Apple Released the First iMac 25 Years Ago Today

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the iMac, Apple's all-in-one desktop computer released on August 15, 1998.

iMac G3 Fanned Feature Yellow 2
Characterized by its striking translucent casing and 15-inch CRT display, the ‌iMac‌ was a departure from conventional computer design of the time. The machine led the way with several industry innovations, including the adoption of USB and FireWire, while simultaneously phasing out the floppy drive and other outdated ports. The computer came with a PowerPC G3 processor, 4GB hard drive, 32MB of RAM, a CD drive, two USB ports, and an Ethernet port, reflecting the emerging importance of internet connectivity at the time.

The ‌iMac‌'s design has evolved significantly over the years. In 2002, the ‌iMac‌ G4 was introduced with a unique dome base and flat-panel display. 2004 saw the launch of the ‌iMac‌ G5, a design that integrated all components behind the display, setting the standard for future all-in-one designs.

Apple unveiled the aluminum and glass unibody ‌iMac‌ in 2007 and added a Retina display to the machine in 2014. Apple introduced an "‌iMac‌ Pro" variant in 2017, and, in 2021, the ‌iMac‌ was completely redesigned once again with the transition to Apple silicon.

As the ‌iMac‌ reaches this significant milestone, it continues to be the leading all-in-one computer and a prominent product in Apple's lineup. While the ‌iMac‌ did not receive an upgrade to the M2 chip, a refreshed model with the M3 chip is expected to launch toward the end of this year. Further in the future, Apple is expected to launch an even bigger and more powerful ‌iMac‌ model in what could be a reintroduction of the iMac Pro.

Related Roundup: iMac
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Related Forum: iMac

Top Rated Comments

videosoul Avatar
8 months ago
❤️ will forever love these. Both for the innovation and the nostalgia of the time! I remember how incredibly special everything about them felt at the time. The adverts, the marketing, the design, OS9 and the beginning of OSX….
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
8 months ago
iMac is one of my favorite Apple products in the world. It always reminds me of the late Steve Jobs.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jent Avatar
8 months ago
Perhaps the thing that turned Apple around and made the company what it is today. Sure, the iPhone and iPad are huge, but without the success of the original iMac one has to wonder how much longer they would have been around!
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nylonsteel Avatar
8 months ago
wish i invested in aapl stock 25 years ago
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dwaltwhit Avatar
8 months ago
The idea that anyone would put effort into how a computer looked was so revolutionary
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
johnmarki Avatar
8 months ago
Love it forever and ever. The iMac is THE Apple product that captured the creativity and joy that computing can bring. I'm impatiently waiting for an amazing iMac Pro version that ignites that "Macintosh Moment" Cmon Apple, I believe!
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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