Apple’s M4 iMac hasn’t modified all that a lot.
Apple’s refreshed M4 24-inch iMac sports activities a quick chip, however that is not the solely motive to improve. This is how the recent new mannequin compares to the year-old M3 iMac that it replaces.
Apple’s launch of the brand new M4 iMac comes months after the chip first debuted within the 2024 iPad Pro. It additionally arrived in similar week that the M4 Mac mini and M4 MacBook Pro had been unveiled.
This refreshed M4 iMac replaces the M3 iMac that went on sale in October 2023. With a well-recognized design, it is honest to say that every one the largest adjustments are on the within.
M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac – Specs
| Specs | 24-inch iMac (2023, M3) | 24-inch iMac (2024, M4) |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning launch value | $1,299 (2-port), $1,499 (4-port) Best M3 iMac prices |
$1,299 (2-port), $1,499 (4-port) Best M4 iMac prices |
| Processor | 8-core M3, 16-core Neural Engine |
8-core M4, 10-core M4, 16-core Neural Engine |
| Graphics | 8-core M3 GPU (2-port), 10-core M3 GPU (4-port) |
8-core M4 GPU (2-port), 10-core M4 GPU (4-port) |
| RAM | 8GB unified reminiscence, Configurable as much as 24GB |
16GB unified reminiscence, Configurable as much as 24GB (2-port), Configurable as much as 32GB (4-port), |
| Inside storage | 256GB SSD Configurable as much as 1TB SSD (2-port) Configurable as much as 2TB (4-port) |
256GB SSD Configurable as much as 1TB SSD (2-port) Configurable as much as 2TB (4-port) |
| Show | 4,480 x 2,520 Retina 4.5K LED show, Large coloration (P3), True Tone, 500 nits |
4,480 x 2,520 Retina 4.5K LED show, Large coloration (P3), True Tone, 500 nits, Nano-texture glass (Non-obligatory) |
| Connectivity | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.3 Gigabit Ethernet (Non-obligatory on 2-port) 2x USB 4/Thunderbolt 2xUSB 3 (4-port) 3.5mm headphone jack with high-impedance headphone assist |
802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 Gigabit Ethernet (Non-obligatory on 2-port) 2x USB 4/Thunderbolt 4 (2-port) 4x USB 4/Thunderbolt 4 (4-port) 3.5mm headphone jack with high-impedance headphone assist |
| Digital camera and Audio | 1080p FaceTime Digital camera with M3 ISP Studio High quality, three-mic array with directional beamforming Six-speaker system with force-canelling woofers |
12MP Middle Stage digital camera with M4 ISP Studio High quality, three-mic array with directional beamforming Six-speaker system with force-canelling woofers |
| Video output | One 6K show at 60Hz | One 6K show at 60Hz (2-port) Two 6K shows at 60Hz or one 8K show at 60Hz (4-port) |
| Particular options | Hey Siri assist Magic Keyboard with Contact ID (Non-obligatory on 2-port) |
Hey Siri assist Magic Keyboard with Contact ID (Non-obligatory on 2-port) |
M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac – Design, weight, dimension
Apple’s refreshed M4 iMac is strictly the identical dimension because the outgoing mannequin, albeit a machine that’s lighter by simply 0.08 kilos. That is 9.79 kilos for the M4 iMac vs the 9.87 kilos of the M3 iMac.
With that in thoughts, it is no shock that the 2 iMacs look an identical on the surface.
Whereas the 2 iMacs are provided in the identical colours, that does not imply they give the impression of being an identical. Consumers will discover that the inexperienced, pink, silver, orange, yellow, blue, and purple have totally different hues in comparison with the earlier mannequin.
The M3 24-inch iMac.
By way of precise dimensions, the iMac measures 18.1 inches tall by 21.5 inches large. The depth with the stand included is available in at 5.8 inches.
M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac – Show
This upgraded M4 iMac’s an identical design to the earlier mannequin additionally implies that the show is identical as effectively. It is a 24-inch panel with a 4.5K decision and a brightness of 500 nits.
As has turn into the norm for Apple’s Mac shows the M4 iMac consists of each P3 large coloration and True Tone assist.
