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Do you want to know the best Apple computer for Lightroom and Photoshop? If yes, you are on the right track. This review will reveal the best Apple computer compatible with these photo editing software.
After proper research and evaluation, we selected the seven best Apple computers capable of running Photoshop and Lightroom.
However, the ✅2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop emerged as our overall best pick based on its performance and quality features.
Let’s give you a rundown of the content of this topic.
The first section of this article will be a comparison table displaying all seven computers and their specifications.
Here you will glimpse the specifications of these computers without reading through the entire article.
As we advance, we will look at the overview and the things to consider section of this review.
Here, you’ll understand the required features and specs to remember when buying the best Apple computer for Lightroom and Photoshop.
Lastly, we will discuss our top picks individually and conclude.
However, to get all the vital information about this topic, sit back and relax while we walk you through the review.
The Comparison Table For The Best Apple Computer For Lightroom And Photoshop
Product Name Product Image Specifications 2020 Apple MacBook Air 
Processor: Apple M1 chip with 8-core
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Weight: 2.8 Pounds
Operating System: Mac OS 2021 Apple iMac 
Processor: Apple M1 chip; 8-core
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Weight: 26.2 Pounds
Operating System: Mac OS2020 Apple MacBook Pro 
Processor: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Weight: 3 Pounds
Operating System: Mac OSApple iMac 
Processor: Intel Core i5 processor
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Weight: 12 Pounds
Operating System: Mac OSApple MacBook Pro MLL42LL/A 
Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Weight: 1.76 Pounds
Operating System: MacOS 10.12 SierraLate-2015 Apple iMac 
Processor: Intel Core i5 Quad-core
RAM: 8 GB LPDDR3
Storage: 1TB HDD
Weight: 14.5 Pounds
Operating System: Mac OS XApple iMac ME086LL/A 
Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 1TB HDD
Weight: 12.5 Pounds
Operating System: Mac OS X
Best Apple Computer For Lightroom And Photoshop; An Overview
Lightroom is an application used by photographers to import, organize, and manage photos.
In addition, it has a set of tools that let photographers create and manipulate images without altering the initial files.
Similarly, Photoshop is software for creating, manipulating, and enhancing photos to look their best.
Both are vital to every photographer who wants the best out of creation.
This application software helps to bring out the beauty of images starting from the initial stage of creation, retouching, and adding effect to the final stage, which is editing.
Hence, as a good photographer, you need the best computer system where these applications can work effectively.
Remember, different brands of computers can handle these applications, but our main focus is on the best Apple computer, thanks to their blend of great performance and style.
To that effect, we are here with the best Apple computers, including laptops and All-In-One desktops.
But first, you need to identify your needs and how much you are willing to spend in other to get the right device without wasting resources.
Now, how do you know the required specs for Lightroom and Photoshop?
That will lead us to the things to consider section of the review, so sit back and digest for proper guidelines.
Essential Features For The Best Apple Computer For Lightroom And Photoshop
Before looking at the specs, ask yourself if you need a laptop or a desktop.
You will need a MacBook if you want to work on your photos while on the go.
Also, you can opt for an all-in-one desktop if you work from an office and can afford one.
Moreover, you can have both for your job depending on your budget and level of expertise.
Processor
Whichever device you wish to get, consider getting a modern processor for processing all creation, manipulation, and editing seamlessly without issues.
As a photographer, you shouldn’t underestimate the processor’s important when creating and editing images.
This is because it oversees all the computing processes starting from scratch to the finish of photo creation.
So, you need a processor with efficient features such as multiple cores, a high number of threads, enough cache memory, and base and boost frequencies for optimal performance.
Graphics
Likewise, the importance of graphics can not be overemphasized.
Since photography is graphics demanding, there’s a need for you to look out for a strong graphics card to handle all graphics needs surrounding your work.
A dedicated graphics card with enough video memory can easily handle high-intensive functions.
On the other hand, computer devices with integrated graphics are decent enough to handle Lightroom and Photoshop mildly.
Overall, we suggest you get a computer with a dedicated graphics card for better results.
RAM
Next on the list of the essential feature to consider is the RAM.
A computer device with large RAM will allow work on different tasks efficiently without hitches.
For instance, you can be busy editing photos while playing music in the background swiftly without interruption.
We suggest a minimum of 8-16 GB of RAM to enjoy a high-performance.
You might as well go for higher if your budget permits.
Storage
Furthermore, a computer system with a large SSD hard drive will be appreciated.
With this, you can store all your created and edited photos on your computer.
Also, an SSD’s speed will facilitate photos’ upload and editing in seconds.
Given so, we suggest at least 256 GB SSD storage capacity for smooth working performance.
Operating System
Finally, knowing your laptop’s operating system will let you know the software and application you would work with.
Thankfully, Apple computers usually come with Mac Operating System, which is compatible with most application software, especially Lightroom and Photoshop.
Overall, you must consider the battery life of your preferred computer, so you don’t spend money buying what will not benefit you.
