The M6 iMac is now in stores, and the short version is simple. It keeps the same colorful 24-inch design, adds a new 2-nanometer chip and Wi-Fi 7, and starts at $1,499. If you’re still on an Intel iMac, this is the upgrade to make.
Here are the quick facts, so you can decide in ten seconds whether to keep reading.
- Price: from $1,499 (10-core CPU and GPU) or $1,699 (12-core CPU and GPU)
- Availability: in stores since Friday, November 6, 2026, after pre-orders opened October 28
- Chip: Apple’s M6, up to a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU
- Display: 24-inch 4.5K Retina
- Colors: blue, green, pink, yellow, purple, orange and silver
Most of that comes from Apple’s own announcement, as reported by The Apple Post. Independent testing is still thin, so treat speed claims as Apple’s numbers for now.
What the M6 iMac changes, and what it keeps
Apple left the look alone. You still get the thin all-in-one body, the seven colors, and color-matched accessories in the box. The changes are inside.
The table below sums up the main specs, based on Apple’s announcement.
| Feature | What the M6 iMac offers |
|---|---|
| Chip | M6 (2nm), up to 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU |
| AI hardware | Neural Accelerators in every GPU core |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 |
| Ports | Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, driving up to two 6K external displays |
| Wired network | Optional 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Display | 24-inch 4.5K Retina |
| Camera and audio | 12MP Center Stage camera, six speakers, three microphones |
| Storage speed | Up to twice the SSD read and write speed |
That list is mostly a quiet refresh. The headline is the chip, which leads to the speed question.
How fast is the M6 iMac, really?
Apple says the M6 iMac delivers up to 5x faster on-device AI performance than the M4 iMac. It also claims up to 18x faster overall performance than the most popular Intel-based iMac.
Both figures come from Apple’s own testing. I couldn’t find independent benchmarks yet, so expect real-world results to land below the “up to” numbers in many tasks.
The AI claim is the one to watch. Putting Neural Accelerators in every GPU core should help with local features like image tools, transcription and on-device language models. If you mostly browse, write and edit photos, you probably won’t feel a huge gap from a recent Mac.
M6 iMac price: which model makes sense?
There are two starting points. The $1,499 model uses a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. The $1,699 model steps up to 12 cores for both.
The pricier model is the one to look at if you want more ports or heavier creative work, since Apple lists up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports on the iMac line. Check the exact port count for your configuration on Apple’s order page before you buy.
One practical tip: iMac storage is built in and can’t be swapped later. Pick the SSD size you’ll need in three years, not today.
Is Wi-Fi 7 on the M6 iMac a big deal?
It can be, but only if your home network keeps up. Wi-Fi 7 promises faster speeds and lower delay than older standards, yet you need a Wi-Fi 7 router to see the benefit.
If your router is a few years old, the iMac will still connect fine. It just won’t use the new standard. For large file transfers, the optional 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port is the safer bet, since a cable doesn’t depend on your router’s age or your walls.
Bluetooth 6 is a smaller change. You’ll mostly notice it with newer accessories.
Who should buy the M6 iMac, and who should wait
The answer depends on what you own now. This table gives a quick guide.
| If you have… | Our take |
|---|---|
| An Intel iMac | Buy. The speed jump, Wi-Fi 7 and 4.5K screen are a big step up. |
| An M1 iMac | Worth a look if AI features or ports matter to you. |
| An M4 iMac | Skip it. The design and display are the same. |
| No desktop Mac yet | Buy, if you want an all-in-one and don’t need a MacBook. |
Apple launched the iMac alongside several other products on November 6. If you’re weighing a laptop instead, see our guides to the OLED MacBook Pro price and release date and the OLED iPad mini.
The iMac went on sale on launch day, according to The Apple Post. Stock and delivery times can vary by color and configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the M6 iMac come out?
It went on sale on Friday, November 6, 2026. Pre-orders opened on October 28.
How much does the M6 iMac cost?
Prices start at $1,499 for the 10-core model. The 12-core model starts at $1,699.
Does the M6 iMac support Wi-Fi 7?
Yes. Apple lists Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. You’ll need a Wi-Fi 7 router to get the full benefit.
What colors does the M6 iMac come in?
Seven: blue, green, pink, yellow, purple, orange and silver. Color-matched accessories come with it.
Is the M6 iMac worth upgrading to from an M4 iMac?
Probably not. The design, display and camera look the same, so the gains are mostly speed and AI performance.
Our verdict on the M6 iMac
The M6 iMac is a strong, no-drama desktop for anyone coming from an Intel Mac or an older M1. It’s not a reason for M4 owners to open their wallets. Wait for independent benchmarks if you can, but if your current iMac is slowing you down, there’s little reason to hold off.
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