Apple Released the First iMac 25 Years Ago Today

[MacRumors]

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the iMac, Apple's all-in-one desktop computer released on August 15, 1998.

Characterized by its striking translucent casing and 15-inch CRT display, the iMac was a departure from conventional computer design of the time. The machine led the way with several industry innovations, including the adoption of USB and FireWire, while simultaneously phasing out the floppy drive and other outdated ports. The computer came with a PowerPC G3 processor, 4GB hard drive, 32MB of RAM, a CD drive, two USB ports, and an Ethernet port, reflecting the emerging importance of internet connectivity at the time.

The iMac's design has evolved significantly over the years. In 2002, the iMac G4 was introduced with a unique dome base and flat-panel display. 2004 saw the launch of the iMac G5, a design that integrated all components behind the display, setting the standard for future all-in-one designs.

Apple unveiled the aluminum and glass unibody iMac in 2007 and added a Retina display to the machine in 2014. Apple introduced an "iMac Pro" variant in 2017, and, in 2021, the iMac was completely redesigned once again with the transition to Apple silicon.

As the iMac reaches this significant milestone, it continues to be the leading all-in-one computer and a prominent product in Apple's lineup. While the iMac did not receive an upgrade to the M2 chip, a refreshed model with the M3 chip is expected to launch toward the end of this year. Further in the future, Apple is expected to launch an even bigger and more powerful iMac model in what could be a reintroduction of the iMac Pro.

Article Link: Apple Released the First iMac 25 Years Ago Today

 

[derekamoss]

And it was amazing. I loved my blue iMac! The article says a cd drive but I thought they also had a SuperDrive (DVD) or was that not till the G4 came out? I also had an eMac which I know came with the super drive so I could just be getting things mixed up.

 

[videosoul]

❤️ will forever love these. Both for the innovation and the nostalgia of the time! I remember how incredibly special everything about them felt at the time. The adverts, the marketing, the design, OS9 and the beginning of OSX….

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

iMac is one of my favorite Apple products in the world. It always reminds me of the late Steve Jobs.

 

[DocMultimedia]

My company had six people that did relatively basic SGML editing and we had them all sitting with different colored iMacs in a straight line. Was a fun time. I still have a blue one in my old Mac pile.

 

[RedWeasel]

Oh my... I was younger than 25 years when it came out, now I really feel old...

 

[polterbyte]

At the time Apple wasn't out of the woods yet, but it was a great step, a "We're back, baby!" moment. An awesome-looking computer heralding new (and better) times ahead.

 

[asdex]

Perfect timing for another milestone release. Let's say … a 32 inch Apple Silicon iMac Pro/Max, please? 🤗

 

[nylonsteel]

wish i invested in aapl stock 25 years ago

 

[twocents]

My mostly maxed out 2020 iMac still runs like a dream. Really hoping to see some innovation with the follow up to the M1 model.

 

[jent]

Perhaps the thing that turned Apple around and made the company what it is today. Sure, the iPhone and iPad are huge, but without the success of the original iMac one has to wonder how much longer they would have been around!

 

[thawk9455]

I feel like this article could be more clear.

• The original iMac didn't include Firewire, which is implied by the wording of the article, it was added in later revisions.
• Macs came with Ethernet standard even before the iMac. PowerBooks included Ethernet as standard beginning with the G3 (Nov 1997) and Power Mac was standard on machines after Feb 1997 (and on many machines before that but some were optional, some standard).
• iMac also included a modem and an internal mezzanine slot (although rarely used and not fully documented from what I remember).

 

[Jefe's MacAir]

I always enjoyed having to unplug it when it froze, which happened often, instead of a simple reset button. I swore off Apple products for many years because of this before returning due to the size and form factor of the MacBook. Haven't looked back since.

 

[dwaltwhit]

The idea that anyone would put effort into how a computer looked was so revolutionary

 

[jent]

I always enjoyed having to unplug it when it froze, which happened often, instead of a simple reset button. I swore off Apple products for many years because of this before returning due to the size and form factor of the MacBook. Haven't looked back since.

My memory of those days is fuzzy but holding down the power button didn't work? And wasn't there a paperclip-accessible reset button by the ports too?

 

[chrono1081]

I remember seeing this in person in Sam's Club for the first time and wondering why all computers of that era couldn't look as beautiful. But also because it was the 90s I couldn't play with one, stores had them all locked behind passwords.

 

[CTHarrryH]

When announced Apple said they were trying to sell 100,000 in 100 days - now that is a few minutes worth of sales. Yes, I got one immediately and I think my family had every color at some point

 

[johnmarki]

Love it forever and ever. The iMac is THE Apple product that captured the creativity and joy that computing can bring. I'm impatiently waiting for an amazing iMac Pro version that ignites that "Macintosh Moment" Cmon Apple, I believe!

 

[maflynn]

I had a Bondi Blue iMac, such a great computer and it reintroduced the magical feeling of computer ownership. It was such an awesome experience.

 

[MiniMoke]

I witnessed a sales pitch at an Apple reseller’s in those days. Went about like this:
‘So you’re doing document editing and photos? I recommend this iMac!’

Customer looked interrested

‘This leaves one question: which color?’

And the iMac was sold!
No talk about processors, ram etc. Definitely Not a PC sale!
I’ll warmly remember this forever!

 

[ozarkcanoer]

I bought my father an iMac to replace an older Power Mac 6100/60. Used it for a long time till an electric storm killed the modem. Replace it with a Mac Mini.

I wonder if Apple would ever consider a future MacBook like this Framework modular laptop design. It goes far beyond just being able to add/replace memory and storage cards.

 

[JMStearnsX2]

I had one of these, in the original color. I always hated the mouse, they still can't get one right...

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I still have my Bondi Blue Indigo iMac DV in the basement and it works well, other than the internal speakers failing. Bought it during college in 1999 or 2000, I believe. I have matching keyboard, but I chucked the included mouse pretty quickly. Loved that computer and have been meaning to pass it on to a collector instead of recycling it...don't really care for hanging on to retro gear personally, even as cool as it is, but don't want to see it trashed.

I do miss the colors and wish the MacBook line was as colorful! Gray and black (dark blue) is so boring.

 

[Mike_Trivisonno]

"It's inside the computer!" —Hansel

 

[Jumpthesnark]

Still remember my boss at the time taking me aside and saying in a hushed voice "we're getting iMacs! What color do you want?" I went with tangerine. 🍊