Apple’s new M4 iMac comes with several key upgrades over its predecessors, making it a strong option for those who want a powerful, future-proofed machine. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide if it’s the right time to upgrade.
What’s New in the M4 iMac?
The 2024 M4 iMac is a major improvement over the 2021 and 2023 models, bringing faster performance, a more advanced Neural Engine, and new features like a 12-megapixel camera with Center Stage and Desk View, USB-C accessories, and a nano-texture display option. It also comes with up to 32GB of memory, a 120GB/s memory bandwidth, and support for up to two external displays, making it better suited for professional and creative users. For AI and machine learning tasks, the enhanced Neural Engine can now handle 38 trillion operations per second, a huge leap from prior models.
Who Should Consider Upgrading?
M1 iMac Users: If you have the 2021 M1 iMac and need better performance or plan to use more demanding software, the M4 model’s faster CPU and GPU, better webcam, and improved memory options make it a great choice.
Intel iMac Users: Those using older Intel iMacs will see a massive speed boost with the M4 model, up to six times faster in some tasks, along with a sleeker design and more modern features.
Advanced Users: For anyone who relies on heavy multitasking, photo or video editing, or applications that benefit from hardware-accelerated ray tracing, the M4’s power and additional display support make it a strong investment.
Who Might Wait?
M3 iMac Users: If you have the 2023 M3 iMac, the upgrade might be less compelling unless you need the M4’s specific advancements. The M3 remains capable of handling most tasks efficiently, and you’ll still benefit from modern features like Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E.
Bottom Line
The 2024 M4 iMac, starting at $1,299, offers longevity, faster performance, and advanced features that make it a solid choice for users looking to future-proof their setup.
If you’re an M1 or Intel iMac user, this upgrade could bring noticeable improvements in speed and functionality, while M3 users may find it practical to hold off for now.
