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I recently bought a 21.5 inch iMac, late 2015 model 16.2 with 8GB RAM installed. I want to upgrade the RAM to 16 GB but I don't know what to order because I can't find the model number in the memory section of the Apple site. One 3rd party vendor told me this model isn't upgradable; another doesn't list it on their compatibility page. Anybody know what I should do?
iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.4)
RAM in a 2015 Retina iMac (16,2) is not upgradeable
It is soldered to the motherboard.
ifixit has a teardown, that shows the soldered RAM:
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2889+Teardown/50961
If you just purchased this iMac new, from Apple or an Apple authorised reseller, you have 14 days to return it a purchase an 21 inch screen iMac model that has the 16 Gbs of RAM installed.
This is your ONLY option.
If it is past the 14 day window, then you will need to sell this iMac yourself and use the proceeds to purchase the iMac you need.
If you attempt to open up this iMac you void any AppleCare warranties and service.
Good Luck!
Thanks. I thought the 21.5 inch with 4K display was upgradable but several sources now confirm it isn't. Not a big deal--I don't really need more RAM for my purposes. I'm just feeling like I tried to game the installed hardware by upgrading with 3rd party components and got caught in my own scheme. Serve me right, actually.
FYI fo the future.
Apple chnaged the "game" by making all the new, slimline model 21 inch screen iMacs from 2012 to present non-upgradeable post order and purchase.
None of the 21 inch screen models are upgradeable, at any later date or time, any longer.
You can't install any new or third party hardware in these smaller screen iMacs.
The 21 inch screen iMac models, now, are sealed up, glued up computing "appliances".
So, you must think to the future when purchasing these models and add the proper components that will lead to some future proofing at the time of ordering/purchasing.
In all honesty you should have called Apple or used the chat feature online where you were selecting the iMac you wanted before purchasing it.
If you did your research you would know that the 4K iMac's RAM is non upgradable (unless a third party offers to open it up and upgrade the RAM for you). From what I know it would be either extremely difficult or it cannot be done. Either way, this process would void the warranty since they have to open the whole iMac (if they can even do it).
I had that question because I wanted to upgrade the RAM myself when I bought an iMac. What I ended up doing was going for the 8GB RAM on the iMac 5K model and upgrading the RAM myself (yes, the iMac 5K is user upgradable).
If you have purchased this iMac within 14 days on the original receipt I would definitely return it and purchase the model with more RAM. Also, just for advise, do not get the model with the hard drive in it. That hard drive is incredibly slow (if you did not know already).
RAM upgrade 21.5 inch iMac late 2015 Model 16.2: feasible?
