We liked the new Apple iMac 2021, but we couldn't help but notice that it doesn't look much like the MacBook Air with M1. Looking at the spec sheet, many components are identical. Well, the iFixit team confirmed our suspicions and found that the new iMac 2021 is basically a MacBook Air in a color chassis.

In an official iFixit teardown, the tinkering team completely disassembled the purple unit, voiding Apple's warranty. After X-raying the device, the team discovered that all of the computing power is housed in the bottom lip while the rest of the unit is sandwiched between two large metal plates. And aside from a few wires snaking toward the top to connect to the webcam and other antennas, there was nothing else. And while there was plenty of free space inside the device, it scored a dismal 2/10 as far as repairability.

With the right tools, it was not too difficult for iFixit to disassemble the iMac; there was no need to heat the back panel as was used to disassemble the iPhone 12. iMac opening wheels (a special tool used to cut the adhesive) made it easy to remove the front display came off easily, revealing the components behind.

Unlike the MacBook Air with the M1, the iMac uses the same components but has two fans to cool the processor. iFixit claims that the iMac's jaws are artificial and that Apple could have easily moved these components to the rest of the almost empty chassis. The iMac's jaws are artificial, and Apple could have easily moved these components into the rest of the almost empty chassis.

The new iMac 2021's logic board is also Apple's smallest all-in-one ever. The board houses a new M1 8-core chip, 8GB of memory, 128GB of NAND flash storage, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, and other components for power management. Many of the components inside the device are attached with adhesive. So, for example, it is not impossible to remove the headphone jack, but it must be moved somewhat forcefully.

Apple intends the new iMac 2021 to be a more casual device that can be placed in the living room or kitchen. It is not necessarily for high-end video editing or other demanding tasks. For that reason, our deal editor, Luis Ramirez, argued that it is worth skipping the iMac 2021 and opting instead for the Mac mini, which starts at $699 and is 60% more powerful than the base iMac, but costs 60% less. The Mac mini can be used as a bridge until the more powerful iMac Pro with more computing power comes along.