Apple unveils iMac with M4 chip & Apple Intelligence

Apple has introduced the latest version of its iMac, equipped with the M4 chip and new Apple Intelligence features, offering enhanced performance and available in a selection of new colours.

The new iMac promises up to 1.7 times faster performance for everyday tasks and up to 2.1 times faster processing for advanced workflows such as photo editing and gaming compared to its predecessor equipped with the M1 chip. The iMac's M4 chip includes a Neural Engine that facilitates AI applications, positioning it as a leader in the all-in-one desktop category for AI, according to Apple.

John Ternus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, commented, "iMac is beloved by millions of users, from families at home to entrepreneurs hard at work. With the incredible features of Apple Intelligence and the powerful performance of Apple silicon, the new iMac changes the game once again. With M4 and Apple Intelligence, gorgeous new colours that pop in any space, an advanced 12MP Center Stage camera, and a new nano-texture glass display option, it's a whole new era for iMac."

The updated 24-inch iMac offers a 4.5K Retina display, now available with an optional nano-texture glass, which Apple claims reduces glare while maintaining image quality. This screen feature allows the iMac to be placed in brighter environments, such as sunlit rooms or storefronts.

New connectivity options have also been announced. The iMac includes up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, supporting faster data transfers and the ability to connect various peripherals, including external storage solutions and up to two 6K displays. Wireless capabilities include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and security features are enhanced with Touch ID.

For video communication, the iMac is equipped with a 12MP Center Stage camera designed to maintain focus on the user during calls. The camera also features Desk View, which can display both the user and a top-down view of their workspace, making it useful for presentations and content demonstrations.

The M4 chip is noted for its more capable CPU and GPU, with Apple describing it as having the "world's fastest CPU core" and featuring their most advanced graphics architecture, promising smoother gaming experiences and enhanced performance in creative applications.

Apple Intelligence introduces a range of new capabilities, incorporating generative models with privacy protections and expanding how users interact with their devices. With features such as systemwide Writing Tools and the redesigned Siri, users can perform features like text rewriting and making requests more efficiently. Apple plans future integrations, including access to ChatGPT within these systems from December.

The iMac's environmental credentials include the use of recycled materials across various components, aligning with Apple's wider sustainability goals. The company's 2030 objective is to achieve carbon neutrality across its larger carbon footprint.

Configurations are available with up to 32GB of memory and up to 2TB of SSD storage. Apple has also highlighted that iMac with M4 is up to 6 times faster compared to Intel-based versions and 4.5 times faster than the most popular Intel Core i7 24-inch all-in-one PCs.

The device is set to become available from November 8, with pre-orders open now. iMac will be offered in a range of colours, including green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver, along with matching accessories such as the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse.