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iMac M4 (2024)

Apple iMac M4 (2024)

86
BUYARY SCORE

Vibrant 24-inch display and powerful M4 chip deliver sleek performance with minor ergonomic trade-offs.

The Apple iMac M4 (2024) is a sleek all-in-one powerhouse designed for creatives craving style and substance in one vibrant package. Sporting a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with an optional nano-texture glass finish, it dazzles visually while the M4 chip’s speedy performance keeps workflows smooth. Experts praise its doubled base RAM and improved camera, though users note the limited ports and lack of stand height adjustment as minor annoyances. With seamless Apple ecosystem integration and thoughtful video features like 12MP Center Stage plus Desk View, this iMac balances flair with function—offering premium polish that justifies its price tag for those who value design alongside power.

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Does this improve your life? Considers, health, habits, and environmental impact.

84
FIT
82
EXPERTS
88
USERS
83
VALUE

Benefits

Lower energy use

M4's efficient Apple Silicon reduces desktop power draw, lowering household energy and emissions.

🧠
Memory for longevity

Doubling base RAM to 16GB helps future-proof workflows, delaying replacements and reducing e-waste.

📷
Better remote presence

12MP Center Stage camera and improved microphones make calls clearer, reducing social stress.

🪟
Reduced screen glare

Optional nano-texture glass minimizes reflections, easing eye strain during long screen sessions.

🛋️
Clutter-free workspace

Integrated all-in-one design reduces cables and decision fatigue, promoting calmer home workspaces.

Trade-Offs

🪑
Limited height adjustment

Fixed stand lacks height tilt, increasing neck and shoulder strain for many work setups.

♻️
Restricted internal upgrades

Soldered components and non-upgrade SSD limit repairs, potentially shortening lifespan and increasing e-waste.

🏭
Material recycling complexity

Glass-metal fusion and dense assembly complicate recycling compared with modular, easy-to-disassemble designs.

💻
Single form factor

Single 24-inch size and non-modular form may push users to buy extra peripherals or devices.

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Alternatives

Apple iMac M4 (2024) delivers a polished, low‑maintenance desktop anchored by a powerful SoC, preserving smooth, secure everyday use while trading off repairability and transparent material sourcing. For shoppers focused on well‑being and ingredient integrity, look instead at modular mini‑ITX desktop towers (x86, repairable) or all‑in‑one PCs with recycled‑plastic chassis (x86 + discrete GPUs).
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Publications

10 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS


78
Logo of cnet

Matt Elliott from CNET highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a refined evolution of an already excellent all-in-one computer, praising its elegant design and significant performance gains over the M1 and M3 models. The reviewer appreciates the doubled minimum RAM to 16GB at no extra cost and the improved M4 chip, which delivers notable CPU and GPU speed boosts, making it a compelling upgrade especially for users with older Intel iMacs. The review also notes useful enhancements like Thunderbolt 4 ports, a better webcam with Center Stage and Desk View, and the optional nano-texture glass display that effectively reduces glare. However, Elliott points out that the design remains unchanged since 2021, the base 256GB SSD is still undersized, and Apple’s storage upgrade pricing is steep. The iMac’s gaming capabilities are modest, and some features like Apple Intelligence are still emerging. Overall, the M4 iMac is recommended as the best all-in-one available, though those with an M3 model might wait for a future redesign.

By Matt Elliott
November 7, 2024
86
Logo of PCMag.com

Brian Westover from PCMag highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a vibrant and capable all-in-one desktop that refreshes the classic design with bold new colors and a powerful M4 processor. Praising its striking 23.5-inch 4.5K display—especially the optional nano-textured glass that reduces glare without sacrificing clarity—he notes the iMac’s excellent color accuracy and brightness, which elevate it above many competitors. The review emphasizes the M4 chip’s solid performance gains over the previous M3 model, though it doesn’t surpass the higher-end M2 Pro, positioning the iMac as a strong but not workstation-level machine. Westover appreciates the thoughtful color-matched peripherals and the AI-enhanced macOS Sequoia features, while pointing out minor drawbacks like limited port options, lack of height adjustment on the stand, and a 1080p webcam despite the upgrade. Overall, the iMac M4 is celebrated as a stylish, smart, and well-rounded choice for users seeking a premium, colorful all-in-one with balanced power and design.

