Like in a TV series, Apple has just unveiled its new iMacs, promising other announcements tomorrow. Good news, in addition to the M4 chip, the famous all-in-one computer is finally equipped with at least 16 GB of RAM.
We told you that it was better to wait a little before buying a new Mac (read our article)! Apple has just announced its first “real” computers equipped with the latest “in-house” M4 chip. Until then, strangely, only the iPad Pros released last May benefited from the fastest processor in the range. This eccentricity is now corrected with the arrival of the new range of iMac, Apple’s all-in-one computer. The announcement is accompanied by a presentation video that looks like it came straight out of a keynote (the famous Apple conferences) cut into small pieces. So let’s take a look at these new iMacs before tomorrow’s announcement of what will surely be the new MacBook Pro range.
iMac M4: identical design down to one detail
Externally, nothing changes: the iMac M4 keeps the same, very successful, design as that inaugurated by the iMac M1 of 2021. The iMac M4 thus keeps the same 4.5 K screen of 23.5 inches diagonal, which Apple nevertheless persists in calling 24 inches, with however an additional option: for 230 euros more, you can choose an anti-reflective nano-texture screen. Apple is probably using the same technique for this screen as that inaugurated for the Pro . The new iMac M4s also offer a range of colors that are a little more shimmering and above all offered in their entirety, including for entry-level models.
iMac M4: a little more power and a lot more memory
But it is obviously especially inside that there are the most changes. The 2024 iMacs are therefore the first Macs to benefit from the latest M4 processor, replacing the M3s of the previous range. According to Apple, this allows the M4 iMacs to be 1.3 times faster than the M3 line. And 1.7 times faster than the iMac M1 range. In other words, the power gain is only gradual.
On the other hand, we appreciate that all iMac M4s, from entry level, are equipped as standard with 16 GB of RAM. Finally ! Until then, you had to pay 230 euros to go from the basic 8 GB to 16 GB which frankly seems a minimum today. Especially since Apple highlights its Artificial Intelligence tools which, even if they are designed to run in 8 GB of RAM like on the latest iPhone or iPad, are still much more comfortable with 16 GB. Remember, however, that these tools called Apple Intelligence will not arrive in France before next year.
You can even go up to 32 GB of RAM, a first for an iMac, provided you opt for the option of 512 GB of minimum storage. Because, yes, if Apple has made an effort on RAM this is not the case for SSD storage still at 256 GB base. We won’t do it again.
iMac M4: new USB-C accessories
The advantage of an all-in-one is that you have everything in the box, including the keyboard and mouse. And for the first time, the accessories delivered with the iMac are equipped with a USB-C port for charging, directly in place of the Lightning socket, which is disappearing. However, this is the only element that changes. This means that the ultra-flat and tactile Magic Mouse always charges via a socket located underneath, which prevents it from being used when it is plugged in. It’s a shame that Apple didn’t take the opportunity to remedy this problem. Keyboard, mouse and trackpad, if you choose the latter, always come in the color matching the iMac you have chosen. And these models are exclusive to iMacs: if you buy these same accessories in the accessories store, you only have the choice between black or white.
iMac M4: a new DeskView compatible webcam
At the top of the iMac screen there is of course a webcam as always. But its definition goes from HD 1080p to 12 Mpxl, which makes it compatible with the Centered Frame function for automatic centering on the face or on the group of faces in front of the screen. And it also offers the DeskView function which allows you to easily show the desk surface while filming yourself. Very practical for showing an object or a physical manipulation to your correspondent without having to raise your hands in front of the lens.
iMac M4: a multitude of configurations and prices
We appreciate that Apple has made an effort on the quantity of RAM integrated as standard, but we regret that it has not taken the opportunity to simplify the range a little. Because, for its predecessors, the configuration of an iMac M4 is rather complex. You should know, for example, that the base model is only equipped with two USB 4 / Thunderbolt sockets at the back. As for the Ethernet socket for wired connection to your Internet box and the TouchID fingerprint reader, they are available as an option. For 1499 euros, it’s a little short. To benefit from more complete and, frankly, useful equipment, you have to move to the next step in the range and pay 1749 euros. Ouch. But, at least, we then have four Thunderbolt 4 ports, in addition to the Ethernet socket included in the power supply and the TouchID button on the keyboard.
In terms of options, we have already mentioned the nano-textured anti-reflective screen at 230 euros. Going from 16 GB to 24 GB of RAM also costs 230 euros. And if you want to upgrade to 32 GB of RAM, it’s also 230 euros, provided you have also opted for a minimum 512 GB SSD, which also costs 230 euros more than the basic 256 GB. You can also opt for 1TB or 2TB of storage, each level costing, you guessed it, 230 euros each. This is the basic unit at Apple. In other words, for a pumped-up iMac M4, 32 GB of RAM, 2 TB of storage and nano-textured screen, the bill rises to 3,359 euros… Here are some price examples
- iMac M4 – 16 GB – 256 GB – 2 ports: 1499 euros
- iMac M4 – 16 GB – 256 GB – 4 ports: 1749 euros
- iMac M4 – 16 GB – 512 GB – 4 ports: 1979 euros