Apple iMac "Core i5" 1.6 21.5-Inch (Late 2015) Specs
Identifiers: Late 2015 - MK142LL/A - iMac16,1 - A1418 - 2889
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The iMac "Core i5" 1.6 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Late 2015/Broadwell) features a 14-nm "Broadwell" 1.6 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (5250U) with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of onboard 1867 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (which can be upgraded to 16 GB at the time of order, but cannot be upgraded after system purchase at all), a 1 TB (5400 RPM) hard drive, and an "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 6000 graphics processor that shares system memory. It also has a built-in "FaceTime HD" webcam and stereo speakers.
This model has a 21.5" 1920x1080 LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen IPS display with a fully laminated glass cover and an anti-reflective coating. The rear of the case is aluminum and is thicker in the middle and tapers to a razor thin 5 mm at the edges.
Connectivity includes four USB 3.0 ports, dual Thunderbolt 2 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible), and Bluetooth 4.0.
Compared to its predecessor, this model essentially has the same external enclosure, but it has a more advanced architecture and graphics architecture (as well as the possibility of more RAM if upgraded at the time of order).
The "Late 2015" iMac models ship with a compact aluminum Apple Magic Keyboard and the choice of either a multi-touch "Magic Mouse 2" or a traditional wired Apple mouse. For an additional US$50, one also can upgrade from the Magic Mouse 2 to the "Magic Trackpad 2," which provides multi-touch and pressure-sensitive "Force Touch" capabilities.
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the "Late 2015" Aluminum iMac models?
- What are all of the differences between the "Late 2015" Aluminum iMac models and the models replaced?
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| Introduction Date: |
October 13, 2015 |
Discontinued Date: |
N/A |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2015. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
6862 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
7785 |
| Details: |
Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the iMac16,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
2658 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
5167 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the iMac16,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
2950 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
5861 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the iMac16,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: |
1.6 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i5 (I5-5250U) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 14 nm, 64-bit "Fifth Generation" Intel Mobile Core i5 "Broadwell" (I5-5250U) processor which includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 3 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel).
This system also supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" -- which "automatically increases the speed of the active cores" to improve performance when needed (up to 2.7 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which enables two hardware processor cores and four "threads" for software multitasking.
Also see: How much faster are the "Late 2015" iMac models than the models replaced? |
| Turbo Boost: |
2.7 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered* |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
*Officially, Apple provides no information about whether or not the processor in this model can be upgraded. However, the processor in this model is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
Also see: Is it possible to upgrade the processor in the "Tapered Edge" Aluminum iMac models? |
| System Bus Speed: |
5 GT/s* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
1.6 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
*This system has a "Direct Media Interface" -- specifically DMI2 -- that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k |
L2/L3 Cache: |
256k x2, 3 MB (on chip) |
| Details: |
Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 3 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
LPDDR3 SDRAM* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1867 MHz |
| Details: |
*Ships standard with 8 GB of 1867 MHz "Low Power" LPDDR3 SDRAM onboard. |
| Standard RAM: |
8 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
16 GB* |
| Motherboard RAM: |
8 GB |
RAM Slots: |
None |
| Details: |
There are no RAM slots. 8 GB of RAM is onboard by default. It can be upgraded to 16 GB, but only at the time of system purchase. It cannot be upgraded after system purchase at all. |
| Video Card: |
HD Graphics 6000 |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
This model has an Intel HD Graphics 6000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system. |
| Standard VRAM: |
1.5 GB |
Maximum VRAM: |
1.5 GB |
| Details: |
The Intel HD Graphics 6000 processor reserves up to 1.5 GB of system memory for video function. |
| Built-in Display: |
21.5" 16:9 Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
1920x1080 |
| Details: |
This model has a 21.5" LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen TFT active matrix display with IPS technology and a native resolution of 1920x1080. The cover glass is fully laminated to the LCD and it has anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. Apple does not report viewing angle or contrast ratio. |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring* |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
3840x2160 |
| Details: |
*This model can simultaneously support the internal display at full native resolution and up to 3840x2160 on an external display in both extended desktop (second workspace) and video mirroring (internal display duplicated on the external display) modes. |
| Standard Hard Drive: |
1 TB (5400 RPM) |
Int. HD Interface: |
Serial ATA (6 Gb/s)* |
| Details: |
*This model has a Serial ATA (6 Gb/s) connector for a 2.5" hard drive. If configured with a "Fusion" Drive or an SSD at the initial time of system purchase, it also has a PCIe connector (PCIe 2.0 x4 NVMexpress interface), but this connector is not present if the system only is configured with a hard drive at the time of purchase.
