Apple's M4 iMac hasn't changed much.
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Apple's updated 24-inch iMac has a fast chip, but that's not the only reason to upgrade. Here's how the hot new model compares to last year's M3 iMac it replaces.
Apple's release of the new M4 iMac comes just months after the chip first debuted in the 2024 iPad Pro. It also arrives in the same week that the M4 Mac mini and M4 MacBook Pro were unveiled.
This updated M4 iMac replaces the M3 iMac that went on sale in October 2023. Given the familiar design, it's fair to say that all the biggest changes are on the inside.
M4 24-inch iMac vs. M3 24-inch iMac Specs
| Specs | 24-inch iMac (2023, M3) | 24-inch iMac (2024, M4) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1,299 (2-port), $1,499 (4-port) Best M3 iMac Prices |
$1,299 (2-port), $1,499 (4 ports) Best prices on M4 iMac |
| Processor | 8-core M3, 16-core Neural Engine |
8-core M4, 10-core M4, 16-core Neural Engine |
| Graphics | 8-core M3 GPU (2 ports), 10-core M3 GPU (4 ports) |
8-core M4 GPU (2 ports), 10-core M4 GPU (4 ports) |
| RAM | 8GB Unified Memory, Configurable up to 24GB |
16GB Unified Memory, Configurable up to 24GB (2 ports), Configurable up to 32GB (4 ports), |
| Internal Storage | 256GB SSD Configurable up to 1TB SSD (2 ports) Configurable up to 2TB (4 ports) |
256GB SSD Configurable up to 1TB SSD (2 ports) Configurable up to 2TB (4 ports) |
| Display | 4480 x 2520 Retina 4.5K LED display, wide color gamut (P3), True Tone, 500 nits |
4480 x 2520 Retina 4.5K LED display, wide color gamut (P3), True Tone, 500 nits, nano-texture glass (optional) |
| Connectivity | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.3 Gigabit Ethernet (optional for 2 ports) 2x USB 4/Thunderbolt 2xUSB 3 (4 ports) 3.5mm headphone jack with high-impedance headphone support |
802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 Gigabit Ethernet (optional for 2-port model) 2x USB 4/Thunderbolt 4 (2 ports) 4x USB 4/Thunderbolt 4 (4 ports) 3.5mm headphone jack with high-impedance headphone support |
| Camera & Audio | 1080p FaceTime camera with M3 ISP Studio-quality, three-mic array with beamforming Six-speaker array with forced-bass compensation |
12MP Center Stage camera with M4 ISP Studio-quality, three-mic array with beamforming Six-speaker array with forced-bass compensation |
| Video Output | One 6K display @ 60Hz | One 6K display @ 60Hz (2 ports) Dual 6K displays @ 60Hz or one 8K display @ 60Hz (4 ports) |
| Special Features | Hey Siri Support Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (optional for 2 ports) |
Hey Siri Support Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (optional for 2 ports) |
M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac – Design, Weight, Size
Apple’s updated M4 iMac is the exact same size as the previous model, though it’s only 0.08 pounds lighter. That’s 9.79 pounds for the M4 iMac versus 9.87 pounds for the M3 iMac.
Given that, it’s no surprise that the two iMacs look identical on the outside.
While the two iMacs are offered in the same colors, that doesn’t mean they look the same. Buyers will notice that the green, pink, silver, orange, yellow, blue, and purple colors are different than the previous model.
24-inch iMac M3.
In terms of actual dimensions, the iMac is 18.1 inches tall and 21.5 inches wide. The depth with the stand included is 5.8 inches.
M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac – Display
This updated M4 iMac’s identical design to the previous model also means the display is the same. It’s a 24-inch panel with a 4.5K resolution and 500 nits of brightness.
As has become the norm for Apple’s Mac displays, the M4 iMac includes both the P3 wide color gamut and True Tone support.
Where it differs is the option of a nano-texture finish on the M4 iMac’s display. The finish diffuses light to minimize reflections, but it costs an extra $200, so it won’t suit everyone.
