The iMac "M1" 8-Core CPU/8-Core GPU/4 USB-C Shaped Ports (2021) model features a 5-nm 3.2 GHz Apple M1 processor with 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), an 8-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, 8 GB of onboard RAM, and a 256 GB or 512 GB onboard SSD. Both the RAM and the SSD could be upgraded at the time of initial system purchase, but not subsequently.

This all is housed in a wafer thin aluminum case with flat edges that includes a 23.5" 4480x2520, 218 PPI, LED-backlit, "True Tone" widescreen "Retina 4.5K" display mounted on a svelte aluminum stand. This specific model was offered in the choice of six two-tone color options -- blue, green (pictured), pink, yellow, orange, and purple -- as well as a "classic" uniform silver color. It also has an integrated 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a "studio-quality three-mic array" and a "high-fidelity six-speaker system" that supports Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.

Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports and two USB 3 ports (all with a USB-C connector), a 3.5 mm headphone jack conveniently mounted on the left edge of the display, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.0. Gigabit Ethernet is provided by default via a port on the power brick.