iMac 24-inch M1 (2021): Refurbished, Specs & Repairs
The colourful, ultra-thin Apple silicon iMac
The iMac 24-inch M1 (2021) completely redesigned Apple’s all-in-one desktop. It is just 11.5mm thick, comes in seven bright colours and has a 4.5K Retina display, a 1080p camera, six speakers and Apple’s M1 chip, with matching colour-coded keyboard and mouse.
It is quiet, fast and simple to set up, with the power supply moved into a separate adapter that can also carry Ethernet. It still runs current macOS.
Every refurbished Apple silicon Mac we sell is checked by our technicians and comes with a 24-month warranty. Browse our refurbished iMac range, or book a repair if you already own one.
About This Model
The iMac 24-inch M1 (2021) was announced on 20 April 2021 and went on sale in May 2021, replacing the Intel 21.5-inch iMac. It was sold until the M3 iMac arrived in November 2023.
Complete Mac Solutions supplies refurbished Apple Macs in Bristol for home users, students and businesses across the UK. We also offer Mac repairs and can help you choose the right Mac for your work.
Which iMac does this cover?
This guide covers the iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021). Choose About This Mac from the Apple menu: the chip will be shown as Apple M1.
It looks almost identical to the 2023 M3 and 2024 M4 iMacs, so check the chip name rather than relying on the colour. Apple sold a two-port model with a 7-core GPU and a four-port model with an 8-core GPU, Touch ID keyboard and Ethernet in the power adapter.
Specifications at a glance
| Display | 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, 4480 × 2520 resolution, 500 nits, P3 wide colour, True Tone |
|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M1 with 8-core CPU and 7-core or 8-core GPU |
| Memory | 8GB or 16GB unified memory |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB SSD |
| Connections | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, plus two USB 3 ports on the four-port model; headphone socket; Gigabit Ethernet in the power adapter on some models |
| Camera and sound | 1080p FaceTime HD camera; six-speaker sound system |
| Colours | Blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange and purple |
| Size and weight | 46.1cm high, 54.7cm wide, 14.7cm stand depth; approximately 4.5kg |
Ask us to confirm the exact configuration of any refurbished machine available. Memory and storage are chosen when the Mac is built, so the configuration you buy is the one it keeps.
What is it useful for?
Our recommendation is to consider this model for family computing, study, office work, video calls, photo editing and music. The M1 chip handles everyday work quickly and silently.
The 8GB models can slow down with many apps open, so choose 16GB if you can. For heavy video or 3D work, a Mac mini or Mac Studio with a separate display gives more power.
A Mac for Bristol students
With its bright colours, sharp screen and good camera, the M1 iMac is a popular desktop for Bristol students who study at home. It handles essays, research, video calls and creative coursework comfortably.
Check course software requirements before buying, and ask about our student deals.
Macs for businesses
Complete Mac Solutions supplies Macs for businesses as well as individuals. Tell us which applications, displays and peripherals your team uses so we can help you choose a suitable configuration.
The M1 iMac suits reception desks, shops and offices that want a tidy, attractive all-in-one. Its small footprint and single power cable keep desks neat, and the four-port model adds Ethernet without extra adapters.
macOS compatibility
As an Apple silicon Mac, this model runs the current version of macOS and should continue to receive macOS updates for years, unlike Intel Macs.
Some older Intel-only applications and plug-ins may not run, and Apple silicon Macs cannot run Windows through Boot Camp. Check that the software you depend on supports Apple silicon before you buy.
Memory and storage choices
The unified memory is part of the M1 chip. 8GB suits light use; choose 16GB for heavier multitasking or if you want the iMac to stay comfortable for longer. 256GB of storage fills quickly, so consider 512GB.
Neither the memory nor the internal storage can be upgraded later. Fast external drives are a practical way to add space for files and archives. Ask us about storage options before deciding.
Repairs and support
Check whether the machine is covered by AppleCare before arranging any repair, as independent work may affect what Apple will do.
Display faults
Check the screen for lines, dark patches or flickering, and inspect the glass for cracks. The display is bonded to the very thin case, so screen repairs need careful assessment.
Startup and power problems
Failure to start or unexpected restarts can sometimes come from the external power adapter or its magnetic cable. Try a different power socket first, then get it assessed.
Ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Test the USB-C ports, Ethernet on the power adapter, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Problems can come from cables, adapters or software rather than the iMac itself.
Storage and data
If you need files from a Mac that will not start, ask about data recovery before any repair or reset. Regular backups are essential, as the storage is built in.
Complete Mac Solutions can discuss iMac repairs in Bristol and help you work out the best option for your machine.
Buying a refurbished iMac 24-inch M1 (2021)
Make sure the iMac has been removed from the previous owner’s Apple Account and Find My. Confirm the GPU core count, number of ports, memory and storage, check the display in good light, and ask whether the original colour-matched keyboard, mouse and power adapter are included.
Complete Mac Solutions carries a large stock of refurbished Macs and has an extensive supplier network to help source suitable configurations. Many of our Macs come fully boxed, with all accessories and in fantastic condition. Packaging, accessories and condition vary between machines, so ask us to confirm what comes with the one you choose.
Explore our Apple Macs for sale or speak to us about a desktop for home, study or business. If you already own this model, we can help with repairs, storage and data recovery.
References and further reading
Compare the iMac 24-inch M1 (2021) with similar models
The M3 and M4 iMacs look the same but are faster, and the M4 model has 16GB of memory as standard. The Intel 21.5-inch iMacs are cheaper but run older macOS.
Buy or repair an iMac 24-inch M1 (2021)
Looking for a colourful, simple all-in-one Mac? Ask about our current iMac stock, or let us diagnose and quote for a repair on the one you already own.
Image credit
Photo: Jelican9. Wikimedia Commons source · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and compressed to WebP.
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