Specifically, get a computer with at least 8 hours of battery life, so you don’t get stuck in the middle of work.
Our 7 Best Apple Computers For Lightroom And Photoshop
1. 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop
If you are looking for a MacBook device that can save you some cash and still enjoy editing, then the 2020 Apple MacBook Air is an excellent option.
It packs many incredible features that allow you to run Lightroom and Photoshop seamlessly.
Design Features
It is a light and portable notebook made with aluminum silver chassis.
The Apple logo is inscribed on its top lid, declaring its identity.
It has a 13-inch screen display surrounded by thin bezels, which offer enough room for your photo editing.
Additionally, it’s equipped with a Retina display, LED-backlit, IPS technology which delivers millions of colors in 2560 x 1600 native resolution.
The port section includes two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and USB 3.1 Gen 2.
Also, it features Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking and Bluetooth connectivity.
Furthermore, it has a magic keyboard with a refined scissor mechanism that delivers the best typing experience.
Adding to that is a wide and responsive touch trackpad with which you can pinch, swipe, and zoom your editing content for more visuals.
Finally, the MacBook weighs pretty light and will be comfortable for editors on the go.
To be precise, it weighs 2.8 pounds and measures 11.97 x 0.63 x 8.36 inches.
Aside from the physical appearance, the rest of this MacBook measures up to the required standard of photo editing.
Performance
The Apple MacBook Air is driven by an Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU.
The CPU has four performance cores, four efficient cores, and 16-core Neural Engine, making it ideal for photo editing, music creation, gaming, and lots more.
Added to the Appl M1 chip is up to 8-core Apple GPU for sharper, clearer, and stunning pictures.
Also, it has 8 GB RAM, enhancing smooth multitasking and allowing the laptop to access frequently-used files and programs quickly.
For storing your files, the MacBook has a 256 GB SSD for speedy and swift storage performance.
Finally, you have Mac Operating System to work on your preferred software and applications, including Lightroom and Photoshop.
Pros
- It has a fast processor.
- Long-lasting battery life.
- Vibrant FaceTime HD camera.
Cons
- The keyboard is not well spaced.
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2. 2021 Apple iMac
The second in the list of the best Apple computer for lightroom and photoshop is the 2021 Apple iMac.
Design Features
In terms of appearance, the 2021 Apple iMac looks attractive in its green chassis.
Its 24-inch display screen fits perfectly into thin bezels for edge-to-edge precision.
Additionally, it has a 4.5K Retina display with a P3 wide color gamut which produces 500 nits of brightness.
Still, there’s a 1080p FaceTime HD camera with M1 ISP on the top bezel of its display to allow you to look your best on video calls.
Plus, the studio-quality three-mics produce crystal clear calls and voice recordings, making it much easier to be heard without background noise.
That’s not all.
It comes in handy with a six-speaker sound system that brings incredible room-filling audio.
Away from that, it comes with a magic keyboard, mouse, and trackpad that matches the brilliant iMac.
For the weight, the iMac computer weighs 26.2 pounds and measures 21.5 x 5.8 x 18.1 inches.
It has up to four USB ports, including two Thunderbolt ports, so that you can connect all your favorite devices.
On top of that, there’s an added Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth wireless to keep you connected.
Performance
Further, the iMac will offer exceptional editing performance with its Apple M1 chip having an 8-core CPU.
It also comes in handy with four performance cores, 16-core Neural Engine, four efficient cores, and 8-core GPU.
This is powerful enough not only for photo editing but also for video editing and other related tasks.
Under the hood, you have an 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD to work on your favorite applications and save as many files as possible.
This storage can be upgraded to a 512 GB SSD.
Pros
- It delivers an immersive view.
- Six-speaker sound system.
- 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU
Cons
- The keyboard isn’t ergonomic.
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3. 2020 Apple MacBook Pro
Irrespective of your editing skill, this 2020 Apple MacBook has the required features to meet your editing needs without struggles.
Design Features
First, it has up to 20 hours of battery life that can last for the whole work day.
The chassis looks sleek, just like every other Apple laptop.
The entire chassis is decorated with a silver color, and it has an Apple logo on the top lid for easy identification.
Its 13-inch screen size provides a decent workspace for you to create and edit seamlessly without stress.
In addition, the display features a brilliant Retina making images appear authentic and pleasing to the eye.
Plus, a bright LED backlighting delivers deep blacks and bright whites for crisp pictorial output.
Also, its P3 wide color offers more vibrant greens and reds than sRGB.
Every MacBook Pro comes with True Tone technology to adjust the color to adjust the ray of light for a more natural viewing experience, and this MacBook is not an exception.
Furthermore, you can be heard and seen by its FaceTime HD camera.
The magic keyboard on this device allows you to do everything faster and more efficiently.
Connectivity is made faster with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C power, USB-C charge cable, and Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports.
Finally, it weighs 3 pounds.
Performance
Performance-wise, it is powered by an Apple M1 chip which processes all tasks with an 8-core CPU.
