appeal.
The M6 is the processor that powers this version; memory and storage affect how much it can handle at once and how many files it can keep. Apple sells different configurations, with more memory, storage and connection ports in the higher-priced models.
A Mac mini is a smaller desktop computer that starts at a lower price, but it needs a separate screen and accessories. Comparing the two means weighing the iMac’s all-in-one convenience against the cost of its built-in display and coordinated design.