Apple's 2024 iMac Assessment: Advancement in the Proper Pathway
Apple's 2024 iMac Assessment: Advancement in the Proper Pathway
Last year, the Apple iMac made a comeback after a two-year absence, sparking a surge of nostalgia in me. One of my beloved computers from childhood had been revived. However, the sentimental feelings soon subsided, leaving me yearning for more—more screen space, more power, more customization options.
This year's iMac joins the party with Apple's potent M4 silicon, bridging the performance gap that existed in the previous model. The 2024 iMac showcases noticeable enhancements, transforming it into a robust all-in-one, capable of handling tasks beyond casual gaming and basic editing, despite Apple sticking to a safe aesthetic design.
Apple iMac 2024 Review: Design and Features
The iMac we examined is the 24-inch, high-end M4 variant, retailing at $2,300. It boasts a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 1TB storage, 24GB memory, and the pricey nano-texture glass coating (an additional $200). For an extra $400, you can quadruple the storage; for another $200, you can upgrade to 32GB of unified memory.
This setup is oriented towards power users aiming to utilize the iMac as a workstation or editing suite. However, given that all-in-ones also serving as impressive living room computers, you can opt for the entry-level iMac, starting at $1,300, equipped with an 8-core CPU and GPU. Regrettably, the base model misses out on the gigabit Ethernet and the additional Thunderbolt ports. If seeking optimal value, I recommend splurging on the iMac with the 10-core CPU/GPU combo, costing $1,500.
The design of this iMac iteration remains mostly the same as last year. It's offered in seven vibrant colors (this year, including Blue), housed in an 11.5mm slim chassis, with the 24-inch Retina Display. The range of motion can only tilt slightly, but the compact footprint is advantageous, especially for cramped workspaces. The iMac's design has consistently added a touch of flair to my desk.
It's enjoyable to see that VESA-compatible versions of the latest iMacs are available. However, it's worth noting that these machines are shipped without a desktop base, requiring users to pre-decide on mounting it on a wall or attaching it to a desk arm.
There is one element I continue to grapple with, though: the Magic Mouse's charging port's unconventional location at the bottom. While appreciative of Apple's switch to USB-C charging for all its accessories, the inconvenience of not being able to use the mouse while charging it grates on me.
Unfortunately, all iMac models are limited to the basic M4 chip. To find Macs with the M4 Pro or M4 Max, you have to explore the overhauled Mac mini or the MacBook Pro. As I tested the M4 iMac, I was once again left pondering why Apple hasn't introduced models with more potent silicon.
Apple iMac 2024 Review: Performance
The M4 iMac demonstrates a slight boost in performance across all CPU synthetic tests when compared to its M3 predecessor, clocking in at around a 15-25% improvement. The M4 iMac shines in multitasking scenarios, enabling tasks such as editing and exporting a 1080p video, making video calls, and opening numerous browser tabs with minimal lag.
In Blender, the iMac successfully rendered a BMW scene in two minutes and 31 seconds, almost matching the 14-inch Macbook with M4's two-minute and 42-second rendering time.
Considering the cost, the 2024 iMac with its 24GB of memory, priced at $2,300, offers considerably better value than last year's configuration, which would have required an estimated $2,800 for similar specifications. The CPU's performance on the iMac significantly surpasses Intel's by a generous margin.
The Mac mini with M4 Pro serves as the optimal choice if you're after enhanced workstation performance, as it is the only Mac desktop providing a more powerful chip. Moreover, it offers flexibility by allowing you to pair it with any sized monitor. Although the iMacs performance is improved, I would not recommend it for heavy video and photo editors. If you're a content creator who relies heavily on AI in your workflow, a more robust iMac might warrant your consideration.
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Apple has downplayed the significance of gaming with the M4 iMac this time, but the machine is still capable of accommodating some light gaming if you are contented with slightly reduced frame rates than even what you would enjoy on a budget gaming PC. The 2024 iMac seems better suited for work and some occasional amusement.
Resident Evil 4 Remake played smoothly, averaging 45-50fps at 1080p on the 'optimized graphics preset.' Although playable, I observed some stuttering in crowded environments, such as Village Square, being overrun by zombies in early chapters. Switching to a performance-focused preset raises the frame rate to approximately 55fps.
Myst consistently maintained a smooth performance with an average of 50-55 frames per second. It's less demanding compared to Resident Evil 4 Remake, but there were no major glitches during gameplay. Regrettably, I expected a steady 60 fps, especially considering the price tag surpassing $2,000.
It's commendable that all iMac versions include a 16GB base of unified memory as standard. This entry-level memory configuration is beneficial for utilizing Apple Intelligence, a prominent feature in Apple's 2024 product lineup. However, similar to our MacBook and MacBook Pro reviews, Apple Intelligence exhibits a mixed performance.
Apple iMac 2024 Review: Display and Camera
Although we had hopes for a 32-inch iMac, it seems it might not materialize until 2025. In the interim, I've been using the 2023 24-inch iMac for work purposes for more than a year, and its screen size hasn't bothered me as much as anticipated. Yet, for serious video or photo editing, the additional screen space would prove instrumental, minimizing the need for a secondary monitor.
The 24-inch 4.5K Retina display at 60Hz refresh rate remains unchanged from the previous year, presenting no novel innovations. The screen boasts commendable color and contrast, but an iMac with an OLED display, like in the new M4 iPad Pro, would be a welcome upgrade.
The review unit was equipped with the display's $200 nano-texture glass option, reducing glare and reflection under strong studio lights. This enhancement may be worth considering if your workspace is exposed to significant sunlight. However, I failed to notice any perceptible difference in light-controlled environments compared to the M3 iMac.
The 12MP camera performs adequately, exhibiting noteworthy capabilities through its Center Stage feature, which functions as a head-tracker for video calls, ensuring the user remains in the frame. I also experimented with Desk View during Facetime calls, which uses the front-facing camera to display both the user and their desk.
This feature is handy for professional meetings requiring the presentation of desk-placed items. I enjoyed showcasing my Lego figurines during Facetime calls with my son, offering an entertaining weekend diversion. Regrettably, Desk View appears to have some compatibility issues with Google Meets, but it functioned successfully on WebEx.
Apple iMac 2024 Review: Verdict
The M3 iMac felt like a modest upgrade, while the M4-powered iMac serves as a more desirable option for Apple's all-in-one, featuring improved value and tuning for Apple Intelligence. Despite its stunning appearance, the iMac remains a popular choice among users seeking productivity and light gaming. Opt for the less expensive specifications for basic tasks, or consider pricier configurations for more extensive workloads.
The absence of larger display options and more potent chip configurations caters to power users' discontentment. However, for heavy-duty workloads, alternative Mac options such as the 2024 Mac mini and MacBook Pro are at your disposal. Conversely, for a stylish, everyday all-in-one that delivers solid performance at an affordable price, the M4 iMac is an optimal pick.
The upcoming 2025 iMac model is anticipated to feature a larger 32-inch display, addressing the request for additional screen space from power users and heavy video editors. Despite the lack of a more powerful silicon in the current iMac models, users can explore more potent M4 Pro or M4 Max chips in the overhauled Mac mini or MacBook Pro for enhanced workstation performance.
As reviews and user feedback pour in for the 2024 iMac, many have noted the beneficial impact of the Apple M4 chip on the iMac's performance, allowing it to handle tasks beyond casual gaming and basic editing. The future of technology in the field of all-in-one computers appear to be promising, with manufacturers investing in improved silicon and larger displays to cater to diverse user needs.