Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Apple's 2026 iMac will receive its first genuine color refresh since the 2021 redesign. The current M3 model still uses the original seven hues from the M1 era, with only minor tonal tweaks in 2024. A new palette signals a subtle but meaningful update for Apple's iconic all-in-one desktop before its next major hardware revision.

The 2021 model introduced a distinctive two-tone color design. The rear aluminum and stand showcase a bold, saturated shade, while the front chin below the display uses a much lighter pastel version to minimize visual distraction during use. This specific front-back color dichotomy, with a consistently white bezel, has defined the iMac's aesthetic for half a decade and will likely be retained.

Gurman expects the newly colored iMac to arrive following refreshed Mac Studio models projected for mid-2026. This timing suggests Apple is staggering updates across its Mac lineup. For consumers, the refreshed palette offers a rare opportunity to choose a different aesthetic without waiting for a full internal component overhaul, extending the lifecycle of the current design.