Following the launch of the new iPad Mini 7 (which comes with some nice spec bumps), Apple finally unveiled its newest iMac model, and you can bet that it packs some new hardware upgrades over its predecessors. With that said, you might be thinking about getting one for yourself, in which case you might be curious as to what you can expect with Apple’s newest desktop computer. Let’s check it out!
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M4 and Performance
Perhaps the most significant upgrade with the 2024 iMac is the new M4 chip inside, which comes with improvements to performance. Apple claims that it features the world’s fastest CPU core, allowing the M4 to gain a 1.7x faster performance boost versus the M1 iMac (a most interesting comparison). The M4’s GPU also lets it handle intense workloads such as running graphics-heavy games or working with tasking photo and video production software. In addition to the new chip, the new iMac also starts with 16GB of RAM, a much welcome upgrade which is also available with up to 32GB memory confirmations, and a faster neural engine which according to Apple is thrice the speed of the one found in the M1.
In terms of software, the computer ships with Mac OS Sequoia onboard, meaning that you get all the latest Apple exclusive software features and apps, including iPhone screen mirroring, a new password app, as well as an improved screen layout function. The M4 chip also means that it’s compatible with Apple’s new AI tricks such as new Siri and ChatGPT features, to name a couple.
Design and Display
As far as looks are concerned, the new iMac model pretty much resembles a lot of its predecessors – take one look and you know exactly what you’re getting. There’s the rectangular design with the wide chin at the bottom, several built-in ports, and such. It’s available in several colour variants as well, including green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. They’re rather vibrant, although I personally would’ve preferred a black option.
This design wraps around the computer’s 24-inch screen, which Apple markets as a 4.5K Retina Display. One thing to take note of is that the display is also available in a nano-texture glass option, which in theory should reduce glare and reflections on the display. Other hardware details include a built-in Touch ID scanner, a 12MP camera for FaceTime calls, a triple-microphone setup, and a six-speaker array. For connectivity, the iMac 2024 features four USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility, support for two external displays with 6K resolution output, WiFi 6E, as well as Bluetooth 5.3. It also comes with a bundled wireless keyboard and mouse.
Price and Availability
Apple’s new iMac model is available for preorder starting at £1299 for the base configuration with an 8-core CPU and GPU 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, and will arrive in stores later in November. A version with a 10-core CPU and GPU is also available starting at £1499.