By Brian Westover
November 7, 2024
78
Logo of cnet

Matt Elliott from CNET highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a refined evolution of an already excellent all-in-one computer, praising its elegant design and significant performance gains over the M1 and M3 models. The reviewer appreciates the doubled minimum RAM to 16GB at no extra cost and the improved M4 chip, which delivers notable CPU and GPU speed boosts, making it a compelling upgrade especially for users with older Intel iMacs. The review also notes useful enhancements like Thunderbolt 4 ports, a better webcam with Center Stage and Desk View, and the optional nano-texture glass display that effectively reduces glare. However, Elliott points out that the design remains unchanged since 2021, the base 256GB SSD is still undersized, and Apple’s storage upgrade pricing is steep. The iMac’s gaming capabilities are modest, and some features like Apple Intelligence are still emerging. Overall, the M4 iMac is recommended as the best all-in-one available, though those with an M3 model might wait for a future redesign.

By Matt Elliott
November 7, 2024
86
Logo of PCMag.com

Brian Westover from PCMag highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a vibrant and capable all-in-one desktop that refreshes the classic design with bold new colors and a powerful M4 processor. Praising its striking 23.5-inch 4.5K display—especially the optional nano-textured glass that reduces glare without sacrificing clarity—he notes the iMac’s excellent color accuracy and brightness, which elevate it above many competitors. The review emphasizes the M4 chip’s solid performance gains over the previous M3 model, though it doesn’t surpass the higher-end M2 Pro, positioning the iMac as a strong but not workstation-level machine. Westover appreciates the thoughtful color-matched peripherals and the AI-enhanced macOS Sequoia features, while pointing out minor drawbacks like limited port options, lack of height adjustment on the stand, and a 1080p webcam despite the upgrade. Overall, the iMac M4 is celebrated as a stylish, smart, and well-rounded choice for users seeking a premium, colorful all-in-one with balanced power and design.

By Brian Westover
November 7, 2024
78
Logo of cnet

Matt Elliott from CNET highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a refined evolution of an already excellent all-in-one computer, praising its elegant design and significant performance gains over the M1 and M3 models. The reviewer appreciates the doubled minimum RAM to 16GB at no extra cost and the improved M4 chip, which delivers notable CPU and GPU speed boosts, making it a compelling upgrade especially for users with older Intel iMacs. The review also notes useful enhancements like Thunderbolt 4 ports, a better webcam with Center Stage and Desk View, and the optional nano-texture glass display that effectively reduces glare. However, Elliott points out that the design remains unchanged since 2021, the base 256GB SSD is still undersized, and Apple’s storage upgrade pricing is steep. The iMac’s gaming capabilities are modest, and some features like Apple Intelligence are still emerging. Overall, the M4 iMac is recommended as the best all-in-one available, though those with an M3 model might wait for a future redesign.

By Matt Elliott
November 7, 2024
86
Logo of PCMag.com

Brian Westover from PCMag highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a vibrant and capable all-in-one desktop that refreshes the classic design with bold new colors and a powerful M4 processor. Praising its striking 23.5-inch 4.5K display—especially the optional nano-textured glass that reduces glare without sacrificing clarity—he notes the iMac’s excellent color accuracy and brightness, which elevate it above many competitors. The review emphasizes the M4 chip’s solid performance gains over the previous M3 model, though it doesn’t surpass the higher-end M2 Pro, positioning the iMac as a strong but not workstation-level machine. Westover appreciates the thoughtful color-matched peripherals and the AI-enhanced macOS Sequoia features, while pointing out minor drawbacks like limited port options, lack of height adjustment on the stand, and a 1080p webcam despite the upgrade. Overall, the iMac M4 is celebrated as a stylish, smart, and well-rounded choice for users seeking a premium, colorful all-in-one with balanced power and design.

By Brian Westover
November 7, 2024
78
Logo of cnet

Matt Elliott from CNET highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a refined evolution of an already excellent all-in-one computer, praising its elegant design and significant performance gains over the M1 and M3 models. The reviewer appreciates the doubled minimum RAM to 16GB at no extra cost and the improved M4 chip, which delivers notable CPU and GPU speed boosts, making it a compelling upgrade especially for users with older Intel iMacs. The review also notes useful enhancements like Thunderbolt 4 ports, a better webcam with Center Stage and Desk View, and the optional nano-texture glass display that effectively reduces glare. However, Elliott points out that the design remains unchanged since 2021, the base 256GB SSD is still undersized, and Apple’s storage upgrade pricing is steep. The iMac’s gaming capabilities are modest, and some features like Apple Intelligence are still emerging. Overall, the M4 iMac is recommended as the best all-in-one available, though those with an M3 model might wait for a future redesign.

