The iMac M4 arrives in Apple Stores this November 8, and the first American tests allow us to have a clear vision of the performance of this new generation. If the design remains unchanged since 2021, Apple is making some notable improvements that make this all-in-one computer an excellent machine for the general public.
Better performance and some developments
Tests demonstrate that the M4 chip offers a significant performance gain. According to Geekbench benchmarks, the iMac M4 is around 20% faster than its predecessor M3 in single-core and multi-core use. The gap widens further on Cinebench with an improvement of 32% on multi-core tasks. This progress is particularly visible in video export, where the new iMac is up to twice as fast as the M1 generation. The graphics part is not left out with a gain of 18% on the GPU tests compared to the M3. Obviously, the iMac M4 is ready for Apple Intelligence which will be released in April in France.
Beyond raw performance, Apple has corrected several weak points of previous generations. The webcam finally upgrades to a 12-megapixel Center Stage compatible sensor, offering much better image quality in videoconferencing. The four USB-C ports are now all Thunderbolt 4 on high-end models, simplifying connectivity. The move to a minimum of 16 GB of RAM is also excellent news, especially as prices remain unchanged. The nano-textured anti-reflective screen option is also making its appearance, even if it remains expensive at €200. The testers don’t find much to complain about as the iMac M4 is a minor but very solid development.
Testers’ opinions
Cnet recommends purchasing the iMac M4 if you have a (very) old Mac:
Should you buy the iMac M4? The simple answer is yes, if you are looking for an all-in-one computer, you should go for the iMac M4 as it offers unparalleled design and enhanced performance. It’s the best all-in-one you can buy. It brings incremental improvements over the M3 model and is significantly faster than the M1 model. Plus, getting 16GB of RAM without having to pay Apple’s hefty $200 premium is nice.
If you still own an Intel-based iMac, this is a no-brainer. In addition to better performance and a more compact, sleek design, you also get Apple Intelligence features. Older Intel iMacs cannot run Apple Intelligence, but it’s important to note that the M1 and M3 are compatible. So the reason to upgrade from an M1 iMac to an M4 is not the ability to run Apple Intelligence, but rather the better performance, more RAM, an improved webcam, and Thunderbolt 4. If I had an iMac M3, I would pass on the M4 and wait for the next update, as it seems we are overdue for a complete design overhaul.
MacWorld has almost the same opinion:
Should you buy the iMac M4? Yes, you should buy it, it’s that simple. The upgrade to the M4, the new 16GB RAM standard, the implementation of Thunderbolt on all models, the improved FaceTime camera and the nano-textured glass option are all winning choices from Apple. I’ll even go so far as to say that while the iMac M4 doesn’t have the personality of the iMac G4 (which I previously proclaimed to be the best Mac ever) nor the historical significance of the The original iMac, its combination of features, design and performance makes it the best iMac Apple has ever created.
That said, if you have an M1 or M3 iMac, you don’t need to rush to replace it with the M4 iMac. Chances are you’ll find its performance satisfactory, so the question becomes whether you really want the new camera and/or the nano-textured glass. These features are not trivial; they influence your productivity and are worth taking into account.
If you have an Intel iMac and have been putting off an upgrade, now is the time to do it. You’ll see a huge performance improvement, you’ll be able to use Apple Intelligence, and you’ll appreciate the many other changes. You will, however, need to purchase USB-C adapters for your USB-A devices.
There’s one reason not to buy the iMac M4: you want a larger model. Rumor has it that it could appear in 2025, but we haven’t heard any serious rumors about such an iMac.
Buy the iMac M4
If you are convinced by Apple’s new all-in-one computer, you can buy it from all the usual retailers:
Unboxing Videos
Note: iPhoneSoft uses affiliate links whenever possible. When you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, which helps us maintain this site and at no extra cost to you.
