Apple’s new 24-inch iMac with the M4 chip is now available for purchase. Priced from $1,299 in the US, £1,299 in the UK, and AU$1,999 in Australia, it is one of the more affordable iMac models yet. The base model includes the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, with shipping starting on November 8. Apple has also ensured customers can pick any of the vibrant color options without an additional charge.
Pricing and Availability
For those looking for a more powerful configuration, there is a step-up model priced at $1,499, featuring an improved M4 chip with additional cores for the CPU and GPU, along with a gigabit Ethernet port. The highest-tier iMac is available for $2,699, offering 32GB of RAM, 2TB of storage, and the option to add a nano-texture display for an extra $200. This pricing strategy, combined with upgraded features, makes the M4 iMac appealing for both casual users and professionals.
With its broad configurations and competitive pricing, the iMac M4 caters to a wide range of needs. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone looking to upgrade their home desktop setup, Apple’s latest iMac delivers an impressive package at a fair price point.
Specifications
The 24-inch iMac with the M4 chip comes with various hardware improvements compared to its predecessor. The base model includes an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. RAM starts at 16GB and can be configured up to 24GB. The standard storage is 256GB, but this can be expanded to 1TB for more demanding users.
The advanced version boasts a 10-core CPU and GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and the ability to configure RAM up to 32GB and storage up to 2TB. Both versions feature the same 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with a 4480 x 2520 resolution, 218 pixels per inch, and 500 nits of brightness. Buyers can also opt for the nano-texture glass finish, which significantly reduces glare.
Port options vary by model. The base version includes two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, while the higher-end versions add two more. Other features include WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, a 12-megapixel FaceTime camera, and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio support. These specifications highlight the iMac’s balance of performance and versatility for various tasks.
Design
Apple has retained the sleek design introduced in the M1 iMac while offering a range of new colors. The 24-inch model is slim and lightweight, weighing just under 10 pounds (4.5 kg). Its minimalist aesthetic ensures it fits seamlessly into any workspace. The color options, including Purple, Pink, Green, Blue, Yellow, Orange, and Silver, add a playful yet sophisticated touch to its appearance.
The display is surrounded by a white border, providing a neutral frame that keeps the focus on the screen itself. Below the display, the signature “chin” remains, housing key components of the computer. While some might wish for a sleeker look without this chin, its color-matching design makes it less obtrusive.
The 12-megapixel ultrawide camera above the display offers excellent video call functionality with features like Center Stage, ensuring users stay perfectly framed.
Accessories such as the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse are color-matched to the iMac, enhancing the cohesive design. While the accessories have transitioned to USB-C, the placement of the port on the bottom of the Magic Mouse means it cannot be used while charging, a design flaw that continues to draw criticism.
Despite this, the iMac’s design remains one of the most stylish and functional among all-in-one computers.
Display
The 24-inch Retina 4.5K display on the iMac is designed for vibrant and sharp visuals. With a resolution of 4480 x 2520 and 218 pixels per inch, the screen delivers crisp text and detailed images. It supports the Wide Color P3 gamut and Apple’s True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen’s brightness to match ambient light, making it comfortable for extended viewing sessions.
One of the standout features is the optional nano-texture glass, which effectively reduces glare from natural and artificial light. This makes it ideal for use in brightly lit spaces. While the nano-texture option costs an additional $200, it can significantly enhance usability in challenging lighting conditions.
The display, however, is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which might disappoint users accustomed to smoother visuals on higher refresh rate screens. Despite this, the display performs exceptionally well for tasks such as web browsing, content creation, and even casual gaming. Its quality makes it a versatile choice for both work and entertainment.
Performance
Powered by Apple’s M4 chip, the iMac delivers excellent performance across a variety of tasks. The base model, equipped with an 8-core CPU and GPU, is well-suited for general use, including web browsing, word processing, and media consumption. Upgrading to the 10-core configuration provides additional power for demanding applications like video editing and 3D rendering.
During testing, the top-tier iMac with 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage handled multiple applications seamlessly. Tasks like photo editing, video production, and running complex spreadsheets were completed without any lag. Apple’s Neural Engine also enhances machine learning tasks, making features like photo retouching and AI tools faster and more efficient.
Gaming on the iMac is now more feasible thanks to improved graphics capabilities and support for ray tracing. While it may not match the performance of dedicated gaming PCs, it handles titles like Resident Evil 2 with ease. The iMac’s overall performance makes it a reliable machine for both everyday tasks and creative projects.
Conclusion
The 24-inch iMac with M4 is a compelling upgrade, blending performance, design, and affordability. Its vibrant display, improved hardware, and sleek design ensure it remains a standout all-in-one computer. While it lacks the power of Apple’s M4 Pro and M4 Max devices, it strikes an excellent balance for users who need a versatile desktop solution.
If you are looking for a colorful, modern, and high-performing desktop, the iMac M4 is a fantastic choice. However, users requiring a larger display or more ports might want to consider other options, such as the Mac mini with a separate monitor. Overall, the iMac M4 reaffirms Apple’s dominance in the all-in-one computer market.
