Apple Unveils New iMac Featuring M4 Chip and AI-Powered 'Apple Intelligence'

Apple has officially launched its latest iMac, now powered by the M4 chip and equipped with Apple Intelligence, an AI-driven assistant designed to enhance user productivity across applications. Available in a vibrant selection of colors, the new iMac delivers enhanced performance, display quality, and connectivity within a sleek, minimalistic design. Customers can pre-order the device now, with availability starting on November 8 and prices beginning at $1,299.

Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, emphasized the versatility of the new iMac, describing it as tailored to meet the needs of a broad user base, from families to entrepreneurs. Ternus highlighted the key improvements: “With M4 and Apple Intelligence, gorgeous new colors 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.”

Key Features and Technical Specifications

Performance and Processing Power
The iMac now includes the M4 chip, which offers an 8-core CPU and GPU in its base model, with configurations available up to 10 cores for both. With up to 1.7x faster performance for productivity applications and 2.1x enhanced speed for photo and video editing compared to its M1 predecessor, the new iMac is well-suited for demanding tasks. Additionally, the M4’s neural engine is three times faster than M1, optimizing Apple Intelligence features for seamless AI support. Standard memory starts at 16 GB, with the option to upgrade to 32 GB, while storage ranges from 256 GB SSD up to 1 TB.

Apple Intelligence Integration
Apple Intelligence introduces sophisticated tools for writing, summarizing, and proofreading across apps, as well as an enhanced Siri with expanded response capabilities, including text input support. Notably, Apple maintains user privacy with on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute for intensive AI tasks, and integrates ChatGPT without requiring a separate account.

Display Enhancements
The iMac’s 24-inch 4.5K Retina display offers over 11 million pixels, with a brightness of 500 nits and a wide P3 color gamut for vivid visuals. An optional nano-texture glass finish minimizes reflections, ideal for well-lit environments.

Camera and Audio
The iMac’s 12MP Center Stage camera includes Desk View, enabling simultaneous front-facing and overhead views. For audio, the device offers a studio-quality microphone array with beamforming technology, complemented by a six-speaker sound system for immersive sound quality.

Connectivity and Security
The latest iMac model supports up to four USB-C ports, with Thunderbolt 4 available on higher-end configurations. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure fast and stable connections, while integrated Touch ID provides secure authentication and Fast User Switching for convenient profile management.

Design and Customization
Apple offers the new iMac in seven colors: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. Each device includes color-matched accessories, such as the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and an optional Magic Trackpad, allowing users to personalize their workspace.

macOS Sequoia Features
The iMac runs on macOS Sequoia, which introduces iPhone Mirroring, Safari updates for improved reading and video experiences, and gaming-focused features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Game Mode for an optimized entertainment experience.

Environmental Commitments
In alignment with Apple’s sustainability goals, the iMac is crafted from 100% recycled aluminum and other environmentally responsible materials, with fiber-based packaging aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

Availability and Pricing

The new iMac is available for pre-order on Apple’s website, with a starting price of $1,299. General availability begins on November 8.

Apple’s latest iMac exemplifies the company’s commitment to high performance, versatility, and privacy-centric AI, while maintaining a focus on sustainability.