The place issues do differ is the choice for a nano-texture end on the M4 iMac’s show. The end diffuses gentle to reduce reflections but it surely does price a further $200 so it will not be for everybody.
M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac – Efficiency
The M4 chip is the massive information right here and it is provided in 8-core and 10-core CPU configurations. 4 of these are efficiency cores no matter which chip you select, however the 10-core chip has two extra effectivity cores for a complete of six in comparison with the 8-core’s 4.
Each of the M4 chips provided include a 10-core GPU, matching the previous-gen M3 chip. The older chip is simply out there with eight CPU cores, nonetheless.
By way of different key specs, M4 iMac patrons can configure as much as 32GB of RAM in comparison with the 24GB restrict of the M3 iteration. The bottom configuration has additionally been doubled to 16GB for the M4 iMac, up from simply 8GB within the M3 variant.
That reminiscence can be sooner with a reminiscence bandwidth of 120GB/s topping the M3 chip’s 100GB/s whereas each machines have the identical 16-core Neural Engine. Apple’s M-series Media Engine is unchanged and retains assist for hardware-accelerated H.264 and HEVC assist, amongst others.
M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac – Digital camera and audio
Whereas the built-in digital camera won’t be a key motive for many individuals to purchase a brand new iMac, the M4 variant does supply a notable improve. Whereas the M3 iMac has a FaceTime 1080p HD digital camera the M4 iMac options an upgraded 12-megapixel Middle Stage Digital camera.
The brand new digital camera means patrons can stay up for assist for Desk View and 1080p video recording in an iMac for the primary time.
A detailed-up of the show and webcam of the M3 24-inch iMac
The identical six-speaker audio system with assist for large stereo sound and Dolby Atmos has made the swap from the M3 iMac to the M4 iMac.
A built-in 3.5mm headphone jack and a studio-quality microphone array are additionally current, too.
M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac – Storage, connectivity, peripherals
These shopping for the M4 iMac can select as much as a 2TB SSD which is identical because the earlier mannequin — albeit provided that you select the four-port mannequin. The bottom 256GB mannequin additionally stays with 512GB and 1TB choices additionally out there.
Equipment supplied embody a Magic Keyboard and a Magic Mouse, with a Magic Trackpad are additionally out there. All of those equipment supply USB-C connectivity and charging.
The rear port number of the four-port M3 24-inch iMac variant.
Connectivity choices are additionally the identical throughout the board, with the M4 iMac that includes Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) wi-fi networking and Bluetooth 5.3 assist.
Across the again, the two-port M4 iMac has a pair of Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports which might be upgraded to 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports when selecting the upgraded mannequin.
Gigabit Ethernet is a configurable possibility on the two-port mannequin whereas it is commonplace on the four-part iMac. This all carefully mimics that of the M3 iMac though the older mannequin is proscribed to 2 Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and two USB 3 ports when patrons select the four-port configuration.
M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac – Pricing
Apple has caught to the $1,299 beginning value for the M4 iMac whereas upgrading to the four-port mannequin means paying a further $200.
M4 24-inch iMac vs M1 24-inch iMac – The Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse
Upgrading to 24GB of RAM prices $200 whereas a 512GB SSD prices the identical $200. A bigger 1TB possibility is on the market for a further $400.
These on the lookout for probably the most storage can select the 2TB mannequin for a further $600 however, once more, this feature is simply out there on the $1,699 four-port M4 iMac.
Apple ships the M4 iMac with a Magic Keyboard as commonplace however an additional $30 will be handed over to obtain a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keyboard as an alternative.
M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac – Which to purchase?
The best strategy to picking a brand new iMac is to purchase the latest mannequin wherever doable. The M4 iMac comes with some good upgrades, not least that new chip with extra cores and improved efficiency.
Apple’s resolution to not enhance the value of the iMac with this refresh additionally makes the M3 model much less interesting. There are cases the place issues won’t fairly be that straightforward, nonetheless.
Third-party retailers typically promote older fashions at a reduction to create space of their warehouses. Meaning you may discover a terrific deal on an M3 iMac whereas shares final.
Whereas the M4 iMac is undoubtedly the higher mannequin we might advocate checking M3 iMac sale costs earlier than putting your order. Particularly in the event you do not discover the brand new upgrades compelling.
M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac – The place to purchase
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