As expected, Apple has unveiled the new 24-inch iMac featuring the latest M4 chip and Apple Intelligence capabilities, designed to improve productivity, creativity and privacy.
If the M3 model was already eligible for in-house AI, we especially note new colors and a nano-textured glass option for the first time. Without forgetting 16 GB of RAM! On the other hand, no Wi-Fi 7, but a drop in price.
A vibrant new iMac
As you can see in the images, Apple is abandoning pastel tones for more pronounced colors, with green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue and gray.
John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, was full of praise for the 2024 iMac:
The iMac is loved by millions of users, from families at home to entrepreneurs at work. With the incredible features of Apple Intelligence and the powerful performance of Apple silicon, the new iMac is a game-changer once again.
With M4 and Apple Intelligence, stunning new colors that fit into any space, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and a new nano-textured glass display, the iMac enters a new era.
Performance on the rise
This all-in-one computer delivers increased performance with up to 1.7x faster for everyday tasks and 2.1x more power for intensive activities like photo editing and video gaming, compared to the ‘iMac M1.
Apple does not compare its computer with the previous model, the M3, probably because the performance gap is less significant.
Concretely, Apple promises a smoother gaming experience in titles like the next Civilization VII, in particular thanks to 16 GB of unified memory as standard, configurable up to 32 GB. The M4’s neural engine is now three times faster than that of the iMac M1, making it the world’s best all-in-one for AI and accelerating the pace at which users can get things done.
With the M4, the performance of the iMac goes even further:
- Families, small businesses, and entrepreneurs can accomplish everyday productivity tasks with up to 1.7x faster1 performance in apps like Microsoft Excel, and up to 1.5x faster5 in Safari compared to to the iMac with M1.
- Gamers can enjoy incredibly smooth gameplay, with frame rates5 up to 2x higher than iMac with M1.
- Content creators can edit like never before, with up to 2.1x faster photo and video editing performance when applying complex filters and effects in apps like Adobe Photoshop1 and Adobe Premiere Pro5 compared to iMac with M1.
- Compared to the most popular 24-inch all-in-one PC equipped with the latest Intel Core 7 processor, the new iMac is up to 4.5 times faster.
- Compared to the most popular Intel-based iMac model, the new iMac is up to 6 times faster.
AI as an argument
Apple Intelligence integration delivers AI capabilities across the system, allowing users to refine their writing in various apps, communicate more naturally with a redesigned Siri, and organize content. Features like Image Playground and Genmoji allow users to create images and emojis easily, while ChatGPT integration will be available soon to provide additional support without requiring an account.
A 24-inch screen with option
The new 4.5K Retina display 24-inch screen has an optional nano-textured glass that reduces reflections. Enough to use your magnificent iMac anywhere, even with your back to the sun or under neon lighting. If you want to add an anti-reflective layer, still count on €230. And again, you need at least the model with 10 CPU cores.
On the other hand, a small clarification, the 2020 27-inch iMac based on Intel was available with a nano-texture display option before being abandoned. The new iMac is therefore the first time that this feature is available with an Apple Silicon processor.
Improved components
A 12 megapixel cameraCenter Stage compatible, ensures centered framing during video calls, while the desktop view uses the wide-angle lens to display the user and a bird’s eye view, convenient for presentations.
This audio and video experience is complemented by a studio-quality three-microphone system with beamforming and six speakers for immersive sound.
Additionally, Apple is continuing its sustainability efforts with an eco-friendly design for the iMac, using 100% recycled aluminum for the stand and all-fiber packaging.
The new green color of the iMac 2024. © Apple.Slightly disappointing connectivity
For connectivity, the iMac is equipped with four USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and supports the Wi-Fi 6E And Bluetooth 5.3.
The 2024 iMac now includes up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, expanding accessory possibilities and delivering blazing data transfer speeds. You can also connect up to two external 6K displays to see even bigger
The function Touch ID ensures secure access and allows easy switching between user profiles. But the basic model is still not entitled to it.
On the other hand, Magic accessories (Keyboard, Trackpad and Mouse) have evolved and are now equipped with a USB-C port. Finally !
Sequoia present!
The new iMac comes with macOS Sequoiaintegrating iPhone Mirroring and updates to Safari for distraction-free browsing. macOS Sequoia also improves the gaming experience with Personalized Spatial Audio and Game Mode for titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
iMac M4 price and release date
As indicated in his press releaseApple has already opened pre-orders and deliveries will begin on November 8. Prices start at €1,499 in France, compared to €1,599 for the old model with 8 CPU cores and 8 cores. GPU. Better, we go from 8 to 16 GB of RAM, although the SSD remains stuck at 256 GB of basic storage.
If you want the higher model, with 10 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores on the M4 chip, you will have to pay €1,749, but you will be entitled to a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, two USB-3 ports in addition to the two USB ports -4, as well as a Gigabit port.
Pre-orders will be open today at Amazon, Darty and company.
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