The iMac 2021 has finally been announced and the innovations don’t lie. The new Apple desktop has been significantly improved. In this iMac 2021 vs iMac 2020 comparison, we list the biggest changes.
iMac 2021 vs iMac 2020 comparison
We will check the differences between the two Apple desktops step by step. Do you want to jump directly to a specific section? Then tap one of the links below. You can of course also just read the entire iMac 2021 vs iMac 2020 comparison.
1. Design: The thinnest iMac ever
You don’t have to search very long to see the main difference between the two Apple desktops. The most striking change is the design. The 2021 version has been given a fresh look and has a new, flatter design. The back of the PC is no longer convex, but has a flat finish.
This is especially nice for fans of minimalist design. The iMac 2021 is in fact bizarrely thin. Seen from the side, the new Apple desktop is even slightly thicker than the Siri Remote, the remote for the Apple TV.
It is of course a matter of taste, but as far as we are concerned, the large ‘chin’ under the iMac screen should have been removed. We also think it’s a shame that the 2021 model has white screen edges, regardless of the color you choose.
2. Colors: iMac 2021 colors summery
Speaking of which, you can buy the 2021 iMac in all kinds of bright, summery colors. The desktop is available in seven colors: blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange and purple.
To meet this summery palette, Apple also gives the accessories a new color. When you buy the purple iMac 2021 you also get a purple connection cable, which is made of braided material.
The iMac of 2020 is only available in one version: silver. So there is little to choose in terms of color. This does not apply to the screen size. The iMac 2020 is available in two sizes, 21.5 and 27 inches, while the 2021 iMac will only come in 24 inches.
3. Screen: little difference
The new 24-inch iMac has a 4.5K Retina display (4480 by 2520 pixels), while last year’s 27-inch iMac has a 5K Retina display (5120 by 2880 pixels). Both have a maximum screen brightness of 500 nits. In terms of screen quality, they differ very little from each other.
This does not apply to the screen edges. As mentioned earlier, the 2021 Apple desktop still has a considerable double chin, but the bezels (screen edges) have become smaller. That’s nice, because it gives you relatively more display to use.
4. Hardware: desktop moves to M1
At the end of 2020, Apple presented the M1, a homemade chip that is superior in everything to Intel, the previous supplier of processors. The M1 chip was already in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro (13 inch), Mac mini and iPad Pro 2021, so it’s no surprise that the flagship is now equipped with it.
The advantages of the M1 chip are almost impossible to list in one hand. Apple’s own processor is faster than Intel competitors, can run iPhone and iPad apps, and is also more energy efficient.
The latter is related to the fact that the M1 chip generates less heat. As a result, the iMac 2021 only needs two small fans to keep things cool, instead of the much unwieldy cooling system on the previous Apple desktop.
However, the iMac of 2020 is anything but a cumbersome system. When you expand the system to the maximum, you get a super-fast machine with an Intel i9 processor. This is especially an advantage when you use older programs, because not everything has been updated to perform at maximum under the M1 chip.
5. FaceTime camera made for video calling
We do some video calling nowadays, so it is no superfluous luxury that Apple has upgraded the iMac camera. The new FaceTime camera has a larger sensor that captures more light. This ensures that you are better lit, even when you are making video calls in a somewhat dark room.
The FaceTime camera supports three microphones and six speakers to complete the video calling experience better. There are even small woofers in the slim iMac 2021 housing, so you can enjoy music with bass.
The 2020 iMac’s FaceTime camera also has Full HD, but it captures less light and has a less audio system.
6. Fewer connections on new Mac
The base model of the iMac 2021 has two USB-C ports (with Thunderbolt 3 support), and the slightly more expensive variant adds two USB-C ports (without Thunderbolt 3).
There is also an ethernet input. The headphone input is now on the side, because the computer is so narrow that it could not be placed on the back.
The iMac of 2020 has more connections: two USB-C ports (without Thunderbolt 3), four traditional USB-A inputs, an Ethernet port and an SD card slot to transfer photos, for example. The headphone jack is ‘just’ on the back.
7. Magic Keyboard welcomes Touch ID
Another difference is the keyboard. Both iMacs come with a Magic Keyboard, but the 2021 model has Touch ID (except for the entry-level model).
This allows you, for example, to confirm online purchases with your fingerprint, or to unlock the computer. The 2020 iMac’s keyboard doesn’t have a Touch ID button. However, you can purchase this new Magic Keyboard separately and still use it on your desktop.
8. Price and buy
The last difference is the price. The cheapest iMac you can currently buy is the 21.5-inch iMac of 2020. This desktop starts at 1249 euros and has an Intel i5 processor.
Are you going for the 27 inch model? Then you are at least 1999 euros lighter. The iMac 2021 starts at 1449 euros, all these prices are without extensions and peripherals.
Do you want to buy an iMac? Then use the price comparator below. We continuously collect all offers from stores so that you can filter by model, storage capacity, color and more at your leisure. The iMac 2021 can be ordered from April 30.