Short version: the 2020 21.5-inch Intel iMac we reviewed is long gone. Apple announced the iMac with M6 on October 27, 2026, shipping November 6. It keeps the 24-inch 4.5K design and adds a faster chip, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Pre-order the M6 if you want the newest iMac. Save with the M4 iMac while stock lasts if you just need a great family computer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, so The Funny Beaver may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
The iMac has always been the computer you can set up in ten minutes and forget about. The 2020 model was one of Apple’s last Intel iMacs. Since then Apple moved to its own chips, a thinner 24-inch design and seven colors. Here’s what changed, based on Apple’s announcement and specs (we didn’t test it hands-on).
iMac M6 vs iMac M4 vs 2020 Intel iMac: what changed
| Spec | iMac 21.5-inch (2020, Intel) | iMac M4 (2024) | iMac M6 (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip | Intel Core i5 (dual-core in our reviewed config) | M4, up to 10-core CPU/GPU | M6, 10-core or 12-core CPU/GPU |
| Memory bandwidth | Not comparable | 120GB/s | Up to 170GB/s |
| Display | 21.5-inch, 1920 x 1080 | 24-inch 4.5K Retina | 24-inch 4.5K Retina, 500 nits (nano-texture option on 12-core) |
| Camera | Not listed in our old review | 12MP Center Stage | 12MP Center Stage with Desk View |
| Wireless | Not listed in our old review | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 |
| Ethernet | Not listed in our old review | Gigabit (by config) | 2.5 Gigabit on 12-core models |
| Ports | 2 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) | Not compared | 2 or 4 Thunderbolt 4, up to two 6K displays |
| Colors | Not listed in our old review | 7 colors | 7 colors |
Specs from Apple’s M6 iMac announcement, Apple’s iMac tech specs, MacRumors on the M6 iMac. Checked October 2026.
What matters in real use
- From a 2020 Intel iMac, everything is better. Apple claims the M6 iMac is up to 18x faster than the most popular Intel-based iMac, and the screen is bigger and sharper.
- From an M4 iMac, it’s an easy skip. Apple claims up to 5x faster on-device AI and up to 2x faster graphics vs M4, but the design, screen and camera are the same.
- Wi-Fi 7 needs a Wi-Fi 7 router. Otherwise you won’t notice it.
- The 12-core model is the one for creators. It adds Ethernet, more Thunderbolt ports and the nano-texture screen option.
Who should buy which
- Pre-order the iMac M6 if you’re replacing an Intel iMac or buying a family computer for the next six or more years.
- Save with the M4 iMac if you see a holiday deal. It’s still a fast, beautiful all-in-one.
- Still on a 2020 Intel iMac? If it still does the job, no rush, but it’s six years old. Holiday deals are a good time to plan the switch.
Gift it to: parents who still use the “family computer”, a student who needs one desk machine for everything, or a home office that deserves better than a laptop on a box.
Check Price on Amazon