Yesterday, Apple unveiled the new generation of iMac, now equipped with the M4 chip. Although the design is almost identical to that of its predecessor, with a more colorful range than ever, the new iMac M4 has some notable improvements, including increased support for external displays, in 6K or 8K.
Support for 8K displays at 120Hz
As Apple explains at the bottom of the page technical characteristicsthe new iMac M4 can connect to either two external displays in 6K at 60 Hz, or to a single 8K display at 120 Hz, making it the first Mac to offer this display configuration.
Up to two external displays with resolution up to 6K at 60 Hz or one external display with resolution up to 8K at 120 Hz
Previously, only a few Mac models offered the 8K external display, but limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Models compatible with 8K external displays at 60Hz include:
- Mac Studio 2023
- Mac Pro 2023
- Mac mini 2023 with M2 Pro
- MacBook Pro 2023 with M2 Pro or higher
A development which could please customers who love video games in particular, but which is not available on the basic configuration at €1,499. The 8K at 120 Hz functionality is reserved for higher-end models of the iMac M4, those equipped with a 10-core GPU (starting at €1,749). The base model, with an 8-core GPU, only supports a single external display at 6K at 60Hz.
Other improvements in the new iMac
In addition to the M4 chip, the new iMac now includes 16GB of RAM as standard, a nano-textured glass option, four USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, and an improved camera with Center Stage functionality. Apple also introduced new, punchier color options than previous models.
Prices for the new iMac therefore start at €1,499, with pre-orders open and shipping scheduled for November 8.
Other M4 Macs
Other Macs equipped with the M4 chip, coming today and tomorrow, are also expected to support 8K at 120Hz. These are the M4 Mac mini and the M4 MacBook Pros.
It should be noted that Apple does not yet offer an external screen in 8K at 120 Hz. Its very expensive Pro Display XDR is in 6K at 60 Hz, and the “small” Studio Display offers 5K at 60 Hz. And if Apple took the opportunity to renew them?
