Last Updated on June 11, 2022 by srinivas
When you think of the Mac, the computer that often pops into your head is the iMac. The iconic desktop computer is a great combination of price and performance. Still, every Mac has a release cycle, and you have to ask yourself whether this is a good time to buy now or wait until later when a new version is released. Here’s what we know about the 24-inch iMac and our buying recommendation.
24-inch iMac: Prices and Specifications
Released: April 2021
The 24-inch iMac was the last Mac equipped with Apple’s M1 processor, which was introduced in November 2020 in the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. The performance of the 24-inch iMac is comparable to that of other M1 Macs.
Replacing the 21.5-inch iMac with Intel processors, the 24-inch iMac not only has a new processor inside, but also an all-new, sleeker design with smaller bezels, a larger screen area, and new colors. It also has Touch ID support, an improved FaceTime 1080p camera, Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports,
Pricing for the 24-inch iMac starts at $1,299, but it’s missing a few features found on the standard $1,499 and $1,699 configurations. Our iMac FAQ has more details about the differences between the models.
24-inch iMac: why buy?
The 24-inch iMac is a great all-in-one computer that offers a boost over the Intel iMac it replaced. If you need a complete computer setup (computer, monitor, input devices), the iMac is a good choice.
Since the 24-inch iMac was released in April, it’ll be a while before Apple upgrades it — it’ll be in Apple’s lineup for at least a year, and probably longer. The next 24-inch iMac will likely be updated with an M2 processor, but based on Apple’s timeline, it won’t likely arrive until late 2022 or 2023. With that in mind, you can go ahead and buy the 24-inch iMac without worrying about an imminent update.
24-inch iMac: why you should wait
If you think you want an iMac larger than the 24-inch model, the only 27-inch iMacs Apple sells are in the Refurbished and Clearance Store and they have Intel processors. They are older machines and don’t offer the speed of the M1 in the 24-inch iMac.
Rumor has it that Apple could release a new 27-inch iMac with an M-series processor, as well as a new Liquid Retina XDR display and design. But it doesn’t look like it will hit the market anytime soon. If you need more size and power in an iMac, you can try waiting, but you may have to wait a while.
Macworld recommends: BUY
The 24-inch iMac is an impressive computer that doesn’t disappoint. It gives an excellent speed boost over the Intel-based iMac it replaced, and everything else about the iMac is vastly improved, from design to display. The $1,299 model is attractively priced, but note that it lacks Touch ID and Ethernet, and it only has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. We think the sweet spot is the $1,499 model, which gives you more ports, the Touch ID keyboard, and an Ethernet port on the power adapter.