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Apple iMac "Core i5" 1.6 21.5" (Late 2015) Specs

Identifiers: Late 2015 - MK142LL/A - iMac16,1 - A1418 - 2889

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21.5-Inch Late 2015 iMacThe iMac "Core i5" 1.6 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Late 2015/Broadwell) features a 14-nm "Broadwell" 1.6 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (5250U) with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of onboard 1867 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (which could be upgraded to 16 GB at the time of order, but cannot be upgraded after system purchase at all), a 1 TB (5400 RPM) hard drive, and an "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 6000 graphics processor that shares system memory. It also has a built-in "FaceTime HD" webcam and stereo speakers.

This model has a 21.5" 1920x1080 LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen IPS display with a fully laminated glass cover and an anti-reflective coating. The rear of the case is aluminum and is thicker in the middle and tapers to a razor thin 5 mm at the edges.

Connectivity includes four USB 3.0 ports, dual Thunderbolt 2 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible), and Bluetooth 4.0.

Compared to its predecessor, this model essentially has the same external enclosure, but it has a more advanced architecture and graphics architecture (as well as the possibility of more RAM if upgraded at the time of order).

The "Late 2015" iMac models shipped with a compact aluminum Apple Magic Keyboard and the choice of either a multi-touch "Magic Mouse 2" or a traditional wired Apple mouse. For an additional US$50, one also could upgrade from the Magic Mouse 2 to the "Magic Trackpad 2," which provides multi-touch and pressure-sensitive "Force Touch" capabilities.

Also see:

  • What are all the differences between the "Late 2015" Aluminum iMac models?
  • What are all of the differences between the "Late 2015" Aluminum iMac models and the models replaced?

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  • Tech Specs
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Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.


October 13, 2015 June 5, 2017
Details: The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.

Also see: All Macs introduced in 2015.
1 (2 Cores) 64-Bit
Details: Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
6862 7785
Details: Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the iMac16,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
2658 5167
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the iMac16,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
2950 5861
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the iMac16,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
3196 5758
Details: These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the iMac16,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
633 1315
Details: These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the iMac16,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
1.6 GHz Core i5 (I5-5250U)
Details: This model is powered by a 14 nm, 64-bit "Fifth Generation" Intel Mobile Core i5 "Broadwell" (I5-5250U) processor which includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 3 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel).

This system also supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" -- which "automatically increases the speed of the active cores" to improve performance when needed (up to 2.7 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which enables two hardware processor cores and four "threads" for software multitasking.

Also see: How much faster are the "Late 2015" iMac models than the models replaced?
2.7 GHz N/A
Details: N/A
Soldered* Integrated
Details: *Officially, Apple provides no information about whether or not the processor in this model can be upgraded. However, the processor in this model is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.

Also see: Is it possible to upgrade the processor in the "Tapered Edge" Aluminum iMac models?
5 GT/s* 1.6 GHz (Built-in)
Details: *This system has a "Direct Media Interface" -- specifically DMI2 -- that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s.
EFI 64-Bit
Details: N/A
32k/32k 256k x2, 3 MB (on chip)
Details: Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 3 MB of shared level 3 cache.
LPDDR3 SDRAM* 1867 MHz
Details: *Shipped standard with 8 GB of 1867 MHz "Low Power" LPDDR3 SDRAM onboard.
8 GB 16 GB*
Details: *8 GB of RAM is onboard. It could be upgraded to 16 GB at the time of purchase as an optional upgrade for US$200.

As first confirmed by site sponsor Other World Computing, this RAM is soldered onboard and cannot be upgraded at all after the purchase of the system.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.
8 GB None
Details: There are no RAM slots. 8 GB of RAM is onboard by default. It can be upgraded to 16 GB, but only at the time of system purchase. It cannot be upgraded after system purchase at all.
HD Graphics 6000 Integrated
Details: This model has an Intel HD Graphics 6000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.

Which "Tapered Edge" iMac have video processors with dedicated memory? Which have integrated memory?
1.5 GB 1.5 GB
Details: The Intel HD Graphics 6000 processor reserves up to 1.5 GB of system memory for video function.
21.5" 16:9 Widescreen 1920x1080
Details: This model has a 21.5" LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen TFT active matrix display with IPS technology and a native resolution of 1920x1080. The cover glass is fully laminated to the LCD and it has anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. Apple does not report viewing angle or contrast ratio.

In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this iMac. No fix, no fee!

In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, graphics card, motherboard, power supply, and more for this iMac.

In Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery for this iMac.
Dual/Mirroring* 3840x2160
Details: *This model can simultaneously support the internal display at full native resolution and up to 3840x2160 on an external display in both extended desktop (second workspace) and video mirroring (internal display duplicated on the external display) modes.
1 TB HDD 5400 RPM
Details: *This model has a Serial ATA (6 Gb/s) connector for a 2.5" hard drive. If configured with a "Fusion" Drive or an SSD at the initial time of system purchase, it also has a PCIe connector (PCIe 2.0 x4 NVMexpress interface), but this connector is not present if the system only is configured with a hard drive at the time of purchase.

