Apple upgrades iMac family with new Retina Displays

Apple yesterday unveiled the refreshed iMac computers, which like their predecessors, come in two basic sizes, 21.5-inches and 27-inches, and feature the same familiar designs including the protruding metal stand, the slim and compact footprint with a back that slightly bulging out, concealing insides of the computer.

The innards feature faster flash storage and more robust graphics, in addition to the latest Intel processors - fifth-generation Core i5 or i7 chips on the smaller model, sixth generation "Skylake" chips on 27-inch models.

The rear bottom has the usual row of ports and connectors - two Thunderbolt 2 ports, four USB 3 ports, a memory card slot, headphone jack and gigabit Ethernet.

The highlight though is the 4K Retina display (4096 by 2304 resolution) on the smaller iMac, which carries a price tag of $1,499. Without the Retina it sells for $1,099.

All the 27-inch iMacs in the lineup now get the 5K Retina (5120 by 2880) display that had earlier been reserved for the highest end machines.

These bigger iMacs have a starting price of $1,799.

The new Retina displays make photos and videos more immersive and true-to-life thanks to a wider color gamut and spectacular image quality.

The updated iMacs also feature more powerful processors and graphics, two Thunderbolt 2 ports and new storage options that make the high-performance Fusion Drive even more affordable.

Apple yesterday also introduced a new lineup of wireless accessories including the all-new Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2.

The Magic devices have been redesigned to feel more comfortable than ever, and feature rechargeable batteries that completely eliminate the need for disposable batteries.

The new Magic Trackpad 2 also brings Apple's revolutionary Force Touch interface to the desktop, adding a new dimension to the iMac experience.

''From the first iMac to today, the spirit of iMac has never wavered - deliver the ultimate desktop experience with the latest technologies, gorgeous displays and cutting-edge designs,'' said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

''These are the most stunning iMacs we've ever made. With our gorgeous new Retina displays, more powerful processors and graphics and all-new Magic accessories, the new iMac continues to redefine the ultimate desktop experience.''

With Retina display, text appears sharper than ever, videos are unbelievably lifelike and you can see new levels of detail in your photos.

The 21.5-inch iMac is available with the all-new Retina 4K display featuring an amazing 4096 x 2304 resolution and 9.4 million pixels, 4.5 times more than the standard 21.5-inch iMac display.

Every 27-inch iMac features a Retina 5K display, the world's highest resolution all-in-one display with a stunning 14.7 million pixels, 7 times more pixels than an HD display. With a Retina display now on the 21.5-inch iMac and every 27-inch iMac, iMac with Retina display is more affordable than ever.