The iMac receives an M4 update to enhance Apple’s intelligence.
The 2024 iMac from Apple maintains the same exterior design as the previous models since 2021, but incorporates the new M4 chip, enhancing its performance and enabling compatibility with the latest...
Apple's new iMac has been unveiled, and while the 2024 model does not show major changes in its exterior design, apart from the new color options, it has received a significant update on the inside with Apple’s latest processor. This new model maintains the same display and colorful design as its predecessors but now includes a display option with nano-texture glass that helps minimize glare and reflections.
The iMac is equipped with the new M4 chip, which the company claims provides an increase in speed, being 1.7 times faster for everyday tasks and up to 2.1 times faster for resource-intensive activities like gaming and photo editing, compared to the model using the M1. The most recent model comes with 16GB of RAM as standard, an increase from the 8GB in previous models, and can be expanded up to 24GB or 32GB. In terms of storage, it starts at 256GB, with options for 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB available.
The design of the iMac continues with its iconic unibody aluminum chassis and 24-inch Retina display with 4.5K resolution that has been used over the past three years. However, there is now a wider variety of vibrant colors to choose from, available in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. The colors are bolder on the back and more subtle on the front, which reduces distractions.
Among the updates is a new 12MP camera with Center Stage functionality, which is compatible with Apple's Desk View feature. Improved connectivity is also highlighted, with support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
It's important to consider the differences in device configuration. The base model has only two Thunderbolt USB-C ports, while the higher-end versions are equipped with four Thunderbolt 4 ports. Additionally, RAM can only be expanded up to 32GB in models that have a more powerful chip and at least 512GB of storage. The nano-texture display is not available in the base model, which supports a single external monitor, whereas the higher versions can handle two.
In terms of sustainability, the iMac’s packaging is entirely made from fiber-based materials, as part of Apple’s commitment to eliminate plastic use in its packaging next year.
Alongside the launch of the new iMac, Apple has also revamped its desktop accessories, eliminating the old Lightning standard. The new Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse now feature USB-C connectivity and are available in colors that match the iMac.
The iMac with the M4 chip will be available starting November 8, with a starting price of $1,299, the same as its predecessor. The base model includes an eight-core CPU, eight-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, and will be offered with a Magic Keyboard and either a Magic Mouse or a Magic Trackpad. More expensive configurations will include a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.