By Matt Elliott
November 7, 2024
86
Logo of PCMag.com

Brian Westover from PCMag highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a vibrant and capable all-in-one desktop that refreshes the classic design with bold new colors and a powerful M4 processor. Praising its striking 23.5-inch 4.5K display—especially the optional nano-textured glass that reduces glare without sacrificing clarity—he notes the iMac’s excellent color accuracy and brightness, which elevate it above many competitors. The review emphasizes the M4 chip’s solid performance gains over the previous M3 model, though it doesn’t surpass the higher-end M2 Pro, positioning the iMac as a strong but not workstation-level machine. Westover appreciates the thoughtful color-matched peripherals and the AI-enhanced macOS Sequoia features, while pointing out minor drawbacks like limited port options, lack of height adjustment on the stand, and a 1080p webcam despite the upgrade. Overall, the iMac M4 is celebrated as a stylish, smart, and well-rounded choice for users seeking a premium, colorful all-in-one with balanced power and design.

By Brian Westover
November 7, 2024
78
Logo of cnet

Matt Elliott from CNET highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a refined evolution of an already excellent all-in-one computer, praising its elegant design and significant performance gains over the M1 and M3 models. The reviewer appreciates the doubled minimum RAM to 16GB at no extra cost and the improved M4 chip, which delivers notable CPU and GPU speed boosts, making it a compelling upgrade especially for users with older Intel iMacs. The review also notes useful enhancements like Thunderbolt 4 ports, a better webcam with Center Stage and Desk View, and the optional nano-texture glass display that effectively reduces glare. However, Elliott points out that the design remains unchanged since 2021, the base 256GB SSD is still undersized, and Apple’s storage upgrade pricing is steep. The iMac’s gaming capabilities are modest, and some features like Apple Intelligence are still emerging. Overall, the M4 iMac is recommended as the best all-in-one available, though those with an M3 model might wait for a future redesign.

By Matt Elliott
November 7, 2024
86
Logo of PCMag.com

Brian Westover from PCMag highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a vibrant and capable all-in-one desktop that refreshes the classic design with bold new colors and a powerful M4 processor. Praising its striking 23.5-inch 4.5K display—especially the optional nano-textured glass that reduces glare without sacrificing clarity—he notes the iMac’s excellent color accuracy and brightness, which elevate it above many competitors. The review emphasizes the M4 chip’s solid performance gains over the previous M3 model, though it doesn’t surpass the higher-end M2 Pro, positioning the iMac as a strong but not workstation-level machine. Westover appreciates the thoughtful color-matched peripherals and the AI-enhanced macOS Sequoia features, while pointing out minor drawbacks like limited port options, lack of height adjustment on the stand, and a 1080p webcam despite the upgrade. Overall, the iMac M4 is celebrated as a stylish, smart, and well-rounded choice for users seeking a premium, colorful all-in-one with balanced power and design.

By Brian Westover
November 7, 2024
Play TV Icon

YouTube

8 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS


86
Youtube IconBrandon Butch

Brandon Butch praises the Apple iMac M4 (2024) for its sleek design, base 16GB RAM, and upgraded 12MP Center Stage camera, highlighting smooth performance and quiet thermals during intensive tasks. He notes the limited two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the base model and the $200 premium for the nano-texture display, recommending upgrades mainly for M1 users or those needing extra ports.

November 10, 2024
87
Youtube IconCult of Mac

D Griffin Jones from Cult of Mac praises the Apple iMac M4 (2024) for its stunning design, vibrant 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, and impressive M4 chip performance—even in the base model. He highlights the improved color accuracy and seamless macOS experience but notes drawbacks like limited ports, modest storage, and a basic camera. Overall, he finds it a powerful, elegant all-in-one that brings joy and simplicity to desktop computing.

November 16, 2024
86
Youtube IconBrandon Butch

Brandon Butch praises the Apple iMac M4 (2024) for its sleek design, base 16GB RAM, and upgraded 12MP Center Stage camera, highlighting smooth performance and quiet thermals during intensive tasks. He notes the limited two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the base model and the $200 premium for the nano-texture display, recommending upgrades mainly for M1 users or those needing extra ports.

November 10, 2024
87
Youtube IconCult of Mac

D Griffin Jones from Cult of Mac praises the Apple iMac M4 (2024) for its stunning design, vibrant 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, and impressive M4 chip performance—even in the base model. He highlights the improved color accuracy and seamless macOS experience but notes drawbacks like limited ports, modest storage, and a basic camera. Overall, he finds it a powerful, elegant all-in-one that brings joy and simplicity to desktop computing.

