iMac M6 vs iMac M4: Chip, Wi-Fi and What Buyers Get for £1,499

The iMac M6’s case for replacing the M4 rests on two main changes: Apple’s newer processor and support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The screen, colours and overall design carry over, so anyone choosing between the desktops is weighing newer silicon and connections against the possibility of finding the previous model for less.

Apple is skipping the M5 for this desktop, moving from the iMac M4 directly to the M6. That makes the chip the biggest point of comparison, but the available details don’t include independent performance tests or a full set of benchmark figures. Apple’s speed claims should therefore be read as manufacturer claims, rather than a measure of how much faster the M6 will feel in a particular app.

Price and availability

At the time described in the source, the iMac M6 was due to open for pre-orders on October 28, with a starting price of £1,499/$1,499. The source doesn’t specify a year for that date, so buyers should check current availability and pricing in their region.

The iMac M4 was no longer listed for sale on Apple’s site, though third-party retailers such as Amazon still carried it. Its recommended retail price was also £1,499/$1,499, but refurbished units were available as a potential way to spend less. Actual prices and stock can vary by retailer, so the older model’s value depends on what’s available when you shop.

Read the iMac M4 review for a closer look at the previous desktop. If you’re considering a different kind of computer, the source also links to round-ups of the best laptops and best Mac models.

M6 chip claims and AI support

Apple says the M6 has a faster CPU and GPU than the M4, with Neural Accelerators in each core. The company positions the chip for ordinary app use and multitasking as well as heavier work such as photo and video editing. Buyers can also configure the M6 with two additional CPU cores; Apple says that option delivers the “world’s fastest single-threaded CPU performance”. That’s a broad claim, and the source provides no test results to show how it translates into real workloads.

Apple also describes the M6 as having a dual 16-core Neural Engine and says it enables up to five times faster on-device AI than the M4. The comparison is Apple’s own, and the source doesn’t identify a particular task or testing method. For buyers, the practical difference will depend on which supported features and apps they use.

Both desktops support Apple Intelligence and include Apple’s upgraded Siri voice assistant. The source notes that Apple has been adding features to Apple Intelligence, while judging the set of tools available at the time as incomplete and not something every user would rely on often. That makes AI support a shared feature rather than a clear reason to choose the M6. Its newer chip may matter more to people who expect to use demanding creative apps or future on-device features, but the source doesn’t establish how much those activities improve.

Newer wireless connections

The M6 moves to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The M4 uses Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Those newer standards may matter if you already have compatible networking equipment and accessories; without compatible devices, the M6’s updated wireless hardware may have less immediate value. The source gives no measured connection speeds, so the generational change alone doesn’t establish what difference a particular home setup will see.

The same screen, colours and port trade-offs

Set side by side, the two iMacs look much alike. Both have a 24-inch 4.5K Liquid Retina display and come in Green, Orange, Yellow, Pink, Purple, Blue and Silver. Each also comes with a matching keyboard and mouse. That continuity will suit buyers who like the existing design, but it leaves little reason to upgrade for a new look or larger screen.

Port selection is a more tangible limitation to consider. The standard M6 configuration, priced at £1,499/$1,499, has two Thunderbolt ports at the rear. A version with four ports costs an additional £/$200, according to the source. If your desk setup relies on several wired accessories, storage devices or displays, check which configuration fits your connections before buying.

A nano-texture display coating is also available to reduce glare. The source says its review of the finish found it effective in bright rooms. It costs an additional £/$200 and is limited to the more expensive configuration with four Thunderbolt ports. That makes it an option to weigh alongside the port upgrade, particularly if glare is a concern in your workspace.

Which iMac makes more sense?

The M6 looks like the better fit for someone buying new who wants Apple’s latest desktop chip, Wi-Fi 7 or Bluetooth 6. Its processor upgrades may also appeal to people doing photo and video work, though the source offers no independent results to quantify the improvement. Buyers who mainly want the shared 24-inch display, familiar design and everyday desktop experience have fewer reasons to pay more for the new model.

The M4 remains worth considering if a retailer has it at a lower price, especially since the screen, colours and design are unchanged. Compare the actual prices for both models, then factor in the connections you need and whether the M6’s newer wireless standards matter with your equipment. For current M4 owners, the listed changes alone offer a limited case for upgrading; for everyone else, the choice comes down to the M6’s chip and wireless updates versus any savings on remaining M4 stock.