Apple refreshes its iMac with M6 chip: What changes compared to the M4, what remains and which is the better buy

Apple has just put its renewal on the table All in one computer (All-in-one) Par excellence. The new iMac 2026 with the M6 ​​chip comes to market with a clear promise: make the most of native artificial intelligence and raise the bar for raw power.

However, in the world of desktop computers, the almost yearly development sometimes makes us wonder if we really need the latest or if we can take advantage of the price drop of the previous model (iMac M4). We make the choice easy for youFinalizing the features of both models.

Brain: The iMac goes from an M4 to an M6 chip

The most obvious change under the hood is the generational leap in processors.

• Earlier (iMac M4): It was powered by the M4 chip (with up to 10 cores CPU configuration), which proved to be an outstanding processor for everyday and demanding tasks, with a significant leap towards 16 GB of base RAM this generation.
• New (iMac M6): The former goes further with a CPU with up to 12 cores (two more than its predecessor) and a redesigned GPU that integrates neural accelerators into each core. In addition, it doubles the power of the neural engine and reveals memory bandwidth that reaches up to 170 GB/s.

What does it translate to? If your thing is heavy video editing, complex creative flows or running large language models (LLM) and AI tools directly natively in a fluid way, the M6 ​​plays in another league. However, for advanced office, navigation and standard creative tasks, the M4 still flies.

Design and Screen: Continuity by flag

If you’ve been expecting an aesthetic revolution or diagonal growth, it’s time to temper expectations.

• Design: Both share the same ultra-thin philosophy and Apple’s iconic vibrant color palette. Apparently, on desktop, they are practically carbon copies of each other.
• screen: The 24-inch Retina 4.5K panel features 500 nits of brightness, wide color gamut and True Tone technology. It’s still one of the best integrated screens on the market for its size, but if you’re looking for a 27-inch or larger format, neither of the two options cover that need.

Connectivity and AI: Terrain where the M6 ​​gains muscle

Here’s where Apple wanted to justify the generational leap, especially pushed by the ecosystem of smart functions:

• Wireless connection: The new iMac with the M6 ​​welcomes WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6, a significant step up from the WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 of the model with the M4. It also gains big in wired networking options (2.5 Gigabit Ethernet is available) and two times faster internal storage speeds.
• Artificial Intelligence: Although both are compatible with Apple Intelligence tools, the M6’s architecture and its double neural engine multiply the AI ​​performance on the device by five compared to the previous generation (such as the M1) and vastly improve the M4, resulting in improved interaction with Siri or tasks such as responsive creative software assistant.

So… which one is better to buy?

• Go for the new iMac (M6) if: Whether you’re looking for maximum processing power in the long run, you’re working intensively with professional workflows where every second counts, you want to make the most of local AI without interruption, or you want to protect your investment with the most advanced connectivity (like WiFi 7).

• Choose an earlier model (iMac M4) if: Your budget is tight and you can find the model with the M4 chip at a discount. For most home, student or small office users, the M4 already offers plenty of power, a uniform screen and the same desktop elegance, saving you a lot of budget.

Technical data sheet for iMac M6 and iMac M4

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Picture | Pedro Azner (Aplesfera) and Appl

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