Apple has unveiled an updated iMac as part of a series of Mac-centric announcements this week.
The new 2024 iMac is powered by the company’s latest Apple M4 chipset, featuring up to a 10-core CPU (4 performance cores + 6 efficiency cores) and a new 10-core GPU. The M4 chip also boasts an enhanced Neural Engine for AI tasks.
Alongside the more powerful chip, the new iMac comes standard with 16GB of system memory (for Apple Intelligence), and offers options for 24GB and 32GB. Storage begins at 256GB and can be upgraded to as much as 2TB.
The iMac retains its 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, but Apple has introduced an optional nano-texture glass to significantly reduce glare over the standard glossy finish. This feature adds RM850 to the price and must be selected at purchase; it’s not available for the base model.
Connectivity has been improved in the new chipset. The high-end model features four Thunderbolt 4 ports with Ethernet support and can connect to either two 6K 60Hz or one 8K 120Hz external displays.
The base model, however, is equipped with just two Thunderbolt 4 ports without Ethernet (which can be added for RM100), and supports only one 6K 60Hz external display.
The front webcam has been upgraded to a new 12MP 1080p version with Apple’s Center Stage feature, which uses a wide-angle lens to dynamically adjust the frame based on the subjects present.
Additionally, there’s a Desk View feature that utilises the camera’s ultra-wide field to capture and correct the perspective of your desk’s contents beneath the iMac. The triple-microphone array and six-speaker setup remain unchanged.
Apple has refreshed the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and the optional Magic Trackpad with USB-C ports, phasing out the previous Lightning connectors. These accessories continue to be colour-matched to the iMac.
Apple has unveiled a new palette of colours, adding six vibrant options: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, and blue, alongside the unchanged classic silver.
Discerning the differences from the previous generation models maybe hard to spot, as they are essentially the same shades with slight adjustments.
Pricing and Availability
The M4 iMac 8-core model price starts at RM5,799, with an educational discount bringing it down to RM5,579.
The 10-core model begins at RM6,699, or RM6,269 with the educational discount. Apple says that Malaysian customers will soon be able to pre-order the new iMacs, although a specific date has not been provided.