Apple Releases New Sandy Bridge Quad-Core iMacs with Thunderbolt

083647 imacs 2011

Apple released the much anticipated iMac updates today, upgrading the processors to Quad-Core CPUs across the entire range and including Thunderbolt.

Apple today updated its signature all-in-one iMac with next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, groundbreaking high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime HD camera. Starting at $1,199, the new iMac is up to 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation.

The new iMacs feature quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with an option for customers to choose Core i7 processors up to 3.4GHz.

The 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27" features two Thunderbolt ports.

21.5" 2.5GHz Quad Core i5, AMD 6750M, 500GB, $1199
21.5" 2.7GHz Quad Core i5, AMD 6770M, 1TB, $1499
27" 2.7GHz Quad Core i5, AMD 6770M, 1TB, $1699
27" 3.1GHz Quad Core i5, AMD 6970M, 1TB, $1999

Core i7 Processors are available as configure-to-order options.

Related Roundup: iMac
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Caution)
Related Forum: iMac

Popular Stories

Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Wednesday December 24, 2025 8:40 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features

Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Adds These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Monday December 22, 2025 8:47 am PST by
Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 26.2, following more than a month of beta testing. It is a big update, with many new features and changes for iPhones. iOS 26.2 adds a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more. Below, we have highlighted a total of eight new features. Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen A new slider in the Lock...
maxresdefault

Where's the New Apple TV?

Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
maxresdefault

10 Mac Apps Worth Trying in 2026

Wednesday December 24, 2025 9:27 am PST by
2026 is almost upon us, and a new year is a good time to try out some new apps. We've rounded up 10 excellent Mac apps that are worth checking out. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Alt-Tab (Free) - Alt-Tab brings a Windows-style alt + tab thumbnail preview option to the Mac. You can see a full window preview of open apps and app windows. One Thing (Free) -...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature Iridescent Search

Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch

Tuesday December 23, 2025 11:55 am PST by
Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026. Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 Brings AirPods-Like Pairing to Third-Party Devices in EU Under DMA

Monday December 22, 2025 3:20 pm PST by
The European Commission today praised the interoperability changes that Apple is introducing in iOS 26.3, once again crediting the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with bringing "new opportunities" to European users and developers. The Digital Markets Act requires Apple to provide third-party accessories with the same capabilities and access to device features that Apple's own products get. In iOS...
iphone fold 3d print

Have a 3D Printer? You Can Make Your Own iPhone Fold Dummy

Tuesday December 23, 2025 1:31 pm PST by
Apple is working on a foldable iPhone that's set to come out in September 2026, and rumors suggest that it will have a display that's around 5.4 inches when closed and 7.6 inches when open. Exact measurements vary based on rumors, but one 3D designer has created a mockup based on what we've heard so far. On MakerWorld, a user named Subsy has uploaded a 1:1 iPhone Fold replica (via Macworld), ...
iPhone SE Cosmopolitan Clean

Apple Discontinued These 25 Products This Year

Wednesday December 24, 2025 7:24 am PST by
With the end of 2025 near, the time has come to look back at the devices and accessories that Apple discontinued throughout the year. Most of the products that were discontinued this year were simply replaced by a new model with an updated chip. However, the iPhone SE line was entirely discontinued when the iPhone 16e launched, and the iPhone Plus line is being phased out. Below, we have...

Top Rated Comments

basesloaded190 Avatar
191 months ago
This is insane. Apple still charges $200 for another 4GB ram:eek:. Is this ram made out of gold or diamonds? 4 GB ram costs $40 for pc.

I already have a better system since January.

-Sandy Bridge i7 2600k @4.2 GHZ
-12 GB RAM 1600MHZ (faster ram than the new iMacs, cost me only $120 for 12GB)
-Ati 5850 ( faster than those mobile gpus )
-Can install OS X 10.6.7 on it, but I don't need it.

It all cost me $500(when I upgraded);)

My pc still laughs in the face at these overpriced computers. :D


Why do people like you guys even post in these forums? Those of us in here actually care about iMacs and not your stupid PC's you built
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JordanNZ Avatar
191 months ago
I see what Apple did there, substituting TFT for IPS. That's honestly a rubbish move. I won't be buying an iMac with a TFT panel. No thanks.

Read the posts above you...
You're simply confused (wrong) :cool:
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
blackburn Avatar
191 months ago
Why do people like you guys even post in these forums? Those of us in here actually care about iMacs and not your stupid PC's you built
Yeah and I bet he is not including the screen. A decent screen costs a lot.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gnasher729 Avatar
191 months ago
I think you're confusing TFT with TN.
They're not the same thing.

There are several kinds of TFT displays. TN displays are the cheapest and lowest quality kind of TFT displays; IPS displays are a more expensive and better kind of TFT display. The new iMacs have the better IPS kind of TFT displays.

And it is amazing how people get excited and angry for no good reason at all, just because they don't understand something and come to all the wrong conclusions.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
meli Avatar
191 months ago
It doesn't even get above the fold on Apple's homepage.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ehoui Avatar
191 months ago
+1

LOL, those kinda' folks are ignorant^N
As someone who has personally assembled several home-made machines using good cases and parts, you are glossing over some of the pitfalls with the home-built approach:

1) Components (esp. cases) almost always look better online than they are in reality.
2) Even sturdy parts have quality issues like vibrations, poor tolerances (things don't fit exactly right), cable routing issues, sound...
3) The fun of getting everything installed (drivers, etc.) to work properly out of the box can be a matter of minutes, hours, or days depending on which components you happen to pick
4) Cut hands due to very sharp internal edges (minor annoyance)
5) Supporting failed parts... RMA'ing, replacing and following up with manufacturers individually to get a working machine

But hey, once you get through all of that, the dollar cost is usually significantly lower and there is a sense of accomplishment. But, let's not pretend it's for everyone.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)