November 16, 2024
86
Youtube IconBrandon Butch

Brandon Butch praises the Apple iMac M4 (2024) for its sleek design, base 16GB RAM, and upgraded 12MP Center Stage camera, highlighting smooth performance and quiet thermals during intensive tasks. He notes the limited two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the base model and the $200 premium for the nano-texture display, recommending upgrades mainly for M1 users or those needing extra ports.

November 10, 2024
87
Youtube IconCult of Mac

D Griffin Jones from Cult of Mac praises the Apple iMac M4 (2024) for its stunning design, vibrant 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, and impressive M4 chip performance—even in the base model. He highlights the improved color accuracy and seamless macOS experience but notes drawbacks like limited ports, modest storage, and a basic camera. Overall, he finds it a powerful, elegant all-in-one that brings joy and simplicity to desktop computing.

November 16, 2024
86
Youtube IconBrandon Butch

Brandon Butch praises the Apple iMac M4 (2024) for its sleek design, base 16GB RAM, and upgraded 12MP Center Stage camera, highlighting smooth performance and quiet thermals during intensive tasks. He notes the limited two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the base model and the $200 premium for the nano-texture display, recommending upgrades mainly for M1 users or those needing extra ports.

November 10, 2024
87
Youtube IconCult of Mac

D Griffin Jones from Cult of Mac praises the Apple iMac M4 (2024) for its stunning design, vibrant 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, and impressive M4 chip performance—even in the base model. He highlights the improved color accuracy and seamless macOS experience but notes drawbacks like limited ports, modest storage, and a basic camera. Overall, he finds it a powerful, elegant all-in-one that brings joy and simplicity to desktop computing.

November 16, 2024
Store Bag Icon

Store Reviews

CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 STORE


95
Logo of Amazon

Amazon reviewers praise the Apple iMac M4 (2024) for its striking design, blazing-fast performance, and seamless user experience. Many highlight the vibrant Retina display and sleek all-in-one form factor that declutters their workspace while delivering crisp, colorful visuals. Users enjoy the M4 chip’s power, noting smooth multitasking, rapid app launches, and excellent graphics performance, which handle creative workflows and everyday tasks effortlessly. The iMac’s setup process impresses customers, with several pointing out how easy it is to connect peripherals like printers, even for less tech-savvy or senior users. Reviewers also appreciate the unique pink color option, which adds a personalized, stylish touch that fits well in creative or colorful environments. While most find the keyboard compact and the overall build lightweight, some mention the limited number of USB-C ports and the absence of Touch ID on the keyboard, prompting a few to purchase additional adapters. Despite these minor drawbacks, users consistently emphasize the iMac’s reliability, value for money, and how it integrates smoothly with other Apple devices. Overall, Amazon customers celebrate this iMac as a powerful, beautiful desktop that elevates both productivity and aesthetic appeal.

4.7 Stars / Many verified reviews

Forum Icon

Forum Reviews

CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM


76
Logo of Reddit

Reddit users generally appreciate the Apple iMac M4 (2024) for its sleek design, vibrant 24-inch Retina display, and solid performance for everyday tasks and creative work, with many praising its energy efficiency and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. However, there is notable disappointment among upgraders who miss the larger 27-inch 5K display and higher-end configurations, feeling the current model is a downgrade in screen size and upgradeability. Some users report occasional technical issues like screen backlighting and setup difficulties, but overall, the iMac M4 is seen as a capable, stylish all-in-one suited for casual to moderate professional use, though not ideal for power users seeking top-tier performance or larger displays.

Many comments

Scales Icon

In-Depth Review

Highlights Icon

Highlights

  • Processor performance
    Fast CPU for everyday creative workflows
  • Display quality
    24‑inch 4.5K Retina, P3 color
  • Standard 16GB memory
    Generous base memory for multitasking
  • Thunderbolt 4 & USB‑C
    High‑speed I/O on upgraded configs
  • 12MP Center Stage camera
    Improved webcam with top‑down Desk View
  • Nano‑texture display option
    Optional matte glass for glare reduction
Considerations Icon

Considerations

  • Limited base storage
    Small 256GB starter capacity
  • Fixed internal upgrades
    RAM and SSD not user‑upgradable
  • Entry model port limits
    Base config has only two TB4 ports
  • Peripherals ergonomics
    Keyboard lacks tilt; mouse charges underneath
  • Stand adjustability limits
    Tilt only; no height adjustment
  • Thermal behavior under load
    Runs warm; may throttle under stress

