Jun 15, 2017 I have the entry level 21.5 2012 model myself. Honestly, I never intended to keep it more than a year but Apple was slow to upgrade so it turned into 4+ years. In my case with the integrated video, 8GB RAM, (never used the internal 5400RPM hard drive), it's a bit long in the tooth, esp editing pictured in Lightroom. This update is recommended for iMac (late 2013) models. This update addresses an issue which may cause a black screen to appear when installing Windows. Oct 13, 2016 21.5-inch iMac 2.9GHz. Magic Trackpad; 16GB memory upgrade (two 8GB) 1TB Fusion Drive; 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz) with 8MB L3 cache; iMac and the Environment. Apple takes a complete product life cycle approach to determining our environmental impact. IMac is designed with the following features to reduce its. Everything looks better on a Retina display, with its.
'Tapered Edge' Aluminum iMac Q&A
Both the 21.5 and 27-inch 4K and 5K iMacs continue to use the same 'ultra-thin' slim-bodied design first introduced in 2012, though a new model with an updated design and Apple Silicon chip is said.
Update Published September 10, 2020
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How do you upgrade the hard drive or SSD in the 'Tapered Edge' Aluminum iMac models? What type of storage do they support? Is it even possible to upgrade the storage?
This Q&A covers the 'Late 2012,' 'Early 2013,' 'Late 2013,' 'Mid-2014,' 'Late 2014,' 'Mid-2015,' 'Late 2015,' 'Mid-2017', '2019' and '2020' Tapered Edge Aluminum iMac models (model numbers A1418, A1419, A2115 and A2116).
EveryMac.com also provides hard drive upgrade instructions for earlier Aluminum iMac models shipped from 2007 to 2012 -- both the 20-Inch and 24-Inch Aluminum iMac (model numbers A1224 and A1225) and 21.5-Inch and 27-Inch Aluminum iMac (model numbers A1311 and A1312).
Officially, Apple does not consider the hard drive and/or SSD module in any of the 'Tapered Edge' Aluminum iMac models to be upgradable. The RAM in the 27-Inch models is designed to be upgraded easily, but even upgrading the RAM is an arduous process for the 21.5-Inch models in the 'Late 2012,' 'Early 2013,' 'Late 2013,' 'Mid-2017' and '2019' lines and it is altogether impossible to upgrade the RAM in the 21.5-Inch 'Mid-2014' and 'Late 2015' iMac models.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (21.5' & 27' Tapered Edge iMac, Left & Right, Respectively)
Consequently, EveryMac.com cannot recommend that one upgrade the internal storage themselves, as doing so is difficult and time consuming.
However, for highly skilled individuals, it is quite possible to upgrade the storage, but the available upgrade options vary depending on the system.
Identification Help
2012 Imac Review
Because the storage upgrade options vary, it is particularly important to be able to identify the 'Tapered Edge' iMac models precisely.
The 'Late 2012' through 'Mid-2017' 'Tapered Edge' iMac models all share the A1418 and A1419Model Numbers whereas the '2019' and '2020' iMac models use newer A2116 and A2115 model numbers. Accordingly, more precise identifiers are needed.
For the purposes of upgrading the storage, these models can be sufficiently identified by the Model Identifier in software and externally by EMC Number.
To locate the model identifier in software, select 'About This Mac' under the Apple Menu on your computer, click the 'More Info..' button, and finally click the 'System Report' button.
The EMC number is inconveniently located on the bottom of the 'foot' supporting the iMac, but EveryMac.com nevertheless has hand documented the EMC numbers as they are a unique external identifier.
More details about specific identifiers are provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
These relevant identifiers can be particularly useful for these iMac models:
Tapered Edge iMac | Subfamily | Model ID | EMC No. |
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Early 2013 | |||
Late 2013 | |||
Late 2013 | |||
Late 2013 | |||
Late 2013 | |||
Late 2013 | |||
Late 2013 | |||
Mid-2014 | |||
Late 2014, 5K | |||
Late 2014, 5K | |||
Mid-2015, 5K | |||
Late 2015 | |||
Late 2015 | |||
Late 2015, 4K | |||
Late 2015, 4K | |||
Late 2015, 5K | |||
Late 2015, 5K | |||
Late 2015, 5K | |||
Mid-2017 | |||
Mid-2017, 4K | |||
Mid-2017, 4K | |||
Mid-2017, 4K | |||
Mid-2017, 5K | |||
Mid-2017, 5K | |||
Mid-2017, 5K | |||
Mid-2017, 5K | |||
2019, 4K | |||
2019, 4K | |||
2019, 4K | |||
2019, 5K | |||
2019, 5K | |||
2019, 5K | |||
2019, 5K | |||
2020, 5K | |||
2020, 5K | |||
2020, 5K | |||
2020, 5K | |||
2020, 5K | |||
2020, 5K |
EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- also can identify these models by their Serial Numbers.
