Apple is reportedly preparing a new iMac powered by the M6 chip, with a launch expected before the end of the year. According to MacRumors, citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the updated 24-inch model will replace the current M4 iMac that debuted in October 2024. References found in a beta version of macOS 26.7 lend further credibility to the claim that Apple is actively working on new iMac hardware. If the timeline holds, this would be one of the most significant iMac refreshes in years — headlined by a chip built on a new manufacturing process.
What you need to know
- The M6 chip is rumored to be Apple’s first Mac processor built on a 2-nanometer process, promising improved efficiency and performance.
- Apple reportedly will not release M6 Pro, M6 Max, or M6 Ultra variants, instead accelerating the M7 family for higher-end machines.
- New color options are expected, though specifics are unknown — the change may involve refreshed shades rather than entirely new colors.
- A rumored OLED iMac is still said to be years away; the upcoming model is expected to retain the current thin-body design.
Apple has not abandoned its all-in-one desktop and will equip the iMac with a new chip
Why the M6 chip matters for the iMac
The headline upgrade is the processor. The M6 is rumored to be Apple’s first Mac chip built on a 2-nanometer process node. A smaller process means more transistors can be packed into the same area, which typically translates to higher performance and lower heat output. For an all-in-one computer where all the hardware sits behind the display, thermal efficiency is especially important — less heat means quieter operation and more consistent performance during sustained workloads.
The key upgrade is the M6 processor, reportedly built on a 2nm process
Notably, according to the reports, Apple does not plan to release Pro, Max, or Ultra variants of the M6. Instead, the company appears to be fast-tracking the M7 chip family for its more powerful machines. This means the base M6 will likely be reserved for consumer-tier products like the iMac and possibly the MacBook Air.
The iMac has historically been updated less frequently than Apple’s other Macs. It skipped the M2 and M5 chip generations entirely, which means each refresh carries more weight. After a roughly two-year gap since the M4 model, this update looks like more than a cosmetic revision.
New colors — but don’t expect a radical redesign
Gurman also reports that new color options will accompany the hardware update, though he has not specified which ones. The current iMac is available in seven colors: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver.
The iMac’s already broad color palette is expected to gain new shades
It is worth noting that when Apple updated the iMac to the M4 chip in 2024, the palette formally stayed the same — the same seven color names, with only subtle shifts in saturation. The same approach could apply here: refreshed tones rather than entirely new colors.
Major design changes are not expected. The long-rumored OLED iMac is reportedly still several years away. For now, the familiar thin enclosure will remain, paired with updated internals and the new color options.
The broader Mac lineup this fall
The iMac M6 is part of what looks like a busy fall for Apple’s Mac lineup. According to the same reporting, updated MacBook Pro models with touchscreen OLED (Tandem OLED) displays, a base 14-inch MacBook Pro on the M6, new Mac Studio configurations on M5 Max and M5 Ultra, and a possible later Mac mini refresh on M6 and M5 Pro are all in the pipeline.
The iMac remains a compelling all-in-one option for home desks
For users who primarily work at a desk, the iMac’s integrated design — no separate monitor, no cable management — remains a significant advantage. The combination of a large 24-inch display, quiet operation, and a powerful chip in an all-in-one form factor is compelling for a home setup. Those who also need portability could pair it with a MacBook Air rather than choosing one over the other.
What remains uncertain
It is important to stress that much of this information is based on leaks and analyst predictions, not official Apple announcements. While Mark Gurman has a strong track record, and macOS beta code does reference new iMac hardware, Apple has not confirmed any of these details. Specific performance figures for the M6 chip, exact color options, pricing, and a precise launch date all remain unknown. The iMac has also not received a larger-screen variant, and there is no indication one is coming with this update. Until Apple makes an official announcement, these details should be treated as credible but unconfirmed rumors.
