A new iMac is expected to be released before the end of 2026, but do not anticipate anything beyond the M6 chip.
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If past trends are any indication, Apple’s M6 iMac is likely to be announced following the September iPhone event.
Anyone anticipating a new iMac might only need to wait a few more months. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is getting ready to launch an updated model that should be available to purchase before the end of 2026.
This update is expected to showcase Apple’s forthcoming M6 chip along with some new color choices. However, buyers shouldn't anticipate any major changes to Apple's all-in-one desktop this year. Gurman indicates that the new model will have little else altered, suggesting that Apple will retain the standard 24-inch design instead of introducing a larger display, OLED panel, or significant chassis overhaul.
The iMac could be a natural match for Apple’s unique M6.
The chip upgrade will likely be the most intriguing aspect of the upcoming refresh. Reports indicate that Apple is taking an unconventional approach with the M6 series. Previous information suggests that the company will solely release a baseline version of the chip, omitting the M6 Pro, Max, and Ultra variations before advancing to a broader M7 lineup in 2027.
Caleb Denison / Digital Trends
Apple’s 24-inch all-in-one has never required Pro or Max-level silicon, making it ideally suited for the standard M6. The new chip is anticipated to offer increased memory bandwidth, a more capable Neural Engine, and a GPU with up to 12 cores. This means the new iMac could still experience a significant performance enhancement even if the other components remain largely the same.
The upgrades most people desire are still years away.
Those hoping for a larger screen or an OLED panel should probably temper their expectations for this year. Apple is reportedly still experimenting with larger and more advanced iMac models, while other sources suggest that Samsung Display and LG Display are working on 24-inch OLED panels for a future version. Current timelines indicate that an OLED iMac could debut around 2029.
Additionally, the new iMac may not launch alongside Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The M4 iMac followed a different release schedule in 2024, being announced on October 28 and released on November 8, over a month after the iPhone 16 event. If Apple maintains a similar timeline this year, the M6 iMac may instead debut sometime in October or November.
Delaying a purchase may be more prudent, especially considering the recent price increase of the current model. Apple raised the starting price of the M4 iMac from $1,299 to $1,499, making it significantly more expensive than at the beginning of the year. Unless Apple offers considerable discounts on that model, those who can wait may be better off holding out for the features of the M6 version.
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A new iMac is expected to be released before the end of 2026, but do not anticipate anything beyond the M6 chip.
The upcoming iMac from Apple is anticipated to be released by the end of the year featuring an M6 chip, but those hoping for an OLED display, a bigger screen, or a significant redesign might need to wait considerably longer.
