For many years now, Apple has made it almost impossible for users to replace the RAM of their iMac themselves. However, it looks like things changing because according to iFixIt, the latest 21.5” 4K iMac has removable RAM, as well as a modular CPU. This means that it will make it possible for you to upgrade the RAM yourself, however, you might risk having your warranty voided.
iFixIt recently tore apart the latest 21.5” 4K iMac that was released earlier this week. After prying open everything and removing each part out one by one, they discovered something they could “hard believe” – removable RAM. The RAM found on older 21.5” iMacs were all soldered down. That’s not all, Apple also used a socketed CPU on the latest 21.5” iMac. This is the first time the Cupertino company is using a modular CPU since 2012.
However, just because the RAM and CPU are somewhat user-replaceable, it will not be an easy thing to do. You will still need to use special tools to pry open the computer, and you might risk voiding your warranty. iFixIt rate it a 3/10 for reparability. That’s triple the score of its 2015 predecessor, but it’s still fairly hard to take apart.
Check out iFixIt for the full teardown with pictures.
