The Apple silicon iMac features a 24-inch screen in a thin aluminum enclosure, elevated off the resting surface by a foot, and comes in seven colors.

[1][2] The computer is flat-backed and 0.45 inches (11 mm) thick, with half the volume and roughly 30 percent smaller footprint than the 21.5-inch iMac.

[1][2] The included peripherals and power cords are color-matched to the finish, as are the macOS operating software accent color and wallpaper.

The iMac captures audio through an array of three microphones and outputs sound through a six-speaker system that supports Dolby Atmos.

The cheaper models come with two Thunderbolt/USB4 ports next to the power button at the back edge of the computer[9] and lack Gigabit Ethernet as standard.

The more expensive models add two USB-C ports, come with Gigabit Ethernet, have higher configurable storage options, and have keyboards with Touch ID authentication.

[13] Apple also suggested the variety of colors helped the machine feel at home in more settings, whereas the previous silver iMacs were found in offices.

Ars Technica's Samuel Axon and PCMag's Joe Osborne considered the iMac a return to the product line's roots as a simple computer for consumers.

[6] In contrast Dan Seifert, writing for The Verge, questioned whether a "a simple all-in-one desktop computer is something most people want or need at this point".

[4][6][14][21] The iMac's speed was positively noted,[28][29] with Engadget testing finding the machine's responsiveness waking from sleep mode or starting up welcome.

[28][29] Tom's Guide and Digital Trends found the entry-level iMac disappointingly limited and the added costs to add Touch ID unreasonable.

[4][25] PCMag, USA Today and others felt the machine quickly became pricey for the specs, as a similarly-performing Mac mini could be had for half the price.

[9][21][22][25] Other complaints included the paltry number of ports and their placement,[4][14][29] and the low amount of starting memory and storage in the entry-level machines.