Apple releases new line of Retina display iMacs

On Wednesday, Apple introduced updates to the iMac line of computers, bringing the Retina display to the smallest iMac, the 21.5-inch model, for the first time.

Apart from releasing its latest iteration of iMacs, Apple also released a slew of accessories for its desktop lineup of machines which range from its Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad 2 and Magic Keyboard. The Magic Trackpad 2 enables users to experience Apple’s Force Touch interface on the desktop. Apple announced today that the updated iMacs will also feature beefed up processors and graphics cards, along with new storage options. Devices pair instantly with your Mac as soon as they are plugged in via the Lightning-to-USB charging cable, that Apple claims can last about a month or more on a full charge. Another great feature? The release of the second version of the Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad. The bigger and more powerful 27-inch iMac with the 5K display comes with the latest sixth-generation Intel processor. Those products have rechargeable batteries. Customers can also select all-flash drives up to 1 TB.

The 21.5in iMac with 4K Retina display is available for purchase at a starting price of£1,199 ($1,841) in the United Kingdom, while the upgraded 27in iMac with 5K Retina display comes with a price tag of £1,449.

Apple’s 27-inch iMac also received a few upgrade love this week, having been bolstered with faster AMD graphics and speedier Intel processors. With the aid of the four Force Touch sensors that have been incorporated into the device, users will be able to employ different levels of pressure, and check content with the aid of the Force Click function, which, for example, can open up a web link as a preview. The new 21.5-inch iMac with Retina 4K display features a fifth-generation Intel Core processor and enhanced Intel Iris Pro Graphics.

If you are looking to buy the Trackpad but are not too sure if it will work with your Mac, here’s how you can perform a quick check.

In contrast, Apple is touting its new Magic Keyboard as an upgrade that’s smaller than its predecessor, taking up 13 percent less space on the desk and sporting a smaller profile. The new Magic Mouse 2 is lighter, sturdier and features an optimized foot design for a smoother glide.

Shares of Apple closed yesterday at $111.60.

On the ratings front, Apple has been the subject of a number of recent research reports.

According to TipRanks.com, which ranks over 7,500 financial analysts and bloggers to gauge the performance of their past recommendations, Kathryn Huberty and Ross Seymore have a total average return of 14.6% and 20.1% respectively. The 12-month average price target assigned to the stock is $147.72, which represents a potential upside of 32.4% from where the stock is now trading.