What ports does the iMac 2023 M3 have?

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The iMac 2023 with M3 splits its port layout across two configurations, and which one you get depends on whether you choose the entry-level model or step up to the higher-tier configuration.

Entry-level (8-core GPU) model:

• Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports (USB-C connectors)
• One 3.5mm headphone jack on the left side of the display

That is it. No Ethernet, no extra USB-C ports, and no USB-A anywhere on the machine. The two Thunderbolt ports each support up to 40 Gb/s data transfer, DisplayPort, USB 4 (40 Gb/s), and Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gb/s).

Higher-tier (10-core GPU) model:

• Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports
• Two additional USB-C ports (USB 3, up to 10 Gb/s — these are USB-C shaped but not Thunderbolt)
• One 3.5mm headphone jack
• Gigabit Ethernet built into the power adapter (a new design Apple introduced with the M1 iMac and continued here)

The Ethernet-in-the-power-brick design is worth flagging because it means the only cable running into the back of the iMac itself is the power/Ethernet combo cable. Cleaner desk, but if you want to swap the iMac to a different room with no Ethernet drop, the wired-network capability comes along for the ride only because it lives in the brick.

Wireless connectivity (both configurations):

• Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) — 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands
• Bluetooth 5.3

What is missing that you might expect:

• No HDMI output. If you want to drive a non-Thunderbolt external display, you will need a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapter.
• No SD card slot. The 24-inch iMac has never had one, so this is not a regression, but it is a real difference from the 27-inch Intel iMacs that some users are upgrading from.
• No USB-A. All ports are USB-C / Thunderbolt. Older peripherals will need a hub or adapter.

Practical notes for buyers:

If you have wired peripherals (printers, external SSDs, microphones, MIDI controllers), plan for either a Thunderbolt hub or a USB-C dock. The two-port entry model fills up quickly once you plug in a hub. Many owners pair the iMac with a CalDigit TS4 or OWC Thunderbolt Hub to expand to 10+ ports without giving up Thunderbolt 4 bandwidth on the upstream link.

If wired Ethernet matters to you, either pick the 10-core GPU configuration (which includes it in the power adapter) or use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter on the entry model. Apple does sell the Ethernet-equipped power adapter as a $30 standalone upgrade if you started with the entry model and changed your mind later.