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Back in April, when Apple revealed the 2021 incarnation of its iconic desktop, the iMac, the company gave the world a shock. Customers had familiarized themselves with the sleek, silver futurism of the iMac’s look, which had remained consistent for more than a decade. Instead of repetition Apple offered up a new proposition, one focused on color. With seven vibrant shades, the iMac stood out from its predecessors and anything else available on the market. Sure, tech publications were excited to see the first Apple desktop powered by the brand’s M1 chip, its thinnest model yet, and that 1080p HD camera, but the reactions weren’t solely about specs. The appeal of a computer that could be as visually interesting as anything else one has in their office has always been part of the Apple philosophy. Still, it had been a moment since the company released anything as cheerfully upbeat as the reimagined iMac.
Anyone who grew up in the late nineties and early aughts remembers the candy-colored fun of the iMac G3, which was released in 1998 and gave the personal computer market a welcome jolt of energy. The egg-shaped display with its translucent Bondi Blue body was an instant hit, one that challenged the boxy beige designs that were once commonplace. 2021’s iMac takes a similar tack, but the shift towards a cheerful, upbeat, and fashionable desktop feels especially resonant. 2020s lockdowns and restrictions tied to the coronavirus pandemic brought the idea of a home office to the forefront. Even if you didn’t have a dedicated room, you were contemplating integrating a workspace into your house or apartment organically.
When you’re connected 24/7, it isn’t enough for a computer to be functional and inconspicuous. The new normal of daily Zoom sessions, communicating with loved ones via FaceTime, attending school and work remotely, and relying on the same device for business and pleasure makes a joyful user experience more important than ever. Part of that fun lies in choosing a device that can accurately reflect your tech tastes while merging seamlessly with your decor and style. The iMac’s rainbow of color allows for such expression; you select your favorite shade or find one attuned to your space’s vibe. You can even hone in on your hobbies—echo your foodie aspirations by placing the minty green model in your kitchen next to that La Buvette cookbook. Marie Kondo style minimalist? Classic silver is your best bet for konmari. Ultimate Prince fan? Purple, duh.
By now, we’re used to dressing up our cell phones, smartwatches, and the portable tech we take out into the world, but at home, it’s a different story. Unless you purchased a customization kit online or are an exceptionally talented artist, your old desktop likely mirrored the look of the millions of other iMacs across the globe. Uniformity isn’t bad—Apple’s consistency of vision is a calling card—but if ever there was a moment for office essentials that break from the norm, it’s now. A punch of color can enliven your atmosphere the same way the right accessory can complete a look. Below a few ideas on making the most of Apple’s latest desktop and embracing a vibrant new mood.
