New iMac Adds 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet to Power Adapter
The M6-powered iMac integrates faster networking directly into the power brick to support higher bandwidth.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Computers
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Apple has announced a new iMac powered by its M6 chip that features an optional 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port integrated directly into the power adapter. This marks a notable upgrade from the previous model, which was limited to a 1 Gigabit connection.
Why it matters
The integration of high-speed networking into the power brick itself marks a departure from standard chassis-based port layouts, allowing for a cleaner desktop aesthetic. This change provides users with faster local network throughput while simplifying cable management for professional and high-bandwidth workflows.
The new hardware supports a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet standard, a 150% increase in peak bandwidth compared to the 1 Gigabit limit of the preceding model.
The players
Apple
A multinational technology company known for designing and manufacturing integrated computer systems, mobile devices, and proprietary silicon, including the M6 chip line.
The details
The Ethernet controller is relocated from the main device logic board into the external power adapter housing. By shifting the network interface to the power brick, the design minimizes the physical footprint required on the computer chassis itself. The port is included as a standard feature on higher-end configurations or as a $30 hardware upgrade for the entry-level iMac.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: Apple announced the new iMac with the integrated Ethernet power adapter.
The Tech Race
This development moves desktop hardware beyond the industry-standard 1 Gigabit networking threshold. It demonstrates a strategy of optimizing peripheral components to drive higher performance metrics without increasing the chassis size.
Users can opt for the 2.5 Gigabit upgrade for $30 when ordering the base-level iMac model, while high-end configurations include it as standard. The design shift means all networking traffic now routes through the external power adapter cable, requiring users to connect the Ethernet wire to the power brick rather than the computer.
The takeaway
The move to integrate networking hardware into power adapters suggests a broader shift in peripheral design that could influence future desktop hardware layouts. Watch for updated technical documentation from Apple to determine if this power-adapter-based networking architecture will be expanded to other models.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by MacRumors.
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