Apple iMac M4 (2024)

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.

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.

Roman Loyola from Macworld highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as potentially the best iMac ever, praising its faster M4 chip, doubled standard RAM to 16GB, improved 12MP Center Stage camera, and the shift to four Thunderbolt 4 ports on higher-end models. These upgrades deliver notable performance gains over previous generations, especially for users upgrading from Intel-based iMacs, with impressive benchmark improvements and enhanced video conferencing features. The addition of the Nano-texture glass option is also commended for reducing glare, though it slightly mutes display vividness. While the design remains largely unchanged, Loyola notes the lack of height adjustment in the stand as a minor drawback. He advises that current M1 or M3 iMac owners may not need to upgrade immediately unless they value the new camera or display options. Overall, the review conveys strong enthusiasm for the M4 iMac’s balanced combination of performance, features, and value, positioning it as an excellent choice for general consumers seeking a modern all-in-one Mac.

Alex Wawro from Tom’s Guide highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a solid evolution of an already excellent all-in-one computer, driven by the new M4 chip that delivers noticeable performance gains and supports Apple’s latest Intelligence features. He praises the vibrant 24-inch 4.5K display, improved six-speaker sound system, and upgraded 12MP webcam with the innovative Desk View mode, all of which enhance the user experience, especially for families. However, Wawro expresses tempered enthusiasm, noting the iMac M4 feels more like an incremental update than a major leap over the M3. Key criticisms include the lack of height adjustment on the stand, which affects ergonomics, and the absence of a touchscreen option—an increasingly glaring omission given the iMac’s ability to run iOS apps. While the iMac M4 excels in speed and multimedia, its gaming performance remains modest. Overall, Wawro views the iMac M4 as a refined but cautious step forward rather than a transformative upgrade.

Andrew O’Hara from AppleInsider highlights the 2024 Apple iMac M4 as a refined evolution of a beloved all-in-one, praising its vibrant new colors, improved camera with Center Stage and Desk View, and the shift to 16GB base memory. The M4 chip delivers solid performance gains over previous models, handling demanding tasks like 4K video editing with ease. The review appreciates the uniform Thunderbolt 4 ports and USB-C peripherals, though notes the removal of the bundled Magic Mouse and keyboard option as a puzzling downgrade. While the starting 256GB storage is seen as limited, it’s acknowledged as expandable. Apple’s AI features in macOS Sequoia 15.1 are described as promising but currently underwhelming. Overall, the iMac M4 is deemed a near-perfect, competitively priced machine ideal for education, families, and many businesses, with minor updates that polish an already stunning design. The review conveys measured enthusiasm, emphasizing practical improvements without overselling.

Max Parker from Trusted Reviews highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a stylish and capable all-in-one desktop that excels in design and everyday performance, making it an appealing choice for users who value aesthetics as much as functionality. The review praises the vibrant color options, sharp 24-inch 4.5K display with an optional nano-texture finish, and the efficient M4 chip that handles typical tasks smoothly, including light photo and video editing. However, Parker notes several limitations: the single screen size may not suit all users, the base model’s limited ports and lower specs make it less attractive, and the lack of height adjustment on the stand reduces ergonomic flexibility. While not aimed at professionals or power users, the iMac M4 is recommended as a family-friendly desktop or an upgrade from older Intel iMacs. The review offers nuanced insights into performance, design trade-offs, and accessory choices, ultimately endorsing the mid-tier configuration as the best value.

Christopher Null from WIRED praises the Apple iMac M4 (2024) for its significant performance improvements, especially in CPU and GPU benchmarks, positioning it as one of the fastest all-in-one computers available. He highlights thoughtful behind-the-scenes upgrades like doubling the base RAM to 16 GB, faster AI-powered features, and a much-improved 12MP webcam with Center Stage and Desk View, enhancing video call experiences. The nano-texture glass screen upgrade receives strong commendation for its glare reduction, making it a highly recommended addition. However, Null notes that the design remains largely unchanged, and the lack of a touchscreen is a notable omission compared to competitors. The Magic Mouse’s charging method remains frustrating, and the iMac’s price is steep, especially when fully configured, making it a tough sell for those with recent Apple silicon models. Overall, the review conveys measured enthusiasm, appreciating meaningful refinements while acknowledging that the M4 is an evolutionary rather than revolutionary update.

Nathan Edwards from The Verge highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a beautifully designed all-in-one computer that excels in elegance, build quality, and everyday performance, especially with its improved speakers, microphones, and 12MP Center Stage camera. However, he expresses clear reservations about its practicality in today’s computing landscape. The review emphasizes that while the iMac offers a sleek, integrated experience with a lovely 23.5-inch display and solid Apple Silicon performance, its limited port selection, lack of height adjustment, and relatively small, non-HDR screen make it less versatile than alternatives like the Mac Mini or MacBook Pro paired with external monitors. Edwards argues the iMac’s form factor feels outdated in a world dominated by portable and modular devices, making it primarily suitable for aesthetic-focused environments like reception desks rather than everyday users. Ultimately, the iMac is praised for its “vibes” and design but critiqued for being the “wrong form factor for basically everybody.”

Andrew Cunningham from Ars Technica highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a solid, approachable all-in-one computer that improves on its predecessors mainly through a more generous base RAM and modest performance gains. He appreciates the updated USB-C ports and the attractive color options that blend nostalgia with modern design. While the $200 nano-texture display option is praised for its quality, Cunningham expresses mild frustration at the extra cost for a matte screen. The M4’s performance is described as sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and office work, with CPU and GPU improvements over the M3 that are noticeable but not groundbreaking. Importantly, he contextualizes the M4 within Apple’s shifting desktop strategy, lamenting the loss of the 27-inch iMac’s power-user legacy and noting that the M4 continues the trend of the iMac as a stylish, simple internet machine rather than a professional workstation. This nuanced perspective balances appreciation for the M4’s refinements with a wistful acknowledgment of its limitations.

Henry T. Casey from CNN Underscored highlights the Apple iMac M4 (2024) as a sleek, colorful, and snappy all-in-one computer that feels like a thoughtful home office upgrade, especially for those moving from older Intel iMacs or MacBooks. He praises the improved default 16GB RAM, the vibrant 24.5-inch 4.5K display, and the impressive six-speaker audio system, noting the nano-texture screen option’s glare reduction but cautioning it’s a niche feature with a premium price. Casey appreciates the M4 chip’s solid performance for multitasking, media serving, and light gaming, though he finds the gaming improvements over the M3 modest and wishes for a more powerful M4 Pro option. Criticisms include the limited USB-C ports on entry models, the ergonomically lacking Magic Keyboard and Mouse, and the somewhat underwhelming screen size for power users. Despite these nitpicks, Casey considers the iMac M4 a compact, capable, and visually appealing machine that fits well in many environments, recommending it especially for those upgrading from much older Macs.