Small businesses looking to refresh aging office computers will have a new Apple option to weigh this fall: the company announced a redesigned iMac powered by its M6 chip, with a starting price of $1,499 and a stronger emphasis on artificial intelligence.

Apple says the new desktop will deliver faster performance, improved connectivity, and expanded on-device AI capabilities in a 24-inch all-in-one design. Customers can pre-order beginning October 28, with availability starting November 6. The announcement is detailed in Apple’s original newsroom release.

For small businesses, the most important question is not whether the iMac looks attractive in one of seven colors. It is whether the additional performance and AI tools can save time, support revenue-generating work, or extend the useful life of a company’s equipment.

Apple says the M6 iMac will include up to a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, with Neural Accelerators built into each GPU core. The company claims the new model can deliver up to 2.5 times faster performance in Microsoft Excel than an iMac with the M1 chip and up to 3.3 times faster graphics performance for tasks such as photo editing in Affinity. Those results come from Apple testing and should not be treated as guarantees for every workflow.

That performance could appeal to design studios, marketing agencies, real estate firms, online retailers, and other small companies that regularly work with large spreadsheets, high-resolution images, videos, or multiple business applications at once. A faster computer may also reduce delays during client presentations, content production, financial reporting, and video calls.

“iMac is the world’s best all-in-one, and today it raises the bar yet again,” said Shelly Goldberg, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering. “With the blazing performance and AI capabilities of M6 supercharging every workflow and the next generation of Apple Intelligence with Siri AI — combined with its stunning 24-inch Retina display, its gorgeous design in seven vibrant colors, and macOS 27 — the new iMac has everything users need to run their businesses, manage their lives, and bring their ideas to life.”

Apple is also positioning the device as a local AI workstation. The company says the M6 model can run large language models on the device, potentially allowing businesses to process certain information without sending it to an external cloud service. For a small company handling confidential customer messages, internal documents, or proprietary creative work, local processing may offer privacy advantages.

The new Siri AI tools in macOS 27 are designed to search across messages, email, photos, and other content; answer questions about material displayed on the screen; and help users write, edit, and automate tasks. Apple says Safari will also gain tools for organizing browser tabs, tracking website changes such as price drops or product restocks, and creating custom extensions from written descriptions.

Those features could have practical uses. A retailer might monitor supplier websites, a consultant could draft or revise client communications, and a small marketing team could use on-device tools to review images or generate workflow automations. However, Siri AI will launch in beta, and Apple says some Apple Intelligence features will have daily usage limits. Availability also depends on language, region, device, and the specific feature. Server-based functions may eventually require payment for expanded access.

Connectivity represents another potential benefit for businesses. The new iMac includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, while 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet will be available on the higher-end model. Apple says the wired option can deliver up to 2.5 times faster connectivity than the previous generation. Faster networking could help businesses move video files, access shared storage, or manage large cloud-based projects more efficiently—but only if their routers, network equipment, and internet service support the faster standards.

The higher-end configuration starts at $1,699 and includes a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU. That model also provides the 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet option and four Thunderbolt 4 ports, according to Apple’s specifications. Buyers should compare configurations carefully because some capabilities vary by model. The entry-level version starts at $1,499, but businesses that need additional ports, faster networking, more memory, or a higher-end display configuration may spend considerably more.

The iMac’s all-in-one design can simplify office setup and reduce cable clutter. It includes a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, a three-microphone array, built-in speakers, and a 4.5K Retina display. Those features could reduce the need to purchase separate equipment for video meetings and presentations. The tradeoff is limited upgrade flexibility compared with a traditional desktop. Businesses should consider future storage and memory needs before ordering because replacing an all-in-one may be more practical than upgrading it later.

Apple says Intel-based iMac users could see performance gains of up to 18 times, while users of the M4 iMac may see more modest improvements. That makes the new model more compelling for companies still using older Intel machines than for businesses that recently purchased an Apple silicon Mac.

Financing options may lower the initial cash outlay, but owners should read the terms closely. Apple advertises an Apple Upgrade lease from $28.99 per month for 36 months, excluding taxes and trade-in credits. The company notes that the program is subject to credit approval, damage fees may apply, early termination can be costly, and customers do not own the device at the end of the lease unless they exercise the purchase option. Apple also says the consumer leasing program is not available through Apple at Work for small businesses or enterprises.

Trade-in credits, AppleCare coverage, and direct support could help simplify fleet management for companies already invested in the Apple ecosystem. The iMac also works with iPhone features such as file sharing, task handoff, and iPhone Mirroring, which may benefit owners and employees who use both devices.

For a small business, the new iMac’s strongest case will likely depend on workload. A company replacing several aging Intel computers, producing visual content, or experimenting with private AI tools may find the M6 model worth considering. A business with recent Macs, modest computing needs, or a tight equipment budget may see fewer immediate benefits. Before ordering, owners should compare the total cost—including accessories, software, support, networking upgrades, and financing—with the productivity gains they realistically expect.

Image via Google Gemini

This article, “Apple Unveils M6 iMac With Up to 5x Faster AI Performance” was first published on Small Business Trends