Apple’s 2024 M4 24-inch iMac is turning heads, not just for its performance upgrades but also for its vibrant, eye-catching colors. As part of Apple's October announcements, the M4 iMac has received a warm reception, with critics praising its powerful M4 chip, improved RAM, and the return of the iMac's signature bold colors. But how does it perform, and is it a worthy upgrade? Here’s a breakdown of the M4 iMac’s reception.
Performance Boost and Value
This year’s iMac gets the upgraded M4 chip, bringing a 1.7x faster CPU and a 2.1x boost in graphical performance over the M1 iMac. The base model, priced at $1,299, now includes 16GB of unified memory (double last year’s 8GB), making it an appealing option for users seeking an all-in-one computer for everyday tasks, from productivity to media consumption. Storage options start at 256GB, with configurations up to 2TB.
While the M4 iMac isn’t as powerful as its larger siblings (like the M4 Pro), it offers a solid balance of performance and price for most users. Reviewers agree that the iMac performs excellently, especially for tasks like gaming and photo editing. iJustine, on YouTube, highlights the M4 chip’s performance as a standout feature, calling it a “joy” to use in a desktop that combines power and simplicity in an all-in-one format.
Design and Colors
The iMac’s design remains sleek and minimalistic, with a 24-inch display that delivers crisp visuals at a 4,480 x 2,520 resolution. The addition of nano-texture glass reduces reflections and improves image clarity, a great option for creative professionals or anyone who uses their computer for long hours.
But it’s the colors that have garnered the most attention. The iMac now comes in seven vibrant hues, including a stunning pink that iJustine calls “the most perfect pink in the world.” Reviewers like Six Colors and Jason Snell from Macworld rave about how the colors make the iMac a “conversation piece” and an attractive addition to home or office spaces. The iMac has always been known for its bold colors, but the 2024 model takes it to the next level, offering an exciting range of options that go beyond the typical neutral tones.
Display and Audio
The 24-inch Retina display has remained unchanged, but that’s not a bad thing. With 500 nits of brightness, True Tone, and P3 wide color support, it’s still a beautiful screen for everyday use and creative tasks alike. Alongside the impressive display, the iMac also features a six-speaker system with Spatial Audio, delivering excellent sound quality for media consumption and video calls.
Camera and Ports
The 1080p FaceTime HD camera is unchanged from previous models, providing clear video calls. On the back, users will find two or four Thunderbolt ports, depending on the configuration, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Overall Impressions
Overall, the 2024 M4 iMac is a solid offering from Apple, providing a great combination of style, performance, and value. While it may not offer groundbreaking new features, the improvements in performance, RAM, and the continued availability of vibrant color options make it an attractive choice for users looking for a reliable, stylish all-in-one computer.
Whether you’re using it for work, school, or entertainment, the new iMac delivers a smooth experience. While the performance is more than enough for most users, iJustine captures the appeal well: “This is the best of both worlds—power and style all in one.”
For those looking to grab one, the M4 iMac is available for preorder with shipments starting on November 8. Retailers may offer discounts as Black Friday approaches, so it’s worth keeping an eye on deals for the best prices.