Apple has updated the iMac with fourth-generation Intel Haswell quad-core processors and improved graphics. We’ve got all of the specifications of the new iMac, and also give you a peek inside the new models.
The entry-level iMac gains Intel’s new Iris Pro integrated graphics. This series of graphics processors are said to offer Intel’s highest graphics capabilities, and Apple claims they will allow for unprecedented levels of integrated graphics performance. Previously the entry level model featured the NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M (as did the high-end 21.5-inch model).
The entry-level iMac is the only one to this integrated graphics processor, while the three other models will offer NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M and 755M graphics. The NVIDIA GeForce 700 series graphics offer twice the video memory and up to 40 percent faster performance than the previous generation, according to Apple.
The new iMacs feature support for PCIe-based flash storage, as seen in this year’s MacBook Air. Apple says this makes Fusion Drive and all-flash storage options up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation. Read our 2013 iMac review.
Read our 2014 Retina iMac release date rumours
Watch our video where we discuss 10 things we love about the iMac
As with the MacBook Air, we can expect to see great improvements in speed thanks to the new Haswell processors featuring across the range, despite the GHz, in many cases, being no higher than previously.
Also, like the MacBook Air, the new iMac range gains 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Prices are up £50-£100 across the range, with the entry-level 27-inch model seeing the biggest rise – but there is now has a bigger processor gap between it and the 21.5-inch model.
Inside the 2013 iMacs
Teardown experts iFixit have taken apart Apple’s new iMac to find out what’s inside. Highlights include the fact that Apple now allows users to put a second hard-drive into both the 21.5in and 27in iMacs via the Fusion Drive SSD port. This means, if you don’t choose to have a Fusion Drive put in when you buy your iMac, you can add one later.
“That port is now PCIe, which should help get drives/adapters onto the market that will enable a second hard drive installation,” iFixit adds.
However, iFixit does point out that smaller new iMac models no longer have upgradeable CPU. “The CPU is now soldered to the logic board, and no longer replaceable by the user,” says iFixit. “As far as we can tell, this is the first aluminium iMac to have a soldered CPU; it’s silent, but clear, shift to even poorer iMac upgradeability. That’s sad news for Apple’s power user community, who appreciated the ability to upgrade their Macs on their own schedule.”
The 27in iMac does have a replaceable CPU, though.
New iMac design
The new iMacs retain the design of last year’s model, the super-thin screen and light weight (5.68kg for the 21.5in model).
Trying to decide which iMac to buy: READ Mac Desktop reviews / Which Mac
New iMac specs, processor speeds and graphics
The entry-level 21.5-inch iMac features a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 (Haswell) processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.2 GHz) and the new Iris Pro graphics. It has 8GB RAM (configurable to 16GB), and a 1TB 5400-rpm hard drive (configurable up to a 1TB Fusion Drive or 256GB or 512GB of flash storage). [Previously a 2.7GHz IvyBridge processor]
The high-end version of the 21.5-inch iMac model feature quad-core Intel Core i5 processors at 2.9GHz (Turbo Boost up to 3.6 GHz). Like the entry-level iMac, it features 8GB RAM (configurable to 16GB), and a 1TB 5400-rpm hard drive (configurable up to a 1TB Fusion Drive or 256GB or 512GB of flash storage). It features the NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics processor with 1GB memory. [Previously a 2.9GHz IvyBridge processor]
The low-end version of the 27-inch iMac features a 3.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz), 8GB RAM (configurable to 16GB or 32GB), and a 1TB 7200-rpm hard drive (configurable up to a 3TB Fusion Drive or 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of flash storage). NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M graphics processor with 1GB memory. [Previously a 2.7GHz IvyBridge processor]
The high-end 27-inch iMac features a 3.4 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz), 8GB RAM (configurable to 16GB or 32GB), and a 1TB 7200-rpm hard drive (configurable up to a 3TB Fusion Drive or 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of flash storage). It features the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M graphics processor with 2GB memory. [Previously a 3.2 GHz IvyBridge processor]
New iMac wi-fi
The iMac now supports next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi. To take advantage of this it needs to be connected to an 802.11ac base station, such as Apple’s Airport Extreme or Time Capsule. Apple claims that the wireless performance is up to three times faster than the previous generation.
iMac Thunderbolt and USB ports
The new iMac comes with two Thunderbolt and four USB 3.0 ports for connecting to external storage and other peripherals.
There is also an SDXC card slot and Mini DisplayPort output. There is still no CD drive.
iMac pricing and availability
According to Apple, the new iMac is available today through the Apple Online Store and resellers, although currently the Apple Store shows stock to be ‘Currently unavailable’.
Prices are up across the board, with the entry-level 27-inch model gaining £100 on the price.
The 21.5-inch, 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 iMac costs £1,149 inc VAT. Up from £1,099 last year.
The 21.5-inch, 2.9 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 iMac costs £1,299 inc VAT. Up from £1,249 last year.
The 27-inch, 3.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 iMac costs £1,599 inc VAT. Up from £1,499 last year.
The 27-inch, 3.4 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 iMac costs £1,749 inc VAT. Up from £1,699 last year.
Build to order iMac options
Upgrading the 21.5-inch iMacs to 16GB RAM costs an additional £160. The 1TB Fusion Drive costs £160; the 256GB flash drive is an additional £160, and the 512GB flash drive is £400.
The high-end 21.5-inch iMac is upgradable to 3.1GHz for an additional £160.
The 27-inch iMac can be upgraded to 16GB for £160, or 32GB for £480. The 3TB hard drive costs an extra £120. The 1TB Fusion Drive is £160, or £280 for the 3TB Fusion Drive. 256GB flash storage is £160, 512GB flash is £400, and 1TB flash is £800.
It is possible to upgrade the processor in the flag-ship 27-inch iMac to 3.5GHz for an aditional £190. The graphics on the 3.4GHz iMac can also be upgraded to the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M with 4GB memory for £130.
Author: Karen Haslam, Editor
Macworld editor since 2008, Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld two decades ago.
Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Her focus is Mac, but she lives and breathes Apple.