M4 24-inch iMac vs. M3 24-inch iMac – Performance
The M4 chip is the big news, and it’s available in 8- and 10-core CPU configurations. Four of those are performance cores no matter which chip you choose, but the 10-core chip has two extra efficiency cores, for a total of six compared to four on the 8-core.
Both M4 chips on offer feature a 10-core GPU, matching the previous-generation M3 chip. However, the older chip is only available with eight CPU cores.
As for other key specs, M4 iMac buyers can configure up to 32GB of RAM, compared to the 24GB limit on the M3 iteration. The base configuration has also been doubled to 16GB for the M4 iMac, up from 8GB on the M3 variant.
This memory is also faster, with 120GB/s of memory bandwidth, exceeding the 100GB/s of the M3 chip, while both machines have the same 16-core Neural Engine. Apple's M-series media engine is unchanged, and retains support for hardware acceleration of H.264 and HEVC, among other things.
M4 24-inch iMac vs. M3 24-inch iMac – Camera and Audio
While a built-in camera may not be the main reason for many people to buy a new iMac, the M4 variant does offer a notable upgrade. While the M3 iMac features a 1080p HD FaceTime camera, the M4 iMac features an upgraded 12-megapixel Center Stage camera.
With the new camera, buyers can expect Desk View and 1080p video recording support on an iMac for the first time.
A close-up of the M3 24-inch iMac’s display and webcam
The same six-speaker audio system with support for wide stereo sound and Dolby Atmos makes the jump from the M3 iMac to the M4 iMac.
Also included is a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack and a studio-quality microphone array.
M4 24-inch iMac vs. M3 24-inch iMac – Storage, Connectivity, Peripherals
Those who buy the M4 iMac can choose up to 2TB of SSD storage, the same as the previous model, but only if you choose the four-port model. The base 256GB model also remains, with 512GB and 1TB options also available.
Accessories include the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, with a Magic Trackpad also available. All of these accessories offer USB-C connectivity and charging.
A selection of ports on the back of the four-port M3 24-inch iMac variant.
Connectivity is also consistent across all models, with the M4 iMac featuring Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3 support.
The back of the dual-port M4 iMac features a pair of Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, which upgrade to four Thunderbolt 4 ports when you choose the upgrade model.
Gigabit Ethernet is a configurable option on the dual-port model, while it’s standard on the quad-port iMac. It’s all very similar to the M3 iMac, though the older model is limited to two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and two USB 3 ports when buyers opt for the quad-port configuration.
M4 24-inch iMac vs. M3 24-inch iMac Pricing
Apple is sticking with a starting price of $1,299 for the M4 iMac, while upgrading to the quad-port model means an extra $200.
M4 24-inch iMac vs. M1 24-inch iMac — Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse
Upgrading to 24GB of RAM costs $200, while a 512GB SSD is also $200. A larger 1TB option is available for an extra $400.
Those looking for the most storage can opt for the 2TB model for an extra $600, but again, that option is only available on the four-port M4 iMac for $1,699.
Apple ships the M4 iMac with a Magic Keyboard as standard, but for an extra $30 you can upgrade to a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and a numeric keypad instead.
M4 24-inch iMac vs. M3 24-inch iMac – Which One Should You Buy?
The simplest approach to choosing a new iMac is to buy the latest model whenever possible. The M4 iMac comes with some welcome upgrades, not least a new chip with more cores and improved performance.
Apple's decision not to increase the price of the iMac with this update also makes the M3 version less attractive. However, there are times when things may not be that simple.
Third-party retailers often sell older models at a discount to free up space in their warehouses. This means you can find a great deal on the M3 iMac while supplies last.
While the M4 iMac is undoubtedly the best model, we recommend you check the M3 iMac sale prices before placing an order. Especially if the new updates don't excite you.
M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac – Where to Buy
The M4 24-inch iMac is now available for pre-order from Apple Authorized Reseller B&H Photo, and Payoo cardholders are eligible for a sales tax refund if you live in an eligible state.
You can, of course, buy directly from Apple, but we expect other retailers to start offering special prices during the upcoming Black Friday sales. Be sure to check out our collection of the best iMac deals and our iMac M4 Price Comparison Guide before you place your order.
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