Adding to the CPU is an Apple 8-core GPU to handle all graphics demands at all costs.
Following that is an 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD for effective multitasking and easy storage.
Pros
- Apps and tabs open instantly.
- Unbeatable 20 hours of battery life.
- It delivers incredible performance.
Cons
- It overheats.
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4. Apple iMac
Design Features
The iMac has an aesthetic that’s classic, sleek, and beautiful.
It is covered with plain silver aluminum and a shiny reflective Apple logo beneath the screen.
Thick black bezels surround the 27-inch screen for better viewing angles.
Furthermore, the connectivity option is adequate, containing two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, Ethernet (RJ-45), Kensington lock slot, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2 wireless.
For the weight, the iMac weighs 12 pounds and measures 6.89 x 20.79 x 17.72 inches.
Among other relevant features of this device are a wireless keyboard and mouse for easy typing and navigation.
Performance
The iMac computer has a dual-core Intel Core i5 processor and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640.
This can handle all tasks, including Lightroom and Photoshop.
Likewise, the 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage capacity will prevent lagging and allow you to save more photo files without stress.
Above all, it comes pre-installed with a Mac Operating System capable of efficiently running Lightroom and photoshop applications.
Pros
- It has a pre-installed Mac Operating System.
- Adequate connectivity ports.
- It comes with a classic design.
Cons
- Thick bezels.
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5. Apple MacBook Pro MLL42LL/A
Another computer device that can run lightroom and photoshop applications perfectly is Apple MacBook Pro MLL42LL/A.
Design Features
It features a 13.3-inch screen display with 2560 x 1600 pixels to deliver crystal clear visuals from all directions.
It has 4-sides narrow bezels.
The top bezel features a 720p FaceTime HD camera with dual mics.
It also supports One 5K or Dual 4K Displays, a 3.5mm Headphones Jack, and Stereo Speakers.
With its Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, you can easily charge, transfer files, and connect your laptop to external devices.
Performance
With a dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, this computer will seamlessly run both Lightroom and Photoshop.
The i5 CPU runs on 2.0 GHz base frequency and up to 3.1 GHz boost frequency.
Further, it tackles all graphics issues with Intel Iris Graphics 540 and instantly opens all tabs and apps with 8 GB LPDDR3 RAM.
Finally, the storage option made available on this device is a 256 GB Solid State Drive.
Pros
- SSD for the hard drive.
- Up to 10 hours of battery life.
- Rich in connectivity.
Cons
- Low-end graphics.
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6. Late-2015 Apple iMac
Design Features
Design-wise, this 2015 Apple iMac computer has a thin aluminum casing with a 21.5-inch screen display.
Thanks to the FHD (1920 x 1080p) resolution, you will see crystal clear images when they display as you work.
You’ll look your best on video calls with the FaceTime HD webcam and mic.
Aside from working on Lightroom and photoshop applications, the Mac X operating System will allow you to run other applications and software seamlessly.
Above all, you can connect and transfer files with the following ports built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet connector, Bluetooth 4.0, and an SD card reader.
It also comes in handy with a USB keyboard and mouse for efficient typing and navigation.
Performance
Furthermore, it is equipped with an Intel 5th Gen Broadwell Core i5-5575R Quad-Core processor to help you process all your tasks without stress.
The processor has 4MB cache memory, a 2.8 GHz base clock, and up to a 3.3 GHz boost clock.
In addition, it features Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200, 8 GB DDR3 RAM, and a 1TB HDD for the hard drive.
You’ll perform multiple tasks and run photo editing apps and programs effortlessly.
Pros
- It has vast storage space.
- Efficient 8 GB DDR3 RAM.
- Good display features.
Cons
- It comes with a cheap plastic mouse.
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7. Apple iMac ME086LL/A
Last on our list is Apple iMac All In One ME086LL/A.
Design Features
This model has a 21.5-inch screen display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
The display has a fully laminated cover glass with LCD and an anti-reflective coating.
Connectivity includes 2 USB 2.0 ports, 4 USB 3.0 ports, 2 Thunderbolt ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 Ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible), and Bluetooth 4.0.
It has a built-in HD webcam and stereo speakers for vibrant video calls and crisp audio sound.
On the other hand, it works with Mac OS X and weighs 14.5 pounds.
Performance
Furthermore, the computer is powered by a Quad-Core Intel Core i5 Processor, with 6 MB L3 cache memory, 2.7 GHz base clock, and up to 3.2 GHz boost clock.
It also features Intel Iris Pro Graphics, 8 GB SDRAM, and a 1TB HDD for the hard drive.
Undoubtedly, these hardware components will handle all your productivity tasks with ease.
Pros
- It comes in handy with an IPS tech.
- An added keyboard and mouse.
- It offers a more angle view.
Cons
- HDD storage option.
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Conclusion On The Best Apple Computer For Lightroom And Photoshop
Conclusively, these are the best Apple computer for Lightroom and photoshop that you can spend your money without regret.
So if you haven’t made your choice yet, we recommend the ✅2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop
