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Apple launches faster iMacs with 802.11ac WiFi, Pro graphics, improved Flash

Update: Apple has issued an EFI firmware update for the new machines, to cure a black-screen issue when using Boot Camp while both an external optical drive and USB thumb drive are connected.

Apple has launched an updated line of iMacs with faster processors, improved graphics, faster 802.11ac WiFi connectivity, and improved Flash storage. The new iMacs are now available from Apple’s online store.

“iMac continues to be the example that proves how beautiful, fast and fun a desktop computer can be,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Inside its ultra-thin aluminum enclosure, the new iMac has the latest Intel processors, faster graphics, next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage.”

The new iMacs, like the MacBook Airs that launched in June, include Intel Haswell processors.

However, the iMac’s chips are all quad-core across the board, for both the 21.5-inch and 27-inch configurations:

The entry-level 21.5-inch iMac features a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and new Iris Pro graphics for unprecedented levels of integrated graphics performance. The high-end 21.5-inch model and both 27-inch models feature quad-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 3.4 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 700 series graphics with twice the video memory and up to 40 percent faster performance than the previous generation.* Customers looking for the ultimate in performance can upgrade to quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.5 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M series graphics with up to 4GB of video memory.

The new iMacs also include improvements to flash storage and the Fusion Drive:

The updated iMac now features support for PCIe-based flash storage that makes Fusion Drive and all-flash storage options up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation.* The popular Fusion Drive option combines the large storage capacity of a hard drive with the high performance of flash to deliver shorter boot times and faster access to apps and files. Customers can configure their iMac with a 1TB or 3TB Fusion Drive, and all-flash storage options are now available in configurations up to 1TB. iMac comes standard with 8GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive, and customers can choose to configure their iMac with up to 32GB of memory and up to a 3TB hard drive. iMac also comes with two Thunderbolt and four USB 3.0 ports for connecting to external storage and other high performance peripherals.

Sources say that the new iMacs will be available at Apple Stores beginning Thursday.

Full press release below:

CUPERTINO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apple® today updated iMac® with fourth generation Intel quad-core processors, new graphics, next generation Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage options. The updated iMac brings the latest technology to the stunningly thin design and gorgeous display of the world’s leading all-in-one desktop.

“Inside its ultra-thin aluminum enclosure, the new iMac has the latest Intel processors, faster graphics, next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage.”

“iMac continues to be the example that proves how beautiful, fast and fun a desktop computer can be,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Inside its ultra-thin aluminum enclosure, the new iMac has the latest Intel processors, faster graphics, next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage.”

The entry-level 21.5-inch iMac features a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and new Iris Pro graphics for unprecedented levels of integrated graphics performance. The high-end 21.5-inch model and both 27-inch models feature quad-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 3.4 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 700 series graphics with twice the video memory and up to 40 percent faster performance than the previous generation.* Customers looking for the ultimate in performance can upgrade to quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.5 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M series graphics with up to 4GB of video memory.

iMac now supports next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi. When connected to an 802.11ac base station, iMac delivers wireless performance that is up to three times faster than the previous generation.

The updated iMac now features support for PCIe-based flash storage that makes Fusion Drive and all-flash storage options up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation.* The popular Fusion Drive option combines the large storage capacity of a hard drive with the high performance of flash to deliver shorter boot times and faster access to apps and files. Customers can configure their iMac with a 1TB or 3TB Fusion Drive, and all-flash storage options are now available in configurations up to 1TB.

iMac comes standard with 8GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive, and customers can choose to configure their iMac with up to 32GB of memory and up to a 3TB hard drive. iMac also comes with two Thunderbolt and four USB 3.0 ports for connecting to external storage and other high performance peripherals.

Continuing Apple’s commitment to energy efficiency and the environment, iMac meets stringent Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves an EPEAT Gold rating.** iMac features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iMac includes PVC-free components and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants, and uses highly recyclable materials and material-efficient packaging designs.

iMac ships with OS X® Mountain Lion, bringing Messages, Notification Center, system-wide Sharing, AirPlay® Mirroring, Dictation, Game Center and the enhanced security of Gatekeeper to your Mac®. With iCloud® built into the foundation of OS X, Mountain Lion makes it easier than ever to keep your content up to date across your Mac, iPhone®, iPad® and iPod touch®.

Pricing & Availability

The new iMac is available today through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. The 21.5-inch iMac is available with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2 GHz and Intel Iris Pro for a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US); and with a 2.9 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US). The 27-inch iMac is available with a 3.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 755M for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US); and with a 3.4 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US). Additional technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/imac.

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Comments

  1. Jaspur NL - 11 years ago

    What about the Macbook Pro Retina’s?

  2. Dave (@myreanameisdave) - 11 years ago

    unexpected !

  3. I’m wondering if the iMac that I purchased a few weeks ago and has been on backorder will be shipped as the new iMac. I sure hope so.

    • Tyler Chess - 11 years ago

      Not sure… you may want to cancel that order.

      • Agreed on canceling. I ordered a Mac mini for a client over the weekend; he was tired of waiting. I told him we should hold it for one more week and decide.

  4. Stetson - 11 years ago

    Interesting that they’re using Iris Pro on the base model iMac. Iris Pro is also rumored to be in the new 15″ MBP based on the leaked benchmark from a couple months back.

  5. gjconstructs - 11 years ago

    I went to the online apple store and they are not showing as “NEW iMacs” What’s up with that?

    • RM (@Subtle_Errors) - 11 years ago

      Maybe it’s because there isn’t that much of a spec boost to write home about except for the flash storage speed. It’s a poor year for both desktop CPUs (haswell is barely faster than ivy bridge) and mobile GPUs (the GTX 780M is essentially a rebadged GTX 680MX)

  6. Philip Majewski - 11 years ago

    anyone knows if there will be new mac mini models ?

  7. Jason Yap - 11 years ago

    I’m not mad, I got a great deal on an almost maxed out refurb late 2012 27″. The only thing I would like is at least an adapter so I can use 802.11ac.

  8. I was expecting them to announce new models on there upcoming event. It would be nice if there also releasing the Mac mini early. Right now I am holding back my order on Mac mini and waiting on the refresh.

  9. Elijah - 11 years ago

    Great update! Still looking outward to the October Retina MacBook Pro event! Give me some TouchID!

  10. I bet Mac mini is getting form factor change along with rmbp!

  11. Rob Wilcox - 11 years ago

    No mention of screen resolutions?

  12. Mac Air’s running Haswell yet?

  13. ikir - 11 years ago

    Awesome :)

  14. Ivan (@iwinnipeg) - 11 years ago

    no retina, not interested

  15. Robert Olmstead - 11 years ago

    :( Nothing new on their site…www.apple.com/imac as of now?

  16. Mark N - 11 years ago

    So I’m about to make the jump into video editing and I’m reading a lot of mixed reviews.
    Would you guys go with the new/oldversion iMac or a Mac Mini?