Apple launched new M4-powered iMacs in new colours through a YouTube video. The base variant of this iMac has an 8-core CPU, thus making it a slower M4 variant than the ones found in the 2024 iPad Pros (11″ and 13″). Meanwhile, Apple has also added features to other Macs in its lineup, like the 10-core M4-based lower-end Macs getting dual external display support and the Mac Pro getting USB-C to USB-C accessories in the box.
So, one product announcement and a few feature updates. Let’s start with the iMac:
Apple iMac M4 price, availability
The refreshed iMac will be available in India from November 8th. You can pre-book now through the Apple website and in the Apple Store app. These are the available variants:
- 8-core iMac (16GB RAM, 256GB storage): Rs 1,34,900
- 10-core iMac (16GB RAM, 256GB storage): Rs 1,54,900
- 10-core iMac (16GB RAM, 512GB storage): Rs 1,74,900
- 10-core iMac (24GB RAM, 512GB storage): Rs 1,94,900
As for colours, you get Silver and newer shades of Green, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Pink, and Purple.
iMac 2024 specifications
- Memory: The lower three variants of the new iMac come with 16GB of unified memory while the top-most variant has 24GB of unified memory. This can be further configured to 32 gigs RAM and 2TB SSD storage. The minimum was 8GB in 2023 iMacs.
- Processor: Only the base variant has an 8-core CPU. Rest, all have 10-core M4 silicon. The M4 chip is made with TSMC’s enhanced 3nm process node.
- Software: These all-in-one computers should ship with macOS 15.1 Sequoia, which sports Apple Intelligence support. The device must be set in the US English language though.
- Display: The 24-inch panel is a nano-texture display with anti-glare properties, 4.5K resolution, 1-billion colours, 500 nits brightness, Dolby Vision, and P3 colour support.
- Connectivity: You get a 3.5mm jack, up to four Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3.
- Webcam: You get a 12MP FHD camera with Center Stage and Desk View support.
- Miscellaneous: The iMac 2024 supports accessories like Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse/Magic Trackpad with USB-C port.
iMac 2023 vs iMac 2024 differences
| iMac (2023) | iMac (2024) |
|---|---|
| M3 chip (TSMC 3nm N3 process) | M4 chip (TSMC enhanced 3nm N3E process) |
| 4.05 GHz top clock speed | 4.30 GHz top clock speed |
| 25 billion transistors | 28 billion transistors |
| 8/10-core CPU | 8/10-core CPU |
| 8/10-core GPU | 8/10-core GPU with improved architecture and efficiency |
| 8/16/24GB LPDDR5 memory (100GB/s) | 16/24/32GB LPDDR5X memory (120GB/s) |
| 16-core Neural Engine, 18 trillion operations per second | 16-core Neural Engine, 38 trillion operations per second |
| Up to two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and two USB 3 ports | Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports |
New features for older Macs
- Lower-end Macs with a 10-core M4 chip get support for dual external displays. This would work without closing the lid or built-in HDMI port or DisplayLink adapters.
- Apple’s website mentions the Mac Pro will ship with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable and Magic accessories.
