Apple’s M4-powered iMac has landed, bringing significant upgrades to its iconic all-in-one desktop. This latest model combines powerful computing capabilities with Apple’s signature design and a few notable tweaks. In this review, we’ll cover everything from performance and design to configuration options and pricing. Let’s explore if the M4 iMac is the right fit for your needs.
Verdict
The M4 iMac provides a notable leap in processing power and energy efficiency, positioning it as a valuable upgrade for users of older Intel-based models. Its combination of the new M4 chip, enhanced display, and stylish aesthetics makes it a compelling choice, especially for creatives and home office users.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enhanced performance with the M4 chip
- Stunning 24-inch 4.5K Retina Display
- Modern color options
- Powerful Neural Engine for AI tasks
- Sleek, space-saving design
Cons:
- Limited internal upgrade options
- High price for higher configurations
- Minimal external design changes from previous model
Sleek Design and Aesthetic Appeal
Apple’s design ethos remains evident in the M4 iMac, which maintains its slim profile and eye-catching color palette. Available in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver, the new iMac can fit beautifully into any home or office setup. With its ultra-thin design and minimalistic stand, the iMac M4 combines functionality with elegance.
Display Features
One of the main highlights is the 24-inch 4.5K Retina Display:
- 11.3 million pixels for ultra-crisp visuals
- 500 nits of brightness for vivid colors
- P3 wide color gamut and True Tone technology ensure accurate color reproduction in any environment
- Optional nano-texture glass to reduce glare, particularly beneficial in well-lit rooms
Performance Boost with the M4 Chip
The new M4 chip significantly boosts the iMac’s performance, offering up to 1.7x faster speeds in daily productivity and a 2.1x increase in demanding workflows. This increase is powered by a high-efficiency architecture with up to 10 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores. Apple has also improved machine learning capabilities with an upgraded Neural Engine that processes 38 trillion operations per second.
Key Technical Specifications
| Configuration | CPU Cores | GPU Cores | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Model | 8 | 8 | 16GB | 256GB |
| Advanced Model | 10 | 10 | 32GB | Up to 2TB |
These configurations ensure flexibility for users needing anything from moderate performance for everyday use to high power for professional workflows.
Smart Features Powered by Apple Intelligence
Enhanced AI Capabilities
Apple has introduced Apple Intelligence as the “smartest” all-in-one desktop experience, leveraging machine learning for enhanced user experience and privacy-focused functionality:
- Improved Neural Engine for faster and smarter AI processing
- Privacy-centric features such as on-device processing for sensitive data
- Machine learning applications, including real-time photo editing and intelligent automation
Connectivity and Camera Upgrades
The iMac M4 has a comprehensive range of connectivity options, catering to professional and personal use cases:
- Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, ideal for high-speed data transfer and peripheral support
- An upgraded 12MP Center Stage camera, which tracks movement and keeps users centered in the frame during video calls
- Desk View support, allowing users to display the desktop during presentations, ideal for virtual meetings and creative showcases
Environmental Initiatives and Sustainability
Apple continues to prioritize environmental responsibility, with a focus on sustainability in the M4 iMac:
- 100% recycled aluminum for the stand
- Recyclable packaging materials
- Carbon-neutral manufacturing process, contributing to Apple’s larger goal of reducing its carbon footprint
Pricing and Configurations
The M4 iMac starts at S$1,799 in Singapore, with discounts available for students and educational institutions. Users can customize configurations with up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.
| Configuration Option | Price (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Base Model | S$1,799 |
| Education Pricing | From S$1,719 |
| Maxed-Out Model | S$2,499+ |
Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade?
The M4 iMac is an excellent upgrade for those using older Intel-based iMacs, offering unmatched performance and efficiency improvements. For users on the previous M3 model, the benefits might be more incremental, with notable improvements in performance but limited design changes.
Recommended For:
- Creative Professionals: Ideal for photo and video editing with the M4’s high performance and vivid display
- Home Office Users: Great for virtual meetings, seamless multitasking, and reliable connectivity
- Families and Students: Suited for everyday tasks, educational needs, and shared home use, with color options to match any aesthetic
In summary, the M4 iMac successfully balances power, aesthetics, and eco-friendly design. Its performance leap, combined with smart AI integration and connectivity, makes it a leading all-in-one desktop for tech-savvy and casual users alike.
For further details on the M4 iMac’s performance metrics and a comprehensive list of configurations, visit Apple’s official page or reach out to authorized resellers for a hands-on demo.
