Walk into an Apple Store today and you’ll see those candy-colored screens glowing under the recessed lighting. They look like pieces of art. But if you’re asking how much is iMac desktop right now, the answer isn’t just a single number on a price tag. It’s a rabbit hole of configurations, "stealth" discounts, and a used market that’s honestly more active than it’s been in years.
Most people walk in and drop $1,299 on the base model because that’s what the big sign says. Don't be most people. Depending on whether you're a student, a deal hunter, or someone who needs 32GB of RAM to survive their Chrome tab addiction, that number fluctuates wildly.
The Cold Hard Numbers: New Retail Prices
Apple finally got the memo a while back that 8GB of RAM was an insult. In 2026, the standard 24-inch iMac starts with 16GB of unified memory, which has made the "base" price much more palatable for actual humans who do actual work.
Basically, here is how the 2026 iMac lineup (currently the M4 series) breaks down at the Apple Store:
- The Entry Level ($1,299): You get an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU. It’s fine for your parents or a front desk. It comes with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. Two ports on the back. That's it.
- The "Middle" Ground ($1,499): This is the one most people should actually buy. 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and four ports. Plus, it has Gigabit Ethernet in the power brick, which the cheap one lacks unless you pay extra.
- The Spec'd Out Version ($1,699+): Now you're looking at 512GB of storage out of the box. If you start clicking buttons to add 32GB of RAM or a 2TB SSD, you can easily push this machine past $2,500.
Why the Sticker Price is Kinda a Lie
If you pay the full MSRP, you're doing it wrong. Retailers like Amazon, B&H Photo, and Best Buy are constantly aggressive. Right now, it's not uncommon to find the $1,299 model sitting at $1,149 or even $1,099 during "back to school" or holiday windows.
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And then there's the Education Store. If you’re a student, a teacher, or just have a cousin with an .edu email address, Apple knocks about $50 to $100 off the price. They usually throw in a gift card during the summer months, too. It brings that $1,299 entry price down to about $1,249. Every little bit helps when you're also buying a $100 dongle because Apple hates USB-A.
The Refurbished Secret (The Smartest Way to Buy)
Honestly, Apple's Refurbished Store is the best-kept secret in tech. These aren't just "used" computers. They’ve been torn down, inspected, and given a brand-new outer shell and battery. They also come with the same one-year warranty as a new one.
In early 2026, you can find M4 iMacs on the refurb site for around $1,099. If you're willing to go back one generation to the M3 (which is still a beast for 95% of people), prices drop into the $850 to $950 range. That is a massive saving for a machine that looks identical to the newest one.
What About the 27-inch or the "iMac Pro"?
This is where it gets spicy. People have been screaming for a bigger iMac for years. As of early 2026, Apple still hasn't officially dropped a 32-inch iMac Pro, though rumors from analysts like Mark Gurman suggest it’s finally on the horizon.
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If you see an "iMac Pro" for sale right now, it’s probably a used Intel-based machine from 2017. Do not buy this. I don't care if it's $500. Those old Intel chips are loud, hot, and Apple is slowly cutting off software support for them. If you need a big screen, you're better off buying a Mac mini ($599) and a separate 27-inch 4K monitor. You’ll save money and have a much better experience.
Hidden Costs: The "Apple Tax"
When you're figuring out how much is iMac desktop, don't forget the extras. The base model doesn't include the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. That’s a $50 upgrade during checkout.
Want the Nano-texture glass to stop the glare from your window? That's another $200.
Need more than 256GB of storage? Apple charges $200 just to jump to 512GB. It’s highway robbery considering you can buy a 1TB external drive for $80, but that's the price of "elegance."
Real-World Price Scenarios
- The "Budget" Setup: A refurbished M3 iMac with 16GB RAM. Total: ~$900.
- The Home Office Hero: A new M4 iMac with 16GB RAM and 512GB Storage. Total: ~$1,499.
- The Creative Pro: M4 iMac with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD. Total: ~$2,099.
Is It Worth It Right Now?
The iMac is in a weird spot. It’s the best "all-in-one" on the planet, hands down. The screen alone is worth about $700 if you were to buy it separately. But you’re locked in. You can't upgrade the RAM later. You can't upgrade the storage.
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If you're a casual user, the $1,299 (or $1,149 on sale) price point is a solid investment that will last you five to seven years. If you’re a heavy video editor, you might find the 24-inch screen a bit cramped, and the lack of an "M4 Max" chip option in the iMac means you might be better off looking at a Mac Studio.
Check the Apple Refurbished store first thing on a Tuesday morning—that's usually when they restock the best deals. If there’s nothing there, head to a site like AppleInsider or MacRumors to check their price trackers. Never pay full retail. There's almost always a $150 discount hiding somewhere if you look for more than five minutes.
To get the most for your money, focus on the RAM first. Storage can be fixed with an external drive dangling off the back, but 16GB of RAM is the absolute floor for 2026. If you find a deal on a 24GB or 32GB model, jump on it. Your future self, trying to run twenty browser tabs and a Zoom call at the same time, will thank you.