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Colorful Apple Silicon iMac FAQ (M1/M3)
Update Published December 16, 2023
Also see: iMac Specs | All Mac Q&As
EveryMac.com's Apple Silicon iMac Q&A answers questions about the 24" iMac models introduced in 2021 and updated in 2023. These models have a 23.5" display, have colorful aluminum cases, and are powered by an Apple Silicon M1 or M3 processor. At the moment, these iMac models can be spotted collectively by appearance alone, but the original M1 models also can be more specifically identified by the A2438 and A2439 model numbers and the current M3 models by the A2873 and A2874 model numbers.
Questions range from "What are all the differences between the '2023 M3' iMac models? Which is best for me?" to "What external storage options are available for the Apple Silicon iMac? Should I buy USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 external storage?" and everything in between.
Please note Apple Silicon iMac models with M3 processors are current; earlier models have been discontinued. This Q&A covers all of these iMac models in detail whether new or used.
iMac models released immediately before the Apple Silicon models have silver cases and a sharp tapered edge around the display. These models shipped between 2012 and 2017 can be identified collectively by model numbers A1418 and A1419 whereas models shipped between 2019 and 2021 can be identified collectively by model numbers A2116 and A2115. EveryMac.com covers these models in the "Tapered Edge" Aluminum iMac Q&A.
Even earlier Aluminum iMac models have flat sides that are approximately an inch thick around the display. These systems with 20" and 24" screens and a black plastic back are model numbers A1224 and A1225. Those with 21.5" and 27" screens and an aluminum back are model numbers A1311 and A1312. EveryMac.com covers these models in the Aluminum iMac Q&A.
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Most Frequently Asked Colorful Apple Silicon iMac Q&As:
What are all the differences between the "2023 M3" iMac models? Which is best for me?
What external storage options are available for the Apple Silicon iMac? Should I buy USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 external storage?
What are all the differences between the "2023 M3" iMac models and the "2021 M1" iMac models replaced?
What are the "pros and cons" of the Apple Silicon iMac? Is it for me?
Can you wall mount the Apple Silicon iMac models? Are they VESA compliant?
What type of RAM does the Apple Silicon iMac use? Can it be upgraded?
What is the best USB-C hub for the Apple Silicon iMac models?
What type of internal storage does the Apple Silicon iMac use? Is it possible to upgrade it?
What are all the differences between the "2021 M1" iMac and the "2019" iMac it replaced? Is there any reason to still consider an older Intel iMac?
Does the Apple Silicon iMac support an eGPU?
Software Compatibility Q&As:
What version of macOS is pre-installed on the Apple Silicon iMac?
How do you transfer data from an older Mac to an Apple Silicon iMac? Are adapters required?
How do you restore the operating system on the Apple Silicon iMac?
Can the Apple Silicon iMac run iPad apps?
Can the Apple Silicon iMac run older macOS apps?
Can the Apple Silicon iMac run Windows?
Comparison & Performance Q&As:
What are all the differences between the "2023 M3" iMac models? Which is best for me?
What are all the differences between the "2023 M3" iMac models and the "2021 M1" iMac models replaced?
What are all the differences between the "2021 M1" iMac models? Which one is best for me?
What are all the differences between the "2021 M1" iMac and the "2019" iMac it replaced? Is there any reason to still consider an older Intel iMac?
How fast are the "2021 M1" iMac models compared to earlier iMac models? How fast are they compared to each other?
What are the "pros and cons" of the Apple Silicon iMac? Is it for me?
Upgrades, Expansion & Connectivity Q&As:
What custom processor options are available for the Apple Silicon iMac?
What type of RAM does the Apple Silicon iMac use? Can it be upgraded?
What type of internal storage does the Apple Silicon iMac use? Is it possible to upgrade it?
What external storage options are available for the Apple Silicon iMac? Should I buy USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 external storage?
What is the best USB-C hub for the Apple Silicon iMac models?
What is the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3?
Video & Display Q&As:
How do you connect an external display to the Apple Silicon iMac? What is the maximum supported resolution? Are adapters required?
What type of video processor is provided by the Apple Silicon iMac? Does it have "integrated" or "dedicated" video memory? Is it upgradable?
Does the Apple Silicon iMac support an eGPU?
Can you wall mount the Apple Silicon iMac models? Are they VESA compliant?
How can you "force" or "hack" the Apple Silicon iMac to run at native resolution or otherwise fit more content on screen than by default?
Design, Configuration, & Purchasing Q&As:
Who designed the Apple Silicon iMac?
Where can I buy an Apple Silicon iMac?
Where can I sell an Apple Silicon iMac?
What are the custom configuration options for the Apple Silicon iMac models?
What are the "pros and cons" of the Apple Silicon iMac? Is it for me?
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