At the time of purchase, Apple offers a 1 TB "Fusion Drive" (which combines a 24 GB SSD and a 1 TB hard drive) for an extra US$100 or a 256 GB SSD for an extra US$200.
Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the "Tapered Edge" Aluminum iMac models? What type of storage do they support? Is it even possible to upgrade these models?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this iMac.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this iMac.
In Australia, site sponsor RamCity sells storage upgrades for this iMac. |
| Standard Optical: |
None* |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
*This iMac does not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor PowerMax offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79. It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X.
Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability.
Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive? Can it be used with other Macs? |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100/1000Base-T |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11ac* |
Standard Bluetooth: |
4.0 |
| Details: |
*802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. |
| USB Ports: |
4 (3.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
Four USB 3.0 ports. |
| Expansion Slots: |
SDXC SD Card |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and hand-picked accessories like external storage, stands, keyboards, cables, adapters, speakers, and more for this iMac.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit offers an extensive selection of external expansion options and accessories like docks, stands, chargers, keyboards, security products, and more for this iMac. |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Apple Magic Keyboard |
Incl. Input: |
Magic Mouse 2* |
| Details: |
*This model ships with a small aluminum wireless compact keyboard (without a numeric keypad) with a rechargeable battery. By default, it also ships with the wireless "Magic Mouse 2" with multi-touch surface support although this may be substituted with a traditional Wired Apple Mouse at no extra charge. For an extra US$50, one can change the Magic Mouse 2 for an also wireless "Magic Trackpad 2" that provides multi-touch input and Force Touch (which provides different options depending on the pressure and duration of a touch or press). For an additional US$129, one can have both a Magic Mouse 2 and a Magic Trackpad 2. |
| Case Type: |
All-in-One |
Form Factor: |
21.5" iMac Late 2012 |
| Details: |
The 21.5-Inch "Late 2015" Aluminum iMac model uses a case design that is effectively identical to the "Late 2012," "Late 2013" and "Mid-2014" models, but the internals are different. Each of these lines have a glass front laminated directly to the LCD and an aluminum back that is thicker in the middle and tapers to a razor thin 5 mm edge. The entire system sits upon an aluminum "foot" that is 6.9 inches (17.5 cm) deep. |
| Apple Order No: |
MK142LL/A |
Apple Subfamily: |
Late 2015 |
| Details: |
The Apple order number should be unique to this system. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1418 (EMC 2889) |
Model ID: |
iMac16,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1418 Model Number, the 2889 EMC Number, and the iMac16,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Battery Type: |
N/A |
Battery Life: |
N/A |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.11 (15A2301) |
Maximum MacOS: |
Current |
| Details: |
This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" including Metal graphics acceleration. It is capable of running the forthcoming macOS Sierra (10.12) as well, although precise feature support has yet to be released.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with OS X El Capitan (10.11)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support which features? |
| Minimum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported. |
| MacOS 9 Support: |
None |
Windows Support: |
Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: |
Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
Site sponsor OHS specializes in heavily upgraded Macs capable of running both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 applications.
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: |
17.7 x 20.8 x 6.9 |
Avg. Weight: |
12.5 lbs. (5.68 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth, (45.0 cm, 52.8 cm, 17.5 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$1099 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$1099 |
| Details: |
To purchase a new iMac, free of sales tax, please visit site sponsor PowerMax.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the iMac "Core i5" 1.6 21.5-Inch (Late 2015) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Canada: |
C$1399 |
Brazil: |
R$10.599 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $22,999 |
United States: |
US$1099 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1249 |
Belgium: |
€1279 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 9,499 |
Finland: |
€1299 |
| France: |
€1249 |
Germany: |
€1249 |
| Ireland: |
€1299 |
Italy: |
€1279 |
| Luxembourg: |
€1236,71 |
Netherlands: |
€1279 |
| Norway: |
NOK 12.490 |
Portugal: |
€1299 |
| Spain: |
€1279 |
Sweden: |
SEK 12.295 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 1'199 |
United Kingdom: |
£899 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 7,988 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$8,388 |
| India: |
Rs 91,900 |
Indonesia: |
Pending |
| Japan: |
¥126,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 1,490,000 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 4,999 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 56,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$1,648 |
Taiwan: |
NT$37,900 |
| Thailand: |
THB 41,900 |
Vietnam: |
Pending |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$1699 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$1999 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iMac models follow.
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