iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (Late 2015) vs iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2017)

The iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2017) followed the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (Late 2015). Here is how they differ, and which one is worth more when you sell.

SpeciMac 27-inch Retina 5K (Late 2015)iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2017)
Released20152017
ChipIntel 6th genIntel 7th gen
Display27-inch 5K Retina27-inch 5K Retina
Model identifieriMac17,1iMac18,3
U.S. model numberA1419A1419
Versions34
Memory (RAM)8GB, 16GB, 32GB8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
Storage256GB SSD, 512GB SSD, 1TB hard drive, 1TB Fusion Drive, 2TB Fusion Drive, 3TB Fusion Drive256GB SSD, 512GB SSD, 1TB Fusion Drive, 1TB SSD, 2TB Fusion Drive, 2TB SSD, 3TB Fusion Drive

Key differences

What actually separates these two models.

  • Chip: the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (Late 2015) uses Intel 6th gen, the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2017) uses Intel 7th gen.
  • Memory (RAM): only the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2017) came with 64GB.
  • Storage: only the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2017) came with 1TB SSD, 2TB SSD; only the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (Late 2015) came with 1TB hard drive.
  • Versions: the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (Late 2015) was sold in 3 versions, the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2017) in 4.

Which is worth more when you sell?

With the same configuration and condition, the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2017) usually gets the higher offer.

Memory, storage, condition, battery health and accessories all change the final number, so get an exact estimate for yours.

Value my iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (Late 2015) Value my iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2017)

What changes the offer for either model

Configuration. More memory and storage raise the offer, and only the configurations Apple sold can be chosen in the quote.

Condition. Offers are graded from Like New to Damaged. Cracked glass and dents have the largest effect.

Function. Faults that need repair are deducted.

Eligibility. Both must be signed out of their Apple Account with Find My and Activation Lock off, and free of any lock or lost/stolen report.

Not sure? About This Mac shows the chip, memory and storage.

Comparison questions

Is the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2017) worth more than the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (Late 2015)?

With the same configuration and condition, the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2017) usually gets the higher offer. Exact offers depend on memory, storage, condition and accessories, so use the quote tool for each.

How do I tell the iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (Late 2015) and iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2017) apart?

Check the model identifier (iMac17,1 vs iMac18,3), model number (A1419 vs A1419), release year (2015 vs 2017), chip (Intel 6th gen vs Intel 7th gen). Apple menu > About This Mac shows the model, year and chip.