Apple kicked off a week of Mac announcements by introducing the latest 24-inch iMac powered by its new M4 chip. This refreshed iMac promises faster performance, enhanced AI capabilities, and comes with Apple’s innovative AI suite, Apple Intelligence, built-in. With additional Mac announcements expected soon, Apple is aiming to redefine its computing lineup.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
The 24-inch iMac with the M4 processor is set to release on November 8, starting at $1,299. Apple touts the new model as up to 1.7 times faster for general tasks and up to 2.1 times faster for demanding activities like gaming and photo editing compared to the M1 model from 2021. John Ternus, Apple’s Senior VP for Hardware Engineering, describes this iMac as “the world’s best all-in-one for AI,” thanks to the M4’s upgraded 16-core neural engine dedicated to AI tasks .
The iMac now starts with 16GB of unified memory—double the previous model’s base configuration—while keeping the entry price the same. Consumers can opt for an 8-core or 10-core version of the M4, with the 10-core variant featuring four Thunderbolt 4 ports and starting at $1,499. Apple has also expanded color options, introducing yellow, purple, and orange alongside the existing blue, green, pink, and silver.
Apple Intelligence, Enhanced Video Calls, and Display Options
This iMac also marks the debut of Apple Intelligence on Mac, Apple’s suite of generative AI features embedded into macOS Sequoia 15.1. Apple Intelligence includes a smarter Siri, enhanced writing tools, and AI-powered imaging functions. While compatible with Macs running on M1 chips or newer, Apple states that the M4 delivers the optimal experience, handling AI processing up to three times faster than the M1’s neural engine.
With Apple Intelligence, users get built-in generative AI tools, making everyday tasks simpler and opening new possibilities for creativity and productivity. This AI-powered experience is central to Apple’s goal of making computing more intuitive and responsive across all devices .
The new iMac also boasts a 12MP Center Stage camera to ensure users stay centered during video calls, enhancing the remote work and virtual meeting experience. Additionally, Apple now offers a “nano-texture glass” option for $200, designed to minimize glare and reflections, improving the visual quality of the display in various lighting conditions.
TF Summary: What’s Next
The new M4-powered launches Apple’s next era in desktop computing with boosted speed and integrated AI features. With more Mac announcements expected this week, Apple is committed to heightening processing capabilities, introducing new models and AI innovations that promise to make the Mac ecosystem even more versatile, efficient, and user-friendly.
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