Buying a new computer is rarely as simple as looking at the sticker price. You see that sleek, 24-inch screen on the shelf and think you’ve got the number figured out.
But honestly? That's just the starting line.
If you’re wondering how much is an imac computer in early 2026, the answer depends entirely on how much "future-proofing" you're willing to pay for. Apple’s pricing strategy is a bit of a psychological game. They lure you in with a base model that looks affordable, then slowly nudge you toward upgrades that make the final total look a lot different than the $1,299 you saw in the ad.
The Current Landscape: M4 is the Standard
Right now, the flagship in the lineup is the iMac with the M4 chip. This thing is a beast, especially since Apple finally stopped being stingy and started shipping these with 16GB of RAM as the bare minimum. Thank goodness for that.
For the base M4 iMac, you’re looking at $1,299.
This entry-level version gives you an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU. It’s perfect for the average person who just wants a beautiful screen for emails, browsing, and the occasional photo edit. But there’s a catch—it only has two ports on the back. If you want four ports and a slightly faster 10-core chip, the price jumps to $1,499.
Breaking Down the Retail Pricing
If you walk into an Apple Store today, here is the basic menu of what you’ll find for the 24-inch models:
- The Entry Level: $1,299. Includes 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD.
- The Mid-Tier: $1,499. This bumps you to a 10-core GPU, adds Gigabit Ethernet to the power brick, and gives you two extra Thunderbolt ports.
- The High-End "Stock" Model: $1,699. This is basically the mid-tier model but with a 512GB SSD already baked in.
- The Pro-Spec (Maxed out): If you go wild and add 32GB of memory and a 2TB SSD, you can easily push the price toward $2,700.
The Hidden Costs of Upgrades
Apple’s upgrade pricing is, for lack of a better word, legendary. And not in a good way.
Most people realize quickly that 256GB of storage is tiny. In 2026, between high-res photos and system files, that space disappears fast. To go from 256GB to 512GB, Apple usually charges around $200.
Think about that for a second. You can buy a high-speed 2TB external drive for less than that. But because the internal storage is soldered onto the motherboard, you're stuck paying the "Apple Tax" if you want it built-in.
Then there’s the Nano-texture glass. It’s a $200 add-on that kills glare if you work in a room with a lot of windows. It's beautiful, but it's another 200 bucks. You see how this happens? You start at $1,299 and suddenly your cart says $1,899.
Education and Refurbished: The "Smart" Money
If $1,300 makes your wallet ache, don't buy it at full retail.
Apple’s Education Store is a goldmine if you’re a student, a teacher, or even just have a kid in school. The base M4 iMac usually drops to $1,249 there. It’s only a $50 saving, but they often throw in a gift card during "Back to School" season which effectively brings the "cost" down further.
Refurbished is even better.
I’m a huge fan of the Apple Certified Refurbished store. These aren’t just "used" computers. They get a new outer shell, a new battery (in laptops), and the same one-year warranty as a new machine.
- A refurbished M4 iMac can often be found for around $1,099.
- Older M3 models are currently sitting around $1,039 to $1,100 depending on the day.
If you don't mind a slightly older chip, the M1 iMacs on sites like Back Market or Amazon Refurbished are absolute steals right now. You can often snag one for under $850. For a kid’s room or a basic home office, that M1 chip is still more than fast enough for 90% of tasks.
Why Does the iMac Still Cost This Much?
You might look at a Mac Mini for $599 and wonder why the iMac is double the price. It’s all about the screen.
The 4.5K Retina display on the iMac is genuinely world-class. If you tried to buy a standalone monitor with that resolution, color accuracy (P3 gamut), and 500 nits of brightness, you’d be spending $700 to $1,000 just for the display.
When you buy an iMac, you're buying a high-end monitor that just happens to have a computer hidden inside its chin. Plus, you get the color-matched Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse (or Trackpad). It’s the "everything in one box" tax.
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Is there a 32-inch or Pro version?
This is the question that haunts every power user. As of now, Apple hasn't brought back the 27-inch or 32-inch iMac. If you need a bigger screen, you’re forced to buy a Mac Studio or Mac Mini and pair it with a Studio Display.
That setup will cost you significantly more. A Mac Mini ($599) plus a Studio Display ($1,599) puts you at $2,198 before you’ve even bought a keyboard.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
If you’re ready to pull the trigger, don't just click "buy" on the first thing you see. Follow this logic to get the best value:
- Check your RAM needs: Since the M4 now starts at 16GB, most people can finally stop paying for the memory upgrade. 16GB is the "sweet spot" for 2026.
- External over Internal: If you need more than 256GB of space, consider buying a sleek external SSD. You'll save $100-$150 compared to Apple’s internal upgrade.
- The "Four Port" Rule: If you use a lot of peripherals (printers, external drives, webcams), pay the extra $200 for the 10-core model. Having only two ports is a huge headache that leads to a mess of dongles.
- Audit the Refurb Store: Before buying new, check the Apple Refurbished page at 9:00 AM. That's when they usually update the inventory. You can save hundreds on a machine that looks and feels brand new.
- Trade-in: If you have an old Intel Mac or an early M1, Apple’s trade-in values have actually been decent lately. It can shave $200-$400 off your total instantly.
The iMac is a specialized tool. It's for people who value a clean desk and a gorgeous screen above all else. If that's you, $1,299 is the entry fee, but $1,500 is where the real value lives.