Apple’s new iMac, now powered by the M4 chip, continues its tradition of blending cutting-edge technology with stunning design. It’s thinner, faster, and smarter than its predecessors, but in a market where performance and flexibility are increasingly demanded, does it do enough to justify its price? Let’s break it down.
The Design: Still a Showstopper
The iMac’s ultra-thin profile and vibrant color options are as striking as ever. Available in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver, it fits seamlessly into a creative workspace or a minimalist home office. The color-matched accessories, like the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, add a cohesive and polished aesthetic.
However, the design is not without its flaws. The lack of adjustability in the stand remains a glaring issue. You can tilt the screen, but height adjustments require third-party solutions, which feels outdated for a device that starts at $1,299. Competing all-in-ones and monitors often include adjustable stands as standard.
Performance: The M4 Shines
The M4 chip is the iMac’s crown jewel, delivering a noticeable boost in performance. Apple claims up to 1.7x faster speeds for daily tasks and 2.1x faster performance for demanding workflows like photo editing and gaming. In practice, the iMac breezes through tasks like running multiple applications, editing high-resolution photos in Lightroom, and even rendering 4K videos in Final Cut Pro.
Display: Gorgeous but Unchanged
The 24-inch 4.5K Retina display remains one of the best in the industry. It’s bright, sharp, and offers excellent color accuracy, making it perfect for photo and video editing. The new nano-texture glass option reduces glare and improves visibility in well-lit spaces, a welcome addition for creative professionals.
However, the lack of a larger screen option is disappointing. Competitors like Microsoft’s Surface Studio 2+ offer a more flexible range of sizes, catering to users who need more screen real estate.
Apple Intelligence Integration and Features: A Mixed Bag
Apple Intelligence is a standout feature of the M4 iMac, offering seamless integration of AI-powered tools for productivity, communication, and creative tasks. From automating workflows to enhancing video calls with Desk View, it feels futuristic.
Yet, much of its functionality is tied to Apple’s ecosystem. If you’re not fully invested in Apple’s software and services, some features feel redundant or underutilized. For an all-in-one at this price, more versatility across platforms would have been a game-changer.
Connectivity and Accessories: Falling Short
The addition of Thunderbolt 4 ports is a nice touch, but the base model only includes two ports, which feels limiting. If you want four ports, you’ll need to spend at least $1,499, making it feel like Apple is nickel-and-diming its customers.
The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is a highlight, but Apple’s insistence on including the aging Magic Mouse in the package is baffling. The mouse’s charging port remains awkwardly placed on the underside, rendering it unusable while charging—a design flaw that has persisted for years. The Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse now have USB C ports which is a plus.
Pricing: The Apple Premium
Starting at $1,299, the iMac is not cheap, but it’s competitive for an all-in-one machine with such a premium design. However, once you start upgrading storage or opting for the higher-tier model, the price can soar well past $2,000.
Our Final Thoughts
The iMac with M4 is a stunning device that excels in many areas, from its sleek design and excellent display to its improved performance and AI features. It’s ideal for users who value aesthetics and ease of use over raw power or customization.
However, it falls short in several key areas. The lack of upgradability, limited port options, reliance on integrated graphics, and steep pricing for higher configurations make it less appealing to professionals who demand more flexibility. While it’s a fantastic option for casual users or creative professionals who are fully immersed in Apple’s ecosystem, it struggles to justify itself as the best all-in-one for everyone.