At the time of purchase, Apple offered a 1 TB "Fusion Drive" (which combines a 24 GB SSD and a 1 TB hard drive) for an extra US$100 or a 256 GB SSD for an extra US$200.

Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the "Tapered Edge" Aluminum iMac models? What type of storage do they support? Is it even possible to upgrade these models?

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this iMac.

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this iMac.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this iMac.

Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.
2.5" (7 mm)* Serial ATA (6 Gb/s)*
Details: *This model has a SATA III (6 Gb/s) connector for a 2.5" hard drive or SSD. If the system is configured with an SSD or a "Fusion Drive" at the time of initial purchase, it also has a dedicated PCIe connection. If it was not configured with an SSD or a "Fusion Drive" initially, the PCIe connector is not present and it is not possible to install a second drive later.
None* None
Details: *This iMac does not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79. It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X.

Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability.

Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive? Can it be used with other Macs?
None 10/100/1000Base-T
Details: N/A
802.11ac* 4.0
Details: *802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.
4 (3.0) None
Details: Four USB 3.0 ports.
SDXC SD Card None
Details: In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and hand-picked accessories like external storage, stands, keyboards, cables, adapters, speakers, and more for this iMac.
Apple Magic Keyboard Magic Mouse 2*
Details: *This model shipped with a small aluminum wireless compact keyboard (without a numeric keypad) with a rechargeable battery. By default, it also shipped with the wireless "Magic Mouse 2" with multi-touch surface support although this could be substituted with a traditional Wired Apple Mouse at no extra charge. For an extra US$50, one could change the Magic Mouse 2 for an also wireless "Magic Trackpad 2" that provides multi-touch input and Force Touch (which provides different options depending on the pressure and duration of a touch or press). For an additional US$129, one could have both a Magic Mouse 2 and a Magic Trackpad 2.
All-in-One 21.5" iMac Late 2012
Details: The 21.5-Inch "Late 2015" Aluminum iMac model uses a case design that is effectively identical to the "Late 2012," "Late 2013" and "Mid-2014" models, but the internals are different. Each of these lines have a glass front laminated directly to the LCD and an aluminum back that is thicker in the middle and tapers to a razor thin 5 mm edge. The entire system sits upon an aluminum "foot" that is 6.9 inches (17.5 cm) deep.
MK142LL/A Late 2015
Details: The Apple order number should be unique to this system.
A1418 (EMC 2889) iMac16,1
Details: Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.

Also see: All Macs with the A1418 Model Number, the 2889 EMC Number, and the iMac16,1 Model Identifier.

For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.
N/A N/A
Details: N/A
X 10.11 (15A2301) 12.x (Monterey)*
Details: *This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" including Metal graphics acceleration. It is fully supported by the last version of macOS Sierra (10.12) and macOS High Sierra (10.13), also. Running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later, it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC.

This model is compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14), macOS Catalina (10.15), and macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), as well. It additionally supports the final version of macOS Monterey (macOS 12), but it does not support Universal Control or AirPlay to Mac and the more minor Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, 3D Landmarks, and Interactive Globe features. It does not support macOS Ventura (macOS 13) or later.

Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Monterey (macOS 12)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Do all features work with all supported Macs?
10 (64-Bit)* 10 (64-Bit)*
Details: *The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported.
None Boot/Virtualization
Details: Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?

For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A.
17.7 x 20.8 x 6.9 12.5 lbs. (5.68 kg)
Details: In inches - height by width by depth, (45.0 cm, 52.8 cm, 17.5 cm).
US$1099 US$200-US$300
Details: Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).

Photo Credit: Apple Computer.


Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.


2 (Thunderbolt 2) None
Details: This model is equipped with two Thunderbolt 2 ports. Thunderbolt 2 is backwards-compatible with Mini DisplayPort-equipped displays as well as adapters that are compatible with Mini DisplayPort (DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI and HDMI). It also can support other peripherals that use the Thunderbolt 2 standard.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells Thunderbolt docks and external drives compatible with this Mac and just about all others.
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
4 (3.0) None
Details: Four USB 3.0 ports.
None 1 (RJ-45)
Details: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.
None None
Details: N/A
2 (Built-in) 1
Details: Single "headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack)."
1 1
Details: Single "headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack)" also supports the Apple iPhone headset with microphone.
1 None
Details: N/A
1 None
Details: 100V-240V (50 Hz to 60 Hz, single phase), Apple does not specify maximum wattage.

Global original prices for the iMac "Core i5" 1.6 21.5" (Late 2015) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.

For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.

Original Prices - North & South America

C$1399 R$10.599
MXN $22,999 US$1099

Original Prices - Europe

¤euro;1249 ¤euro;1279
DKK 9,499 ¤euro;1299
¤euro;1249 ¤euro;1249
¤euro;1299 ¤euro;1279
¤euro;1236,71 ¤euro;1279
NOK 12.490 ¤euro;1299
¤euro;1279 SEK 12.295
CHF 1'199 £899

Original Prices - Asia

RMB 7,988 HK$8,388
Rs 91,900 N/A
¥126,800 KRW 1,490,000
RM 4,999 PHP 56,990
S$1,648 NT$37,900
THB 41,900 VND 26,880,000

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

A$1699 NZ$1999

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.


Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iMac models follow.



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