The 2024 Apple M4 iMac is currently discounted by 12%, reducing its price from $1,299 to $1,149, making it a competitive option against budget Windows desktops. It features a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, powerful M4 chip, and seamless integration with Apple devices, with color options including silver, blue, green, and pink, and offers excellent multimedia capabilities. This deal is ideal for Apple ecosystem users and those seeking a stylish, high-performance all-in-one computer at a reduced price.
Apple has begun developing a 24-inch OLED iMac with higher brightness levels, expected to launch after the M6 MacBook Pro series, with a release possibly around 2027 or 2028, featuring specifications slightly improved over current LCD models.
Leaked code suggests Apple may be developing a new high-end iMac with an M5 Max chip, potentially reintroducing an iMac Pro aimed at professional users, possibly larger than the current 24-inch model.
The article discusses the possibility of Apple reintroducing Target Display Mode, a feature that allowed older iMacs to be used as external displays, which was removed due to technical limitations but could now be feasible with modern hardware. The author argues that restoring this feature would benefit existing iMac owners and promote sustainability, suggesting it could be implemented via a software update. The piece also notes that the upcoming Studio Display may not replace the utility of such a feature.
The M4 iMac is a beautifully designed all-in-one computer that feels out of place in a world dominated by laptops and flexible computing options. While it offers a sleek design, vibrant colors, and decent performance, its limitations, such as a small screen, lack of flexibility, and high price, make it less appealing compared to alternatives like the Mac Mini or MacBook Pro. The iMac is best suited for environments where aesthetics are prioritized over functionality, such as reception areas, rather than for general consumer use.
Apple's new M4 chip, built on TSMC's 3nm process, shows varying performance across different devices due to cooling efficiency. In tests by The Verge, the M4 iMac outperformed both the Mac mini and MacBook Pro in a Premiere Pro 4K Export test, likely due to better cooling. The Mac mini, priced at $799, completed the test faster than the $1,949 MacBook Pro, but both were slower than the $2,299 iMac. Despite performance differences, the Mac mini's lower price may make it more popular among consumers.
The 27-inch iMac, once a staple for creative professionals during the Intel era, has been phased out in favor of Apple's new direction with the 24-inch M1 iMac and other models like the Mac Studio and Mac mini. The 27-inch model was known for its powerful performance, upgradable RAM, and high-resolution display, making it a popular choice for power users. However, with the shift to Apple Silicon, Apple has refocused the iMac as a more approachable, stylish device, leaving the 27-inch model behind.
The 2024 Apple iMac, equipped with the new M4 chip, offers a significant performance boost over its predecessor, making it a solid choice for productivity and light gaming. While it maintains the same 24-inch design and lacks larger screen options or M4 Pro configurations, it provides good value for its price. The iMac's design remains sleek, and it now includes USB-C charging for accessories, though the placement of the Magic Mouse charging port is still inconvenient. Overall, it's a stylish all-in-one for everyday use, but power users may need to look at other Apple products for more demanding tasks.
Apple is reportedly developing new products featuring a 90Hz display, including a Studio Display, iMac, and iPad Air, aiming to enhance user experience with smoother visuals.
Apple has officially declared the iPhone 5S, along with the 21.5-inch iMac and 6th-gen iPod Touch, as obsolete. This means these devices, which have not been in production for over seven years, will no longer receive any service or updates from Apple. The iPhone 5S, launched in 2013, was notable for its fingerprint scanner and improved performance over its predecessor. Other devices like the iPhone 5c and iPhone 6 Plus have also been added to the obsolete list, while models like the iPhone 6 and 6S remain on the vintage list.
Apple has long rejected the idea of a touchscreen iMac or MacBook, but a new patent application suggests a pivoting stand for a desktop computer, potentially hinting at a touchscreen iMac for artists. The design looks familiar to the Microsoft Surface Studio, and while the patent wording claims it's for easier transport, it raises questions about Apple's plans for a touchscreen iMac.
Apple has expanded its Self Service Repair program to include the latest MacBook Pro and iMac models powered by its M3 processor, allowing users to access tools, parts, and repair manuals from Apple’s self-repair website. The company also plans to make its remote diagnostic tool available for M3 Macs next month and streamline the System Configuration process for all Mac models, eliminating the need to contact Apple support for validation. This move comes after Apple's nationwide right-to-repair commitment, although the company was recently caught lobbying against a right-to-repair bill in Oregon.
Apple has started selling refurbished iMacs with the M3 chip in the U.S., offering approximately 15% discounts compared to brand new models, with prices starting at $1,099. The refurbished iMacs come with all accessories and are covered by Apple's one-year limited warranty, making them a good opportunity for savings directly from Apple. Apple also recently began selling refurbished MacBook Pro models with the M3 chip, as well as later models with the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips.
The iFixit team has discovered that the M3 iMac features Apple's most easily replaceable battery yet, although it is due to the presence of just one battery within the device. While the iMac's modular design and external power supply were commended, the soldered memory and storage make upgrades difficult. Apple's increasing tendency to lock components and make repair challenging has resulted in a downgrade of the repairability score for the iPhone 14, and it remains to be seen how the iMac will fare in this regard.
Despite the lack of significant upgrades in the recent iMac refresh, the device still has its merits, such as improved gaming abilities and suitability for basic business use. While some criticize Apple for not delivering a larger screen or supporting higher-end processors, the M3 iMac serves as a clear signal for Intel Mac users to transition to Apple Silicon. Apple has confirmed that there are no plans for a 27-inch iMac or a replacement for the iMac Pro, but rumors suggest the possibility of other iMac models in the future. The iMac holds historical significance as the device that revived Apple and continues to embody the company's design principles.
