Apple has updated the iMac with fourth generation Intel quad-core processors, new graphics, next generation Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage options.

"The iMac continues to be the example that proves how beautiful, fast and fun a desktop computer can be," says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Inside its ultra-thin aluminum enclosure, the new iMac has the latest Intel processors, faster graphics, next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage."

The entry-level 21.5-inch iMac features a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and new Iris Pro graphics. The high-end 21.5-inch model and both 27-inch models feature quad-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 3.4GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 700 series graphics with twice the video memory and up to 40% faster performance than the previous generation. Customers looking for the ultimate in performance can upgrade to quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.5GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M series graphics with up to 4GB of video memory.

The iMac now supports next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi. When connected to an 802.11ac base station, it delivers wireless performance that is up to three times faster than the previous generation.

The updated iMac now features support for PCIe-based flash storage that makes Fusion Drive and all-flash storage options up to 50%faster than the previous generation, says Schiller. The Fusion Drive option combines the large storage capacity of a hard drive with the high performance of flash to deliver shorter boot times and faster access to apps and files. Customers can configure their iMac with a 1TB or 3TB Fusion Drive, and all-flash storage options are now available in configurations up to 1TB.

The iMac comes standard with 8GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive, and customers can choose to configure their iMac with up to 32GB of memory and up to a 3TB hard drive. The all-in-one also comes with two Thunderbolt and four USB 3.0 ports for connecting to external storage and other high performance peripherals.

The iMac features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iMac includes PVC-free components and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants, and uses highly recyclable materials and material-efficient packaging designs.

The new iMac is available today through the Apple Online Store (hwww.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. The 21.5-inch iMac is available with a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2GHz and Intel Iris Pro for a suggested retail price of $1,299 ; and with a 2.9GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M for a suggested retail price of $1,499.

The 27-inch iMac is available with a 3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 755M for a suggested retail price of $1,799; and with a 3.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US). Additional technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/imac .