Apple iMac "Core i5" 2.3 21.5" (Mid-2017) Specs
Identifiers: Mid-2017 - MMQA2LL/A* - iMac18,1 - A1418 - 3068
All iMac Models | All 2017 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
The iMac "Core i5" 2.3 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Mid-2017/Kaby Lake) features a 14-nm "Kaby Lake" 2.3 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (7360U) with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 4 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of 2133 MHz DDR4 SDRAM that is reportedly onboard -- but actually can be upgraded later -- a 1 TB (5400 RPM) hard drive (256 GB SSD standard with an optional 1 TB "Fusion" Drive, which combines a 32 GB SSD and a 1 TB HDD, for the same price starting on August 4, 2020), and an "integrated" Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 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 3 (USB-C) ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2.
Compared to its predecessor, this model essentially has the same external enclosure, but it has a more advanced processor, architecture, and graphics as well as Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports.
By default, the "Mid-2017" iMac models originally shipped with a compact aluminum Apple Magic Keyboard and the multi-touch "Magic Mouse 2". For an additional US$30, you could upgrade from the default keyboard to the "Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad" and for an additional US$50, you 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 "Mid-2017" Aluminum iMac models? (In-Depth)
- What are all of the differences between the "Mid-2017" Aluminum iMac models and the "Late 2015" models replaced? (In-Depth)
- What are the "pros and cons" of the "Mid-2017" and other "Tapered Edge" iMac models? Is one right for me? (Quick Read)
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- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
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.
| Introduction Date: |
June 5, 2017 |
Discontinued Date: |
October 29, 2021* |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" generally refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
*As first reported by MacRumors, this model was quietly discontinued on or around October 29, 2021.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2017. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
9068 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
10389 |
| 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 iMac18,1 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. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
3461 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
7674 |
| 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 iMac18,1 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. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
3798 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
8592 |
| 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 iMac18,1 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. |
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
4513 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
9338 |
| 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 iMac18,1 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. |
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
857 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
2028 |
| 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 iMac18,1 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. |
| Processor Speed: |
2.3 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i5 (I5-7360U) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 14 nm, 64-bit "Seventh Generation" Intel Mobile Core i5 "Kaby Lake" (I5-7360U) processor which includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 4 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 3.6 GHz for this model).
Also see: How fast are the "Mid-2017" iMac models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the "Late 2015" models replaced and the Mac Pro? |
| Turbo Boost: |
3.6 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered* |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
*Officially, Apple provides no information about whether or not the processor in this model can be upgraded, so the safe assumption is that it is soldered. However, Intel reports that this processor does support a BGA 1356 socket, so it is possible that it is socketed, it just does not use the LGA 1151 socket shared by the rest of the "Mid-2017" iMac models. If you have disassembled this system yourself, please share whether or not the processor is soldered or socketed. Thank you. |
| System Bus Speed: |
4 GT/s OPI* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
2.3 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
*This system has an OPI -- "On Package Interface" to connect the processor and chipset. Intel reports that it runs at 4 GT/s. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k |
L2/L3 Cache: |
256k x2, 4 MB (on chip) |
| Details: |
Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 4 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
PC4-17000 DDR4* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
2133 MHz |
| Details: |
*Apple reports that this model ships standard with 8 GB of "2133 MHz DDR4 onboard memory." Thankfully, however, this is not entirely accurate.
Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the "Mid-2017" Tapered Edge Aluminum iMac models? Is it even possible? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM does each model actually support? |
| Standard RAM: |
8 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
16 GB* |
| Details: |
*8 GB of RAM is standard and reported as onboard with an optional upgrade to 16 GB of RAM at the time of purchase for an extra US$200.
In a pleasant surprise, as first discovered by site sponsor OWC, this memory actually is not onboard and can be replaced or upgraded after the initial purchase of the Mac, it's just unnecessarily complicated.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this iMac.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac.
In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac.
In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Motherboard RAM: |
None* |
RAM Slots: |
2* |
| Details: |
*Although Apple officially reports that this RAM is "onboard," this thankfully is not the case. As first discovered by site sponsor OWC, this memory actually is not onboard and instead is installed in two 260-pin SO-DIMM slots. However, accessing these slots requires one to pry off the display that is glued to the case and remove the logic board. |
| Video Card: |
Iris Plus Graphics 640 |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
This model has an Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.
Which "Tapered Edge" iMac have video processors with dedicated memory? Which have integrated memory? |
| Standard VRAM: |
N/A |
Maximum VRAM: |
N/A |
| Details: |
The Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 graphics processor reserves system memory for video function. It does not have dedicated VRAM. |
| Built-in Display: |
21.5" 16:9 Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
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.
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. |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring* |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
3840x2160 x2 |
| Details: |
*This model can simultaneously support the internal display at full native resolution and up to one 5120x2880 (5K) external display at 60 Hz with support for one billion colors; two 3840x2160 (4K UHD) external displays at 60 Hz with support for one billion colors; or two 4096x2304 (4K) external displays at 60 Hz with support for millions of colors. It supports both extended desktop (second workspace) and video mirroring (internal display duplicated on the external display) modes. |
| Standard Storage: |
1 TB HDD, 256 GB SSD** |
Std. Storage Speed: |
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, but as first reported by site sponsor OWC, this connector is not present if the system only is configured with a hard drive.
At the original 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.
