Apple updates the 24-inch iMac with an M6 chip, with up to a 12-core CPU, up to a 12-core GPU, and a dual 16-core Neural Engine, from $1,499 on November 6

The M6 chip significantly accelerates on-device AI tasks, making locally run AI models and advanced Siri features on your Mac up to 5x faster.

Apple has announced an updated 24-inch iMac featuring the new M6 chip. This processor offers significant performance upgrades, including a 12-core CPU and a 12-core GPU, alongside a dual 16-core Neural Engine for enhanced AI capabilities. The new iMac boasts up to 18x faster performance than previous Intel-based models and up to 5x faster on-device AI performance than the M4 chip. Connectivity has also been improved with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and optional 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. Storage speeds are doubled, and apps and large projects will launch faster. The device retains its 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, high-quality camera, speakers, and microphones, with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports. Available in seven colors, the new iMac starts at $1,499 and will be available for pre-order on October 28, with general availability on November 6.

The integration of the M6 chip, particularly its dual 16-core Neural Engine, signals a pronounced shift towards making sophisticated AI capabilities truly local and accessible on consumer hardware. This focus on on-device AI performance, highlighted by up to 5x improvement over M4, suggests a market trend where privacy and speed are paramount for AI-driven features, moving beyond cloud-dependent solutions. Users can expect a more responsive and integrated AI experience directly within macOS and its applications, from enhanced Siri interactions to running larger language models without constant internet connectivity.

This update positions the iMac as a more potent platform for creative professionals and power users who increasingly rely on AI for tasks like photo editing, video production, and coding. The substantial GPU and Neural Engine boosts, coupled with faster connectivity and storage, directly address bottlenecks in these workflows. The availability of these advanced AI features on a desktop all-in-one also indicates a broader push to democratize AI development and utilization, potentially lowering the barrier to entry for complex AI projects for small businesses and individual creators.