Apple iMac 2024 (M4) Official: More RAM With Nano-Texture Display

As widely expected, Apple has made the first of three possible Mac announcements coming this week. It starts with the iMac, which is updated with new M4 processors, support for Apple Intelligence, and RAM starting at 16GB. The new iMac, available in two power configurations, aims to deliver enhanced performance for a variety of uses:

• Base version: 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory (expandable up to 24GB), and 256GB of SSD storage, with the possibility of configuring up to 1TB. It has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and comes with color-coordinated accessories like the Magic Keyboard and your choice of Magic Mouse or Trackpad.

• Advanced versions: 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory expandable up to 32GB, SSD storage configurable up to 2TB, and four Thunderbolt 4 ports. This configuration includes the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.

Environmental Sustainability and Features

Apple continues to demonstrate its commitment to the environment by designing the new iMac with recycled materials. The stand is made from 100 percent recycled aluminum, and the copper, tin, and gold in some electronic components come from reclaimed materials. The packaging is made entirely of fiber, marking another step toward its goal of eliminating all plastic from packaging by 2025. Currently, Apple operates with carbon neutrality in its corporate operations and is working towards achieving this goal across its entire supply chain by 2030.

At the heart of the new iMac is the M4 chip, which delivers a significant performance improvement over the previous M1 chip. With up to 1.7 times faster performance for everyday tasks and greater efficiency for demanding applications like photo and video editing, the new iMac is an all-around solution for families, professionals, and even gamers playing graphically intensive titles like Civilization VII.

Additionally, the new chip features an advanced Neural Engine that is three times faster than the one in the M1, enhancing the system's AI capabilities. Apple also says the new iMac is up to 4.5 times faster than the typical 24-inch Intel Core i7 all-in-one PC, and six times faster than previous Intel-based iMacs. The device is available with 16GB of unified memory, expandable up to 32GB, and a CPU designed to handle a wide range of tasks without compromising fluidity.

The new iMac features a 24-inch Retina display with 4.5K resolution, designed for stunning color and detail. New this year is the nano-texture glass option, which reduces reflections and makes the display suitable for bright environments like offices or retail displays.

The new iMac has four Thunderbolt 4-compatible USB-C ports for fast data transfer and connection to up to two external 6K displays. Connectivity options also include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. For even greater security, the iMac offers Touch ID, which can be used to unlock the computer, make purchases with Apple Pay, and switch between users quickly and securely.

For video calling, the iMac features a 12MP video camera with Center Stage technology, which keeps the user in the center of the frame, even while moving around. Desktop Panorama uses a wide angle to show a bird’s-eye view of the desktop, which is especially useful for sharing documents or materials during calls. The audio department is rounded out with a six-speaker system and three studio-quality microphones for improved audio quality.

A New Era with Apple Intelligence and new macOS Sequoia

Apple Intelligence, powered by the new iMac, delivers writing tools, voice assistance, and new ways to create. Initially available in U.S. English with macOS Sequoia 15.1, Apple Intelligence lets users rephrase, correct, and summarize text in any app, including third-party apps, using system-wide Writing Tools.

Siri has been redesigned to work with both voice and typing, making it easier to complete everyday tasks even in situations where it’s best not to speak. Apple also announced that starting in December, Siri will be integrating the ChatGPT model, allowing users to get detailed answers and support without having to switch between apps.

Apple Intelligence’s creative features include Image Playground, which lets you generate original, personalized images, and Genmoji, which lets you create custom emojis. Apple is also expanding language support, launching in December for English locales in multiple countries, with additional languages ​​coming later in 2024, including Chinese, French, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese.

The new macOS Sequoia operating system introduces features that enrich the user experience. Safari, for example, includes the “Highlights” feature to quickly find the most relevant content, a Reading view that organizes texts with an automatic table of contents and summary, and a Video mode to view content without distractions. Among the new features, the Distraction Control feature, which allows you to hide unwanted visual elements from web pages.

macOS Sequoia also features new layout options for arranging application windows, a Game Mode that optimizes the gaming experience, and a new Passwords app to centralize login credentials in one secure location.

Color Variants, Prices, and Availability

The new iMac comes in seven colors: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. The two-tone design features a combination of bold hues on the back and subtle shades on the front. The color-matching options extend to accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse or Trackpad, which now include a USB-C port for convenient charging.

The new iMac featuring the M4 chip is now available for pre-order as of October 28, with shipping set to begin on November 8. The entry-level model, equipped with an 8-core CPU and GPU along with 16GB of unified memory, starts at $1,299, while the version with a 10-core CPU and GPU is priced from $1,499.

For customers who want even more protection, AppleCare+ offers 24/7 customer service, accidental damage coverage, and technical support. Additionally, Apple offers the Apple Trade-In program, which allows users to trade in their used device for credit toward the purchase of a new iMac.