Apple has unveiled its latest iMac, powered by the M4 chip and integrated with Apple Intelligence, bringing a leap in performance and versatility to its iconic all-in-one desktop. Designed in a sleek, ultra-thin form and available in vibrant new colours, the iMac continues Apple’s tradition of marrying power with aesthetic appeal.
The M4 chip is a significant upgrade, delivering up to 1.7 times faster performance for daily tasks and more than double the speed in demanding applications like photo editing and gaming compared to the M1. Integrated with Apple Intelligence, iMac now leverages AI to improve user workflows while maintaining privacy. This new model offers a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with an optional nano-texture finish to reduce glare, and it starts at £1,299, with pre-orders available now ahead of its November 8 release.
“iMac has earned a special place in homes and workplaces,” said John Ternus, Apple’s Senior VP of Hardware Engineering. “With M4, Apple Intelligence, and bold new colours, this iMac redefines what users expect from an all-in-one desktop.”
Boosted by the M4 Chip
The M4 chip brings enhanced processing power to the iMac. Apple claims that everyday tasks are now up to 1.7 times faster than the M1 model, while tasks requiring intensive graphics, such as gaming and photo editing, are up to 2.1 times faster. This new model also introduces a more advanced Neural Engine, tripling AI processing speeds and making the iMac a leader in all-in-one AI capabilities. Apple’s flagship GPU architecture enables smooth, high-frame-rate gameplay for titles like Civilization VII, and users can upgrade to 32GB of unified memory for even greater performance.
For professional applications, the M4 chip enables multitasking in apps like Microsoft Excel and Safari with ease, offering a fluid experience across a variety of demanding software. When compared to Intel-based models, the M4 iMac outpaces the competition, making it up to 6 times faster than older iMacs with Intel Core processors.
Enter Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence brings a new personal AI experience to iMac, offering features that include system-wide Writing Tools to help users proofread, summarise, and refine text. Enhanced by the Neural Engine, these tools are designed for privacy, utilising on-device processing where possible and Private Cloud Compute for complex tasks. Apple Intelligence also introduces a redesigned Siri, which can seamlessly switch between spoken and typed commands and even integrate with ChatGPT, offering AI-driven assistance within Apple’s own secure ecosystem.
With new tools like Image Playground and Genmoji, users can create custom images and emojis, while Siri becomes more powerful, with the ability to carry out system-wide tasks and provide context-aware responses. Apple Intelligence’s privacy framework means that users can access ChatGPT without needing to register, with measures in place to safeguard personal data.
Vibrant Colours and Advanced Display Options
Available in seven striking shades—green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver—the new iMac offers users more options for personalising their workspace. Colour-matched accessories, including the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, now feature USB-C for streamlined connectivity. The new nano-texture option on the 24-inch 4.5K Retina display is designed for bright environments, minimising glare and ensuring high-quality visuals across lighting conditions.
A Smarter Camera and Enhanced Connectivity
Equipped with a 12MP Centre Stage camera, the new iMac is ideal for video calls, keeping users and their desks in the frame with Desk View, a feature that allows educators and creatives to share a top-down view of their workspace. The iMac also features four USB-C ports supporting Thunderbolt 4 for fast data transfers, along with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. With Touch ID, users can securely access their accounts and make payments with ease.
macOS Sequoia: Enhancing the iMac Experience
Running on macOS Sequoia, the new iMac offers features such as iPhone Mirroring, allowing users to interact with their iPhone apps directly from their Mac. Safari has been revamped with tools like Highlights, a smarter Reader mode, and Distraction Control to enhance browsing. For gaming, improvements to Game Mode and the addition of titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows make the iMac a versatile machine for both productivity and entertainment.
Built with Sustainability in Mind
Apple has designed the new iMac with a focus on environmental sustainability, using 100% recycled aluminium in the stand, along with recycled gold, tin, and copper throughout its circuitry. iMac’s fibre-based packaging is another step towards Apple’s goal of eliminating plastic by 2025. With Apple aiming to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire footprint by 2030, this iMac aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability.
The new iMac with M4 chip and Apple Intelligence combines performance, privacy, and personalisation, offering users an all-in-one desktop that sets new standards in design and technology. With fresh colours, advanced connectivity, and powerful AI features, Apple has redefined the iMac for a new generation of users.
