Updated Feb 2026
iMac Screen Sizes 2026
Complete iMac display specifications: 24-inch 4.5K Retina and 27-inch 5K Retina models. Resolutions, PPI, and design guidelines.
Quick Reference
| Model | Screen Size | Resolution | PPI | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iMac 24-inch (M3) | 24 inches | 4480 × 2520 px |
218 PPI | 16:9 |
| iMac 27-inch (5K) | 27 inches | 5120 × 2880 px |
218 PPI | 16:9 |
| Studio Display | 27 inches | 5120 × 2880 px |
218 PPI | 16:9 |
Detailed Specifications
iMac 24-inch (M3, 2024)
Screen Size
24 inches (diagonal)
Resolution
4480 × 2520 px
Pixel Density
218 PPI (Retina)
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Display Type
4.5K Retina, P3 Wide Color
Brightness
500 nits
Design Tips:
- Design at 2× scale: 2240×1260 points, export @2x assets
- True Tone adjusts color temperature automatically
- P3 wide color gamut for vibrant colors
- Best for graphic design, photo editing, and creative work
iMac 27-inch (5K Retina)
Screen Size
27 inches (diagonal)
Resolution
5120 × 2880 px
Pixel Density
218 PPI (Retina)
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Display Type
5K Retina, P3 Wide Color
Brightness
500 nits
Design Tips:
- Design at 2× scale: 2560×1440 points, export @2x assets
- 14.7 megapixels total — exceptional for 4K video editing
- Can display 4K content (3840×2160) with room for toolbars
- Industry standard for professional design and video work
Apple Studio Display
Screen Size
27 inches (diagonal)
Resolution
5120 × 2880 px
Pixel Density
218 PPI (Retina)
Display Type
5K Retina, P3, 600 nits
Key Features:
- Same display as 27" iMac, standalone monitor
- Works with Mac Studio, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini
- Reference mode for pro color workflows
- 600 nits brightness (20% brighter than iMac)
Understanding iMac Retina Displays
What is Retina?
Apple's Retina displays have pixel density high enough (typically 200+ PPI) that individual pixels are indistinguishable at normal viewing distance. Both 24" and 27" iMacs have 218 PPI.
Design Resolution (Points vs Pixels)
macOS uses points for layout, not pixels:
- 24-inch iMac: 2240×1260 points → 4480×2520 px (@2x)
- 27-inch iMac: 2560×1440 points → 5120×2880 px (@2x)
- Export assets at @2x for crisp Retina display
Why 5K for 27-inch?
5K (5120×2880) is exactly 2× the linear resolution of standard 2K/QHD (2560×1440). This allows macOS to render UI at "2× Retina" scaling, where 1 point = 2 pixels in each direction, providing razor-sharp text and graphics.
Color Accuracy
All iMac displays support:
- P3 Wide Color Gamut: 25% more colors than sRGB
- True Tone: Adapts to ambient lighting
- 500-600 nits: Bright enough for HDR content