We compared the iMac M3 (2023) and the iMac M1 (2021): let's list the differences

Difference 1: the motherboard

To begin with, you should know thatl’iMac M1and the iMac M3 are obviously not powered by the same chip. Thus, it is, as its name indicates, the M1 which equips the 2021 model. It is a less powerful processor than the M3. For comparison, the latter can thus benefit from24 Goof RAM for ten graphics card cores, compared to a maximum of eight cores and 16 GB of memory unified with the M1.

Difference 2: the release date

Likewise, we know that if the iMac M1 was released in 2021 (more precisely in May), the iMac of 2023 is muchnewer. However, figures show that Apple tends to no longer offer major macOS updates to its computers after around six years. In short, your iMac M1 will theoretically soon be three years old in a few months, or half of its lifespan. To be taken into account when purchasing, even if we must not forget that security updates remain offered by the developer for even longer.

Difference 3: prices, of course

The iMac M3 is now available in stores from1 599 euros(for the version with only two USB-C ports, the most affordable).

Concerning the iMac M1, it turns out that when comparing prices at different resellers, we only detected reconditioned offers or almost. And for good reason: Apple no longer manufactures new computers. But a used model is necessarily much cheaper; It's up to you to see what suits you best between a budget option and the safer choice linked to the most recent release date.

Difference 4: the mass of the basic models

If the iMac M1 with four ports weighs4,48 kgjust likethe iMac of 2023, be aware that a small difference in mass still separates the two-port versions. We therefore know that the base iMac of 2021 weighs4,43 kgcompared to 4.46 kg for the iMac M3.

Difference 5: Support for high impedance headphones

The iMac M3 is also the only one to supporthigh impedance headphones. For comparison, this is not the case for the 3.5 millimeter jack socket found on the edge of the iMac M1. Despite everything, the jack in question supports most headphones and other audio accessories on the market.

If you don't know what impedance is, we leave you with this definition proposed by Fnac stores:

pour “To put it simply, impedance calculates the propensity of a component to oppose the passage of an alternating current“.

Understand that high impedance headphones are more resistant to signal passage. But you should know that the higher the impedance, the more powerful the headphones must also be. It is therefore completely normal that not all computers are compatible today.

Difference 6: new wireless communication technologies with the iMac M3

The iMac M3 is finally compatible with theBluetooth 5.3, an improved version of Bluetooth 5.0 offered on the iMac M1. The official comparison of technical data sheets offered by the manufacturer does not, however, specify the exact differences between these standards. We've found it for you: the main advantage of Bluetooth 5.3 is its ability to offer lossless sound of better quality than with the previously available Bluetooth 5.0. Other changes are worth noting, but relatively negligible in our opinion.

Please also note that theWi-Fi 6Eis only supported on the iMac M3, while the iMac M1 today makes do with Wi-Fi 6. Here again, there are some differences, but which are minor for ordinary people.

To go further: 3 points in common

The design

Let's now move on to the main similarities between the iMac M1 and the iMac M3, which still make us think that the choice between the two is not the most obvious. First of all, you should know that the design is strictly identical – apart from the change in weight mentioned above. Because yes, if you were wondering, the color of the charger adapted to that of the panel was already required with the iMac released in 2021: it's actually not as new as you might think!

There are currently seven colors of iMac M1 or M3. Three are limited to configurations with the most powerful processor, these are the shadesyellow, orange or purple. The versionsblue, green, pink and silverare however accessible regardless of the desired technical sheet.

The screen

Whether in terms of size, resolution or even pure and simple rendering: the screens of the iMac M1 and the iMac M3 are strictly identical. We see it every day, with vibrant contrasts and colors, regardless of the context. On the other hand, be aware that regardless of the model chosen, you will never obtain more than five hundred nits of brightness. This is clearly too little, and you will need to deploy the blinds if your office is in direct sunlight. For machines at this price, it's difficult to understand.

The keyboards of the iMac M1 and M3

The wireless keyboards and mice included with the 2021 and 2023 iMacs are identical.

In particular, you will have the opportunity to benefit from afingerprint sensor(Touch ID), and the accessories in question will be adapted to the color of the computer you have chosen.