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Apple refreshes iMac with the M4 chip, 16GB base RAM, tweaked colors and more

2024 October 28
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Apple’s refreshed iMac all-in-one desktop now features an M4 chip, Thunderbolt 4 ports, a nano-texture display upgrade option, new colors and other perks.

Seven iMac computers showcasing the color finishes.

Apple updated its iMac on Monday, October 28, 2024. The refreshed all-in-one desktop computer is a spec bump over the previous M3 model introduced in 2023. It uses the M4 chip, which made its debut in the iPad Pro earlier in the year.

The camera now uses an ultra-wide 12-megapixel sensor with 1080p video recording and features like Center Stage (automatic cropping on video calls) and Desk View (which simultaneously shows you and a top-down view of your desk).

M4 iMacs are equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports, come in fresh shades of green, yellow, orange, pink, purple and blue, alongside silver, and ship with color-matched keyboard, mouse and trackpad (upgraded from Lightning to USB-C charging).

Say hello to the new M4 iMac with Apple Intelligence

Compared to the M1 iMac (2020), the base M4 iMac has 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU cores that bring 1.7x faster daily productivity and 2.1x faster gaming, photo editing, and more. “Compared to the most popular 24-inch all-in-one PC with the latest Intel Core 7 processor, the new iMac is up to 4.5x faster,” Apple notes.

The embedded Neural Engine coprocessor is three times faster than the M1’s, making the updated iMad compatible well-suited for Apple Intelligence. The M4 chip has sixteen gigabytes of unified memory instead of eight, but you can configure your iMac on Apple’s online store with up to 32GB of memory (previously: 24GB).

The screen is the same 24-inch Retina display in 4.5K resolution as on the previous model. The new iMac is available to order ahead of retail availability beginning November 8. Apple has also discontinued the previous M3-based iMac models.

The Nano-texture glass upgrade is back

Apple brought back a nano-texture glass option that it stopped offering with the discontinued 27-inch Intel-based iMac. The nano-texture glass reduces reflections and glare while maintaining image quality.
M4 iMac running Adobe Photoshop, set against a color gadient backgound.

“With nano-texture glass, users can place iMac in even more spaces, such as a sun-drenched living room or bright storefront,” per the Apple Newsroom announcement. This option costs the same $200 as nano-texture upgrades for the Pro Display XDR, Studio Display and iPad Pro.

USB-C ports have been upgraded with support for Thunderbolt 4, up from Thunderbolt 3 on the previous iMac. Networking features haven’t changed, you still got your Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 like before.

M4 iMac tidbits

As always, you need to be aware of the fine print.

  • The 32GB upgrade is only available with 512GB or more of flash storage
  • M4 iMacs with an 8‑core CPU support one external display (use DisplayLink for more)
  • M4 iMacs with a 10‑core CPU support up to two external displays
  • Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is included on iMacs with a 10‑core GPU
  • Nano-texture upgrade is restricted to 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU models
  • The base model can be configured with a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad
  • Models with a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU come standard with a Touch ID keyboard

Pricing and availability

The new M4 iMac lineup starts at $1300 in the United States for the base model with 16GB of unified memory, 256GB of flash storage, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and no Ethernet connectivity. The $1500 and $1700 models use M4 versions with ten CPU/GPU cores while adding Gigabit Ethernet and two more Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports for a total of four. The $1700 model also doubles the storage to 512GB. The flagship $1900 configuration also boosts the unified memory to 24GB.

You can pre-order your iMac starting today, October 28, 2024, in the United States and 28 countries via apple.com/store and the official Apple Store app. The machine will begin shipping on Friday, November 8, 2024, when you can purchase it from Apple’s retail stores and authorized resellers.

Build-to-order options include nano-texture glass (+$200), 24GB unified memory (+$200), 32GB unified memory ($400), 512GB storage (+$200), 1TB storage ($400), 2TB storage ($800), Gigabit Ethernet (+$30), Magic Trackpad ($50) and Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (+$80).

Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2024/10/28/apple-unveils-m4-imac-new-colors-nano-texture-display-upgrade/

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