**On August 4, 2020, Apple switched the default storage from a 1 TB hard drive to a 256 GB SSD with an optional 1 TB "Fusion" Drive -- 32 GB SSD and a 1 TB HDD -- via custom configuration for the same price.
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. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
2.5" (7 mm)* |
Storage Interface: |
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 applicable PCIe connector is not present and it is not possible to install a second drive later. |
| Standard Optical: |
None* |
Standard Disk: |
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? |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100/1000Base-T |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11ac* |
Standard Bluetooth: |
4.2 |
| Details: |
*802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 4.2 standard. |
| USB Ports: |
4 (3.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
Four USB 3.0 ports. |
| Expansion Slots: |
SDXC SD Card |
Expansion Bays: |
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. |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Magic Keyboard* |
Incl. Input: |
Magic Mouse 2* |
| Details: |
*By default, this model ships with a small aluminum wireless compact keyboard (without a numeric keypad) and a wireless "Magic Mouse 2" with multi-touch surface support. For an extra US$30, you can substitute the stock keyboard for a "Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad" and for an extra US$50 you can substitute the Magic Mouse 2 for a Magic Trackpad 2 (which provides multi-touch input and Force Touch support). If you really like input devices, you can equip this iMac with both a Magic Mouse 2 and a Magic Trackpad 2 for an additional US$129. |
| Case Type: |
All-in-One |
Form Factor: |
21.5" iMac Tapered Edge |
| Details: |
The 21.5-Inch "Mid-2017" Aluminum iMac model uses a case design that is effectively identical to the earlier "Tapered Edge" iMac 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. |
| Apple Order No: |
MMQA2LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
Mid-2017 |
| Details: |
*The MMQA2LL/A order number refers to the original configuration with a 1 TB hard drive. The default configuration with a 256 GB SSD introduced on August 4, 2020 is order number MHK03LL/A. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1418 (EMC 3068) |
Model ID: |
iMac18,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
A special thank you to iFixit for spotting this EMC Number and sending it in to EveryMac.com. Thanks, again!
Also see: All Macs with the A1418 Model Number, the 3068 EMC Number, and the iMac18,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Battery Type: |
N/A |
Battery Life: |
N/A |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.12.4 (16E2193) |
Maximum MacOS: |
13.x (Ventura) |
| Details: |
This system fully supports the last version of macOS Sierra (10.12) and macOS High Sierra (10.13). Running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later, this model does support HEVC hardware acceleration.
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 AirPlay to Mac and the more minor Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, 3D Landmarks, and Interactive Globe features.
Finally, this model is fully compatible with macOS Ventura (macOS 13) with the exception of the minor Live Captions in FaceTime, Emoji Dictation, and Reference Mode with Sidecar features. It does not support macOS Sonoma (macOS 14) or later.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Ventura (macOS 13)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Do all features work with all supported Macs? |
| Minimum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
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. |
| MacOS 9 Support: |
None |
Windows Support: |
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. |
| Dimensions: |
17.7 x 20.8 x 6.9 |
Avg. Weight: |
12.5 lbs. (5.66 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth, (45.0 cm, 52.8 cm, 17.5 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$1099 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$300-US$450 |
| Details: |
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
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.
| Video (Monitor): |
 2 (Thunderbolt 3/USB-C) |
Floppy (Ext.): |
 None |
| Details: |
This model has two Thunderbolt 3 ports. These two ports support DisplayPort, Thunderbolt (up to 40 Gbps), and USB 3.1 Generation 2 (up to 10 Gbps). Adapters also are available to use Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, DVI, and VGA.
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.
What is Thunderbolt 3? What is the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3? What Thunderbolt 3 adapters and docks are available? |
| ADB: |
 None |
SCSI: |
 None |
| Serial (Standard): |
 None |
Serial (Geoport): |
 None |
| USB: |
 4 (3.0) |
Firewire: |
 None |
| Details: |
Four USB 3.0 ports. |
| Modem: |
None |
Ethernet: |
 1 (RJ-45) |
| Details: |
Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 4.2 standard. |
| S-Video Input: |
 None |
S-Video Output: |
 None |
| Microphone: |
 1 (Built-in) |
Sound In: |
 N/A |
| Sound Out: |
 1 |
Headphone: |
 1 |
| Details: |
Single 3.5 mm headphone jack with "support for Apple iPhone headset with microphone." |
| Security (Lock): |
 1 |
Joystick (PC): |
 None |
| Power: |
 1 |
Power Adapter: |
 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" 2.3 21.5" (Mid-2017) 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
| Canada: |
C$1399 |
Brazil: |
R$8.199 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $24,999 |
United States: |
US$1099 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1299 |
Belgium: |
€1299 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 9,699 |
Finland: |
€1349 |
| France: |
€1299 |
Germany: |
€1299 |
| Ireland: |
€1349 |
Italy: |
€1349 |
| Luxembourg: |
€1256,05 |
Netherlands: |
€1299 |
| Norway: |
NOK 12.790 |
Portugal: |
€1349 |
| Spain: |
€1299 |
Sweden: |
SEK 12.995 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 1'299 |
United Kingdom: |
£1049 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 8,688 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$8,488 |
| India: |
Rs 90,900 |
Indonesia: |
Rp 15,999,000 |
| Japan: |
¥120,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 1,440,000 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 5,099 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 64,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$1,598 |
Taiwan: |
NT$35,900 |
| Thailand: |
THB 40,900 |
Vietnam: |
VND 28,570,000 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$1599 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$1849 |
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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