Computers

Apple adds more Retina Displays and Skylake (for some) to new iMacs

Apple adds more Retina Displays and Skylake (for some) to new iMacs
Retina Displays are now standard in the 27-inch iMac (right), and a higher-tier option in the smaller 21.5-inch model
Retina Displays are now standard in the 27-inch iMac (right), and a higher-tier option in the smaller 21.5-inch model
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Retina Displays are now standard in the 27-inch iMac (right), and a higher-tier option in the smaller 21.5-inch model
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Retina Displays are now standard in the 27-inch iMac (right), and a higher-tier option in the smaller 21.5-inch model
Apple's new "Magic" accessories: the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2
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Apple's new "Magic" accessories: the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2

Apple updated its iMac lineup today, bringing a new Retina 4K Display to the smaller all-in-one and making the Retina 5K Display standard on the 27-inch model.

Today's update brings Retina Displays closer to standard across the entire iMac lineup, with all 27-inch models now having 5,120 x 2,880 (5K) resolution. The highest-end 21.5-inch iMac now has a 4,096 x 2,304 (4K) Retina screen, which should be a big upgrade from the 1080p display found in the cheaper 21.5-inch models.

The update also makes it a bit more affordable to get one of those Retina iMacs. Before today the cheapest model (27-inch) cost a minimum of US$1,899, but now you can buy the Retina 21.5-inch iMac for $1,399 or a 27-inch Retina model for $1,699. This is similar to what we saw with the first Retina MacBook Pros, where the sharper screen started as an expensive option in only the larger model, but eventually became the norm across the entire lineup.

The new 27-inch iMacs also ship with Intel's new 6th generation Skylake processors, though the 21.5-inch models are still running 5th-gen Intel chips.

Apple's new "Magic" accessories: the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2
Apple's new "Magic" accessories: the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2

Apple also launched new "Magic" keyboard and trackpad accessories that switch from disposable batteries to rechargeable lithium-ion ones, which Apple says can last a month or more on a single charge. The new Magic Trackpad 2 also has a larger surface than the previous Magic Trackpad and, for the first time, brings Force Touch pressure sensitivity (which we'd already seen in the trackpads of this year's MacBooks) to a standalone accessory.

All the new iMacs include the new Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2 in the box. The Magic Trackpad 2 is an optional $50 upgrade (in place of the mouse) at checkout.

All the new models, of course, run OS X El Capitan.

The new iMacs are available for online order from Apple starting today (no Apple Store pickup options just yet), starting at $1,099 for the non-Retina 21.5-inch model. When bought alone, the Magic Keyboard rings up for $99, the Magic Mouse 2 for $79 and the Magic Trackpad 2 for $129.

Product page: Apple

3 comments
3 comments
Sir Cumference
No USB-C yet? Looks like I'll be waiting another year. Or two...
DaveWesely
I find it rather annoying that electronic devices are moving away from standard batteries to built in proprietary cells. I have the older Apple Trackpad that uses AA's and I only use rechargeable batteries in it. What's more, since it is a low power device, I can use older batteries. Swapping out the batteries is much less hassle than having to stop working while a trackpad charges.
Stephen N Russell
cant wait to get my I Mac, funding issue. May order the 21.5 Retina model. Urge anyone buy stuff at Office Depot for I Mac & save on your I Mac alone IE 300.00 for Office for I Mac alone. Huge savings.