Apple releases new iMacs (but, darn it, there’s no 32-inch version)

Apple has finally updated its iMac line with up to 8-core Intel 9th-generation processors for the first time and Vega graphics options. Sadly (well, for me anyway) there’s no 32-inch version as had been rumored.

The 21.5-inch iMac now features 8th-generation quad-core, and for the first time 6-core processors, delivering up to 60 percent faster performance. The 27-inch iMac now for the first time features up to 9th-generation 6-core and 8-core processors, delivering up to 2.4 times faster performance.

Radeon Pro Vega graphics have come to the 21.5-inch iMac, delivering up to 80% faster graphics performance. The 27-inch iMac with Radeon Pro Vega now delivers up to 50% faster graphics performance.

While I’m a bit disappointed that there’s no 32-inch version, I’m also a bit confused why the new iMac doesn’t get the T2 security chip. And why isn’t it offered in space gray; silver remains the only choice. I was also hoping for some iMac Pro features such as better speakers and an enhanced FaceTime camera. The iMac Pro also has the first ever 1080p FaceTime camera to come on a Mac, compared to the 720p camera on the 5K iMac. It also has four microphones, compared to only one on the 5K iMac

But the all-in-one is still impressive. The iMac display offers up to 14.7 million pixels, one billion colors, 500 nits of brightness, and P3 wide color gamut. All these pixels result in text that looks like a printed page, sharper photos with more detail, and the ability to edit 4K video at full resolution, says Tom Boger, Apple’s senior director of Mac Product Marketing.

The new 21.5-inch iMac with Retina 4K display starts at $1,299 and the new 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display starts at $1,799. Both are available to order starting today from apple.com and the Apple Store App, and in Apple Stores and through Apple Authorized Resellers next week. 

The non-Retina display iMac configuration continues to be available for $1,099. Additional technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at apple.com/mac.