For the first time in years, Apple's new 21.5in iMac will actually be upgradeable

Teardown of new iMac reveals removable - not soldered-in - RAM and a replaceable CPU

A tear-down of the new Apple iMac indicates that, for the first time in years, the latest Apple PC should be upgradeable, with both the memory and CPU being removable.

The company that pulls apart new hardware, iFixit, has confirmed that Apple's new-and-improved 21.5in iMac is upgradeable, marking the first time that an Apple desktop PC has offered expandable memory since 2013. It's also the first with a removable CPU since 2012.

"Apple would say neither is user-replaceable. Accessing and replacing these components isn't exactly easy, but we're saying it's possible. Maybe even probable," iFixit claims.

"A tinker-happy user (armed with the right tools and guide) could at least double the base 8GB of memory, turning their new iMac with Retina Display into an iMac Semi-Pro.

"An upgradable iMac is a massive shift in direction from Apple. It's the first time we've seen a 21.5" iMac with expandable memory since 2013. And the first time we've seen one with a modular CPU since 2012. Kudos to Apple!"

This is good news, but not all of iFixit's findings will be welcomed by those looking to fling their money at Apple's new iMac.

Naturally, like most Apple products, the PC is still a challenge to pull apart. iFixit notes that the glass and the Retina display are fused together, which means that the screen will be difficult and expensive to replace.

iFixit also moans that "most replaceable components (like the RAM) are buried behind the logic board, meaning you'll have to take apart most of the iMac just to gain access to them". Hence, Apple is unlikely to be offering after-market memory upgrades to buyers either today or in a few years time.

Overall, iFixit slaps the new iMac with a repairability score of three out of 10, which is more than it usually gives Apple products.