Storage Details
All of these systems released prior to the 'Mid-2017' models have a 6 Gb/s Serial ATA (Revision 3.0) connector that is occupied by a hard drive in the default configurations -- a 2.5' hard drive in 21.5-Inch models and a 3.5' hard drive in 27-Inch models. An SSD can be installed in this hard drive space and some systems support a smaller PCIe-based 'blade' SSD, as well.
Specifically, as first discovered via teardowns from iFixitandothers, if the 21.5-Inch 'Late 2012' or 'Early 2013' iMac models were configured with an SSD or a 'Fusion Drive' at the time of purchase, the SSD module is connected via a dedicated PCIe connector and another SSD can be installed in its place. Unfortunately, if the system only was configured with a hard drive, the needed connector is not present on the motherboard and there is not a way to add a PCIe-based 'blade' SSD afterwards.
Asfirstdetermined by site sponsor Other World Computing, the 21.5-Inch 'Late 2013' iMac models do have the connector for a PCIe-based 'blade' but subsequent 21.5-Inch models -- like the entry-level iMac 'Core i5' 1.4 21.5-Inch (Mid-2014) and the 21.5-Inch 'Late 2015' models -- do not have the connector for a PCIe-based 'blade' SSD if one is not installed at the time of initial system purchase.
By contrast, the 27-Inch 'Late 2012' and 'Late 2013' as well as the 'Late 2014' and 'Mid-2015' Retina/5K iMac models all have this connector on the motherboard even if the system only is configured with a hard drive at the time of purchase, so it is possible to add a PCIe-based 'blade' SSD to these models after the initial system purchase.
2012 Imac Update Software
For the 27-Inch 'Late 2015' Retina/5K iMac models, OWC was first to report that these models have a second PCIe connector (PCIe 2.0 x4 NVMexpress interface) that accommodates the SSD if the system is configured with a 'Fusion Drive' by default. A reader kindly shared that the connector is present as well even if the system only is configured with a hard drive at the time of initial system purchase. Consequently, it is possible to add a compatible 'blade' SSD to these models later, too.
For the 21.5-Inch and 27-Inch 'Mid-2017' and '2019' iMac models, both support a 7 mm tall SATA III (6 Gb/s) hard drive for the primary storage, but the 21.5-Inch models use a 2.5' hard drive and the physically larger 27-Inch models use a 3.5' hard drive. All of these 27-Inch models are equipped by default with a 'Fusion Drive' and the corresponding small 'blade' SSD via a PCIe connector. As first noted by OWC, if the 21.5-Inch models are not equipped with a 'Fusion Drive' at the time of system purchase, this secondary storage PCIe connector is not present.
For the 27-Inch '2020' iMac models, OWC determined that the SSD in these models, by default, is soldered onboard and not upgradeable. However, a subsequent OWC teardown was able to confirm earlier speculation that if the higher-end iMac 'Core i7' 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A) is equipped with the 4 TB or 8 TB SSD option at the time of purchase (but not smaller SSDs), half of the storage is onboard and the other half is mounted on an expansion board. Accordingly, future storage upgrades could be possible for high-end custom configured models, just needlessly complicated. Accessing the storage effectively requires you to pry off the display and disassemble the computer.
These differences are perhaps best visualized with a chart:
iMac Series | Primary Storage | Secondary Storage |
Late 2012 21.5' | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | None* |
Late 2012 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
Early 2013 21.5' | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | None* |
Late 2013 21.5' | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
Late 2013 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
Mid-2014 21.5' | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | None* |
Late 2014 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
Mid-2015 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
Late 2015 21.5' Google chrome 32 bits offline. | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | None* |
Late 2015 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
Late 2017 21.5' | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | None* |
Late 2017 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
2019 21.5' | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | None* |
2019 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
2020 27' | Soldered† | None† |
* If equipped with an SSD or a 'Fusion Drive' at the initial point of purchase, these models will have a connector present for a PCIe-based 'blade' SSD. If they are not equipped with an SSD or a 'Fusion Drive' when purchased new, the connector is not present, and secondary storage cannot be added later.
2012 Imac Os Update
† By default, the SSD storage is onboard and cannot be upgraded. If the higher-end iMac 'Core i7' 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A) is equipped with the 4 TB or 8 TB SSD option at the time of purchase (but not smaller SSDs), the flash module is mounted on an expansion board with a connector to the logic board.
How do you upgrade the hard drive or SSD in the 'Tapered Edge' Aluminum iMac models? What type of storage do they support? Is it even possible to upgrade the storage?
This Q&A covers the 'Late 2012,' 'Early 2013,' 'Late 2013,' 'Mid-2014,' 'Late 2014,' 'Mid-2015,' 'Late 2015,' 'Mid-2017', '2019' and '2020' Tapered Edge Aluminum iMac models (model numbers A1418, A1419, A2115 and A2116).
EveryMac.com also provides hard drive upgrade instructions for earlier Aluminum iMac models shipped from 2007 to 2012 -- both the 20-Inch and 24-Inch Aluminum iMac (model numbers A1224 and A1225) and 21.5-Inch and 27-Inch Aluminum iMac (model numbers A1311 and A1312).
Officially, Apple does not consider the hard drive and/or SSD module in any of the 'Tapered Edge' Aluminum iMac models to be upgradable. The RAM in the 27-Inch models is designed to be upgraded easily, but even upgrading the RAM is an arduous process for the 21.5-Inch models in the 'Late 2012,' 'Early 2013,' 'Late 2013,' 'Mid-2017' and '2019' lines and it is altogether impossible to upgrade the RAM in the 21.5-Inch 'Mid-2014' and 'Late 2015' iMac models.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (21.5' & 27' Tapered Edge iMac, Left & Right, Respectively)
Consequently, EveryMac.com cannot recommend that one upgrade the internal storage themselves, as doing so is difficult and time consuming.
However, for highly skilled individuals, it is quite possible to upgrade the storage, but the available upgrade options vary depending on the system.
Identification Help
2012 Imac Review
Because the storage upgrade options vary, it is particularly important to be able to identify the 'Tapered Edge' iMac models precisely.
The 'Late 2012' through 'Mid-2017' 'Tapered Edge' iMac models all share the A1418 and A1419Model Numbers whereas the '2019' and '2020' iMac models use newer A2116 and A2115 model numbers. Accordingly, more precise identifiers are needed.
For the purposes of upgrading the storage, these models can be sufficiently identified by the Model Identifier in software and externally by EMC Number.
To locate the model identifier in software, select 'About This Mac' under the Apple Menu on your computer, click the 'More Info..' button, and finally click the 'System Report' button.
The EMC number is inconveniently located on the bottom of the 'foot' supporting the iMac, but EveryMac.com nevertheless has hand documented the EMC numbers as they are a unique external identifier.
More details about specific identifiers are provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
These relevant identifiers can be particularly useful for these iMac models:
Tapered Edge iMac | Subfamily | Model ID | EMC No. |
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Early 2013 | |||
Late 2013 | |||
Late 2013 | |||
Late 2013 | |||
Late 2013 | |||
Late 2013 | |||
Late 2013 | |||
Mid-2014 | |||
Late 2014, 5K | |||
Late 2014, 5K | |||
Mid-2015, 5K | |||
Late 2015 | |||
Late 2015 | |||
Late 2015, 4K | |||
Late 2015, 4K | |||
Late 2015, 5K | |||
Late 2015, 5K | |||
Late 2015, 5K | |||
Mid-2017 | |||
Mid-2017, 4K | |||
Mid-2017, 4K | |||
Mid-2017, 4K | |||
Mid-2017, 5K | |||
Mid-2017, 5K | |||
Mid-2017, 5K | |||
Mid-2017, 5K | |||
2019, 4K | |||
2019, 4K | |||
2019, 4K | |||
2019, 5K | |||
2019, 5K | |||
2019, 5K | |||
2019, 5K | |||
2020, 5K | |||
2020, 5K | |||
2020, 5K | |||
2020, 5K | |||
2020, 5K | |||
2020, 5K |
EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- also can identify these models by their Serial Numbers.
Storage Details
All of these systems released prior to the 'Mid-2017' models have a 6 Gb/s Serial ATA (Revision 3.0) connector that is occupied by a hard drive in the default configurations -- a 2.5' hard drive in 21.5-Inch models and a 3.5' hard drive in 27-Inch models. An SSD can be installed in this hard drive space and some systems support a smaller PCIe-based 'blade' SSD, as well.
Specifically, as first discovered via teardowns from iFixitandothers, if the 21.5-Inch 'Late 2012' or 'Early 2013' iMac models were configured with an SSD or a 'Fusion Drive' at the time of purchase, the SSD module is connected via a dedicated PCIe connector and another SSD can be installed in its place. Unfortunately, if the system only was configured with a hard drive, the needed connector is not present on the motherboard and there is not a way to add a PCIe-based 'blade' SSD afterwards.
Asfirstdetermined by site sponsor Other World Computing, the 21.5-Inch 'Late 2013' iMac models do have the connector for a PCIe-based 'blade' but subsequent 21.5-Inch models -- like the entry-level iMac 'Core i5' 1.4 21.5-Inch (Mid-2014) and the 21.5-Inch 'Late 2015' models -- do not have the connector for a PCIe-based 'blade' SSD if one is not installed at the time of initial system purchase.
By contrast, the 27-Inch 'Late 2012' and 'Late 2013' as well as the 'Late 2014' and 'Mid-2015' Retina/5K iMac models all have this connector on the motherboard even if the system only is configured with a hard drive at the time of purchase, so it is possible to add a PCIe-based 'blade' SSD to these models after the initial system purchase.
2012 Imac Update Software
For the 27-Inch 'Late 2015' Retina/5K iMac models, OWC was first to report that these models have a second PCIe connector (PCIe 2.0 x4 NVMexpress interface) that accommodates the SSD if the system is configured with a 'Fusion Drive' by default. A reader kindly shared that the connector is present as well even if the system only is configured with a hard drive at the time of initial system purchase. Consequently, it is possible to add a compatible 'blade' SSD to these models later, too.
For the 21.5-Inch and 27-Inch 'Mid-2017' and '2019' iMac models, both support a 7 mm tall SATA III (6 Gb/s) hard drive for the primary storage, but the 21.5-Inch models use a 2.5' hard drive and the physically larger 27-Inch models use a 3.5' hard drive. All of these 27-Inch models are equipped by default with a 'Fusion Drive' and the corresponding small 'blade' SSD via a PCIe connector. As first noted by OWC, if the 21.5-Inch models are not equipped with a 'Fusion Drive' at the time of system purchase, this secondary storage PCIe connector is not present.
For the 27-Inch '2020' iMac models, OWC determined that the SSD in these models, by default, is soldered onboard and not upgradeable. However, a subsequent OWC teardown was able to confirm earlier speculation that if the higher-end iMac 'Core i7' 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A) is equipped with the 4 TB or 8 TB SSD option at the time of purchase (but not smaller SSDs), half of the storage is onboard and the other half is mounted on an expansion board. Accordingly, future storage upgrades could be possible for high-end custom configured models, just needlessly complicated. Accessing the storage effectively requires you to pry off the display and disassemble the computer.
These differences are perhaps best visualized with a chart:
iMac Series | Primary Storage | Secondary Storage |
Late 2012 21.5' | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | None* |
Late 2012 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
Early 2013 21.5' | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | None* |
Late 2013 21.5' | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
Late 2013 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
Mid-2014 21.5' | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | None* |
Late 2014 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
Mid-2015 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
Late 2015 21.5' Google chrome 32 bits offline. | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | None* |
Late 2015 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
Late 2017 21.5' | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | None* |
Late 2017 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
2019 21.5' | 2.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | None* |
2019 27' | 3.5' 6 Gb/s SATA 3.0 | PCIe 'Blade' |
2020 27' | Soldered† | None† |
* If equipped with an SSD or a 'Fusion Drive' at the initial point of purchase, these models will have a connector present for a PCIe-based 'blade' SSD. If they are not equipped with an SSD or a 'Fusion Drive' when purchased new, the connector is not present, and secondary storage cannot be added later.
2012 Imac Os Update
† By default, the SSD storage is onboard and cannot be upgraded. If the higher-end iMac 'Core i7' 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A) is equipped with the 4 TB or 8 TB SSD option at the time of purchase (but not smaller SSDs), the flash module is mounted on an expansion board with a connector to the logic board.
'Tapered Edge' iMac Storage Installation Instructions
To reiterate, Apple does not support individuals upgrading the hard drive or SSD in these models.
However, Other World Computing provides helpful videos for highly technical individuals to upgrade the hard drive and SSD alike in applicable models:
21.5-Inch 'Late 2012' Through 'Late 2015' iMac Hard Drive Upgrade Video
Chrome version 73 download. 21.5-Inch 'Late 2012,' 'Early 2013' & 'Late 2013' iMac SSD Upgrade Video
21.5-Inch 'Mid-2017' iMac Hard Drive Upgrade Video
Remember that if a blade SSD was not installed in the 21.5-Inch models at the time of purchase, it will not have the needed connector to install a blade SSD. It still is quite possible to swap out the hard drive and replace it with an SSD of equivalent physical size, though.
27-Inch 'Late 2012' Through '2019' iMac Hard Drive Upgrade Video
27-Inch 'Late 2012' iMac SSD Upgrade Video
27-Inch 'Late 2013' iMac SSD Upgrade Video
27-Inch 'Late 2014 & Mid-2015' iMac SSD Upgrade Video
27-Inch '2019' iMac SSD Upgrade Video
As noted above, the '2020' iMac models generally have soldered storage that cannot be upgraded, but should a video be produced for higher-end custom configured models, this Q&A can be updated.
Successfully upgraded the storage in any of the 'Tapered Edge' Aluminum iMac models? Please share the results of your efforts. Thank you.
iMac Storage Purchase & Professional Installation Options
There are no shortage of places to buy a hard drive compatible with these iMac models, but compatible 'blade' SSDs are a bit harder to locate. Even for a hard drive, though; it always is best to buy from a trusted company with Mac knowledge for the most trouble-free experience.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a convenient hard drive upgrade kit (including all needed tools) for these 27' iMac models and hard drives for all others.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells SSDs that are compatible with many of these iMac models with free shipping. The company provides flat rate shipping to France, Germany, and Switzerland and inexpensive shipping for all of Europe, too.
In Australia, site sponsors Macfixit and Upgradeable sell iMac compatible hard drives and SSDs with fast shipping, a money-back guarantee and more.
In New Zealand, site sponsor Upgradeable New Zealand sells iMac hard drives and SSDs with fast delivery to all corners of the country, precise compatibility, a lifetime warranty, and a money-back guarantee.
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Although Apple's 2012 WWDC event made a lot of Apple users excited about new, upcoming products, those who were hoping to hear about a new iMac were let down. At the conference, Apple mainly concentrated on everything except for the iMac; the biggest upgrade being made to the Macbook Pro, which now comes with Retina display and upgraded performance specs. It has been over 400 days since the iMac has received an update, and Ivy Bridge processors fit for the iMac have been available since April. This would lead one to think that an update should be here soon.
The rumor of early 2013 being the release date for the new iMac's started after Apple CEO Tim Cook answered a fan-submitted question via email and Cook stated that the professional desktop users are very important for the company and the apple team is up to a new project regarding the pro customers of apple that is most likely to come at the beginning of next year. In his word that upgrade is 'really great' and the professional will love it.
2012 Imac Update
However, there are other, trustworthy rumors that the new iMac may be coming sooner. Sooner, as in late 2012.
The new Macbook Pro that was just introduced matched the exact specs of the previously leaked info of a fifteen inch non-retina display Macbook; the tests come via Primate Labs. These tests confirmed that the leaked info was, in fact, legitimate.
The leaked specifications of the new iMac show that this upcoming model is iMac13, 2. The powerful desktop computer will run on 3.4 GHz Core i7-3770 quad-core processor with 4 GB of 1600 MHz RAM, and will operate on Mountain Lion, OS X 10.8. The image of the specs can be seen below.
To even further fuel these rumors, it was initially reported that Apple would update the iMac and Mac Pro models in 2013, as stated by Apple representatives. After those reports got out to the public, part of Apple's press relations staff specifically stated that only the Mac Pro would get the 2013 update. Based on that clarification, the iMac update is very likely to come by the end of this year, rather than in 2013.
|MacRumors|