Apple continues its legacy of sleek desktop computing with the 2024 iMac featuring the M4 chip, designed to elevate everyday creative workflows and general productivity. This all-in-one stands out with a vibrant 24-inch 4.5K Retina display that impresses with color accuracy and an optional nano-texture glass finish for glare reduction—perfect for bright workspaces. The device balances power and convenience, offering up to four full-speed Thunderbolt 4 ports alongside modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring versatile connectivity. Video calls are sharper than ever thanks to a new 12MP Center Stage camera paired with innovative Desk View functionality. While it maintains Apple’s signature aluminum chassis in seven bold colors, thermal management quietly keeps performance smooth under load. Ideal for creatives, professionals, or anyone seeking style without compromise, this model invites you to explore how these features combine into a compelling package worth your desk space—and attention beyond the specs sheet!

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Camera & Video Features (12MP, Center Stage, Desk View)

Video calls get elevated thanks to a freshly minted 12MP ultrawide camera paired with Apple's signature smart framing tech: Center Stage auto-tracking keeps you perfectly framed, even when moving about during meetings. The intriguing new feature is Desk View—which captures your workspace below the monitor—adding versatility for presentations or demos; although niche, it highlights Apple’s push toward integrated video conferencing enhancements that impress reviewers looking beyond basic webcams.

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Processor & CPU Performance

Under the hood lies Apple’s M4 chip, offering an efficient blend of power with an 8-core CPU (performance + efficiency cores) driving smooth multitasking and demanding workflows like photo editing or gaming. Experts highlight notable gains over previous models in both single- and multi-core benchmarks, matching or exceeding many rivals’ desktop chips while maintaining cool operation—a solid performer without pushing into pro-level territory but well-suited to most user needs.

Ports & Connectivity (Thunderbolt/Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth)

Connectivity gets a clean sweep with up to four full-speed Thunderbolt 4 ports on higher-tier configurations—an upgrade from past mixed port setups—plus speedy wireless via Wi-Fi 6E and modern Bluetooth 5.3 standards. While base models have fewer Thunderbolt ports, this arrangement supports fast data transfers and dual external displays seamlessly, fulfilling the practical demands of power users who juggle peripherals but stopping short of including USB-A or HDMI natively.

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Display Quality

The display here isn’t just a pretty face — it’s a 24-inch 4.5K Retina panel that dazzles with 1 billion colors and P3 gamut support, delivering crisp, vivid visuals praised for sharpness and color accuracy. The optional nano-texture glass upgrade tames glare in bright environments without sacrificing brightness, though some users note a slight matte softness. This screen strikes the perfect balance of size and quality for creatives and casual viewers alike, earning consistent nods as one of its standout features among all-in-ones.

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Conclusion

The 2024 iMac M4 draws a clear line between elegance and efficiency with its vibrant 24-inch Retina display and the punchy M4 processor, which powers through everyday tasks with confident ease. Its Thunderbolt 4 ports and updated wireless connectivity offer seamless integration, while the refreshed 12MP Center Stage camera brings video calls into sharper focus. The signature aluminum chassis in seven colors, paired with an optional nano-texture glass finish, strikes a stylish pose but lacks height adjustment—a compromise some will note. Thermal management keeps things cool enough to maintain smooth performance without noise distractions. This blend of strengths shapes it as a refined choice for creatives and professionals who value form alongside function—but those craving workstation power or ergonomic flexibility may look elsewhere. In this balance of style, speed, and smart features lies its quiet appeal: not revolutionary, but distinctly polished for thoughtful users seeking sleek productivity on their desk.

Feature Scores Icon

Feature Scores

This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.

Performance

Processor Performance

4/5

Graphics Performance

4/5

Memory Capacity

4/5

Storage Speed

4/5

Value

Price-to-Performance

4/5

Warranty and Support

4/5

Cost of Ownership

4/5

Design

Display Quality

5/5

Ergonomics

3/5

Build Quality

5/5

Health

Acoustic Comfort

4/5

Blue Light and Flicker

4/5

Surface Heat

3/5

Safety

Overheat Protection

4/5

Physical Stability

4/5

Sustainability

Energy Efficiency

4/5

Experience Style

Setup Simplicity

5/5

Software Experience

4/5

Customization Options

3/5

Specifications Icon

Specifications

This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.

Performance

Value

Design

Safety

Sustainability

Experience Style

Question Mark Icon

Frequently Asked Questions


14 Questions