Apple’s M3 iMac Teardown Reveals Subtle Changes and High-End Features

Highlights

• iFixit’s teardown shows the M3 iMac maintains the 2021 design, with a compact internal structure.
• The M3 model shifts from two coin batteries to one, touted as Apple’s most replaceable battery.
• Features a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and up to four USB-C ports.

iFixit has shared an insightful look into Apple’s latest update to the iMac, featuring the new M3 chip.

Despite some expectations for a major overhaul, Apple’s late October update appeared to be more of a modest refresh, primarily integrating the M3 chip into the existing 2021 iMac design.

Inside the M3 iMac

The teardown by iFixit reveals that the internal structure of the M3 iMac closely mirrors that of its predecessor, the M1 model.

The device’s internal components are highly compact, with the majority of the hardware concentrated in the iMac’s lower section, often referred to as the chin.

The teardown also provides a glimpse into the iMac’s cooling system, the M3 chip, and its USB-C ports.

As seen in the iFixit teardown, the main logic board, protected by numerous screws and stickers, and the delicate cables that connect the display to the hardware, pose additional challenges in disassembly.

The positioning of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas remains unchanged, tucked behind the Apple logo as in the previous generation.

Apple continues its practice of offering the iMac with either a standard stand or a VESA mount adapter, with the latter requiring disassembly to install.

This choice remains a critical consideration for buyers, as modifying the stand setup involves a degree of disassembly of the iMac.

Subtle Changes Noted

Despite the largely unchanged design, the teardown highlights a notable alteration – the reduction from two coin battery cells in the M1 iMac to just one in the M3 model.

iFixit humorously remarks on the M3 iMac having what they call the “most replaceable battery” in any Apple product.

M3 iMac Features

The new M3 iMac, while maintaining the design of the 2021 model, offers several upgrades.

It boasts a 24-inch, 4.5K Retina display with 11.3 million pixels.

It features the latest wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and up to four USB-C ports, including two Thunderbolt ports.

The iMac also comes with a 1080p FaceTime camera, studio-quality mics, and a six-speaker sound system supporting Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.

Available in a range of vibrant colors, it offers a strikingly thin design and color-matched accessories, including a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.

In India, the M3 iMac is priced starting at Rs 1,34,900 for the 8GB + 256GB version with an 8-core GPU.

FAQs

What are the main internal changes found in the M3 iMac compared to the M1 model?

The M3 iMac, as revealed by iFixit’s teardown, largely mirrors the M1 iMac in design. However, a significant change is the reduction of coin battery cells from two to one.

What advanced features does the new M3 iMac offer?

The M3 iMac boasts a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and up to four USB-C ports.

It also includes a 1080p FaceTime camera, studio-quality mics, and a six-speaker system supporting Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.

How does the stand option for the M3 iMac impact its setup?

Apple offers the M3 iMac with a standard stand or a VESA mount adapter. Choosing the VESA mount requires some disassembly, which is an important consideration for buyers.

What is the starting price of the M3 iMac in India, and what does it include?

In India, the M3 iMac starts at Rs 1,34,900 for the 8GB + 256GB version with an 8-core GPU. This price includes the color-matched Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.

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