The 24-inch iMac with the M1 chip launched in May 2021 and was the first redesign of the iMac in nearly a decade. Five years on, it’s still one of the prettiest desktop computers ever made — super-thin, fanless-feeling, with a gorgeous 4.5K Retina display and seven bright colour options. At MacUAE we sell clean used M1 iMacs from around AED 2,800, which is less than half the AED 5,799 starting price of a new M4 iMac. For a home office, family computer, or student desk in Dubai, it is still a brilliant buy in 2026.
Why the M1 iMac is still relevant
The M1 chip was Apple’s first Apple Silicon, and it has aged beautifully. It still beats most Windows desktops in single-core performance, runs cool, and is silent under most workloads. Critically, the M1 iMac supports Apple Intelligenceon macOS Sequoia and later — so you get Writing Tools, image generation, the new Siri, and ChatGPT integration for free. A five-year-old Windows desktop would feel obsolete by now; an M1 iMac absolutely does not.
Real Dubai used prices
| Model | Used (AED) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| iMac 24" M1 / 8GB / 256GB (7-core GPU) | 2,800 | Home office, browsing, kids |
| iMac 24" M1 / 8GB / 256GB (8-core GPU) | 3,100 | Light photo editing |
| iMac 24" M1 / 16GB / 512GB | 3,900 | Design work, multitasking |
| iMac 24" M3 / 16GB / 512GB | 4,200 | Photo/video editing |
| iMac 24" M4 / 16GB / 512GB | 5,500 | Latest chip, future-proof |
What’s in the box
Every used M1 iMac at MacUAE ships with the original Magic Keyboard (with Touch ID on most units) and Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad, plus the braided power cable and the matching colour-matched external power supply. We also throw in a fresh macOS Sequoia install and verify the serial number on checkcoverage.apple.com before listing. Boxes are not always included, but the original packaging is available on request.
Best uses for an M1 iMac in Dubai
- Home office in Dubai Marina / JVC / Business Bay — the 4.5K display makes spreadsheets and video calls feel crisp, the speakers are surprisingly good, and it stays cool even without AC.
- Family computer — kids doing homework, parents on Zoom, Netflix in the evening. One iMac on a shared desk handles all of it without complaint.
- Student desk — if you don’t need portability, an AED 2,800 iMac is far better value than a similarly-priced MacBook Air.
- Reception / meeting room — the colours and the thin profile look fantastic in any office in DIFC or Dubai Media City.
M1 vs M3 vs M4 iMac — which should you buy?
Honestly, most buyers should get the M1 at AED 2,800. The M3 and M4 chips are faster on paper, but for office work, browsing, video calls, and even light photo editing, you will not feel the difference. The M3 makes sense at AED 4,200 if you edit photos in Lightroom or cut occasional 4K video. The M4 at AED 5,500is only worth it if you specifically want the latest chip and a longer useful life — otherwise the savings on M1 are huge.
Things to check before buying
- Screen for pressure marks — run a solid-colour full-screen image and look for faint darker patches near the centre.
- Hinge resistance — the chin-mounted hinge should hold the screen firmly with no wobble.
- Fan noise — the M1 iMac is near-silent; if you hear fans at idle, walk away.
- Power supply — the external brick should be the original colour-matched unit, not a generic replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage later?
No — the M1 iMac uses unified memory soldered to the logic board. Buy the configuration you need up front: 8GB is fine for office work and browsing, 16GB is the right call if you edit photos in Lightroom, run multiple heavy apps, or keep dozens of browser tabs open. Storage can be expanded later via a fast Thunderbolt SSD, but internal storage cannot be upgraded.
Does the M1 iMac support an external second display?
Yes — one external display up to 6K at 60Hz via Thunderbolt. Pair it with the built-in 4.5K display and you have an excellent dual-screen setup for design work, video calls, or spreadsheet juggling. We recommend a 27-inch 4K monitor (LG, Dell, or BenQ around AED 1,000–1,500) as the perfect companion.
Are replacement parts available in Dubai?
Yes — Apple-authorised service is available at Apple Mall of the Emirates and Apple Yas Mall, and through Aptronics and Virgin Megastore service centres across Dubai. MacUAE also stocks common parts (Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, power supplies) for in-house repair at our Dubai Media City store.
Our verdict
For under AED 3,000, the used M1 iMac gives you a stunning 4.5K display, a great keyboard and mouse, an Apple-Silicon desktop that supports Apple Intelligence, and a 90-day MacUAE warranty. It’s hard to think of a better value desktop computer in Dubai. Prices fluctuate week to week — WhatsApp +971 55 463 6100 for today’s live stock, or visit us at Concord Tower, Office 45, Dubai Media City (Sat–Thu, 9am–10pm).