Today is the 25th anniversary of Apple’s all-in-one desktop computer, the iMac, which was released on August 15, 1998.
The iMac was a departure from typical computer design at the time, with its stunning translucent case and 15-inch CRT display. The machine pioneered various industry advances, including the use of USB and FireWire, while also retiring the floppy drive and other obsolete connections. The computer included a PowerPC G3 processor, a 4GB hard drive, 32MB of RAM, a CD drive, two USB ports, and an Ethernet port, indicating the growing importance of internet access at the time.
The design of the iMac has evolved greatly over time. The iMac G4 was debuted in 2002, featuring a distinctive dome base and flat-panel display. The iMac G5 was released in 2004, with a design that consolidated all components behind the display, setting the precedent for subsequent all-in-one designs.
Apple introduced the metal and glass unibody iMac in 2007 and added a Retina display in 2014. Apple released a “iMac Pro” edition in 2017, and the iMac was totally revamped again in 2021 with the shift to Apple silicon.
With this momentous milestone, the iMac remains the premier all-in-one computer and a notable product in Apple’s lineup. While the iMac did not receive an upgrade to the M2 processor, a refreshed variant with the M3 chip is scheduled to be released before the end of the year. In the future, Apple is likely to release an even larger and more powerful iMac model, maybe reintroducing the iMac Pro.
