Adding to Apple’s launch palooza this week is a new desktop Mac, the iMac with the latest M6 Apple Silicon on-board now packed inside the same seven-colour variants of the all-in-one stunner.

Once again, this is a generational update, not a new design in any way – the Apple M6 chip means dramatically improved performance from a simply better processor.

Lifting from 8 to 10 cores in both the CPU and GPU on then base model, and a dual 16-core Neural engine over the single 16-core version of the M5 – again, as with the new MacBook Pro 14 inch, this is about AI capabilities within the device.

Also on board is Apple’s N1 for better WiFi, Bluetooth and Smart Home connectivity.

The rest remains the same, with a 24 inch 4.5K retina display, and Nano-texture option on the four-port version.

And that’s still a key difference, there are two iMacs – one has two USB-C ports, one has Four. On both models they are Thunderbolt 4 capable – not Thunderbolt 5 yet.

Apple iMac with M6 starts at $2,399 for the two-port and jumps just $300 for the four-port which lifts the GPU and CPU to 12-core, as well as those extra ports. You’ll also get TouchID on the keyboard and 2.5GB Ethernet, plus – support for an additional external display (Two versus One only on the two-port)

Honestly, well worth the $300. Plus, if you’re then optioning more features you can go to 32GB of RAM (instead of 24GB) and 2TB of storage.

Perhaps the best reason to go four-port – the option of the nano-texture display which isn’t there on the two-port iMac.

Pre-orders start Thursday 4.10am Sydney time, and they go on sale November 6.

Trevor Long is in Los Angeles as a guest of Apple