On Monday, Apple Inc
Apple says the M4 chip enhances performance significantly, boasting up to 1.7 times faster speeds for daily tasks and 2.1 times faster processing for intensive workflows, such as photo editing and gaming, compared to the previous M1 model.
With its Neural Engine, the iMac is optimized for Apple Intelligence, an innovative system that enhances user productivity while prioritizing data privacy.
Equipped with the M4 chip, the new iMac handles demanding applications more efficiently. The updated CPU and GPU offer advanced processing power, allowing for smoother multitasking and improved graphics, especially in gaming.
The device now includes 16GB of unified memory as standard, expandable up to 32GB. At the same time, its Neural Engine delivers three times the speed of its predecessor, enhancing the iMac's AI capabilities.
Apple Intelligence introduces new tools on the iMac, including systemwide Writing Tools, which assist with text refinement, proofreading, and summarization.
A redesigned Siri also enables users to alternate seamlessly between typed and spoken commands, while upcoming features like Image Playground and Genmoji add creative customization options.
Scheduled for December, Siri will integrate with ChatGPT, expanding its utility without compromising user privacy, according to Apple.
The updated iMac supports advanced connectivity with four Thunderbolt 4 ports and compatibility with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. It also includes the security of Touch ID, along with macOS Sequoia's new features, such as iPhone Mirroring, which lets users interact with iPhone apps directly from their Mac.
The new iMac is available in an array of new colors (shades of green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue and silver), and the 24-inch 4.5K Retina display offers a new nano-texture glass option. iMac features a new 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, and color-matched accessories, including USB-C.
Every iMac comes with a color-matched Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse or optional Magic Trackpad, all of which now feature a USB-C port.
The new iMac is available for pre-order starting at $1,299, and its official release is slated for November 8.
Apple introduced the M3-powered MacBook lineup in its October 2023 "Scary Fast" event, comparing it to the M1 rather than the M2 chip to showcase significant leaps in efficiency and power.
The M3 chip's advanced 3nm architecture, derived from the A17 Pro in iPhone 15 Pro models, boosts CPU performance by up to 50% over the M1, with a neural engine that's 60% faster and a GPU that's 50% more power-efficient.
Apple will launch its Apple Intelligence features in stages, beginning with iOS 18.1 on October 28, which includes basic AI functionalities. iOS 18.2 will follow, adding ChatGPT integration and advanced tools like Visual Intelligence and Genmoji to boost future sales.
Apple's latest iPhone 16 met with a lukewarm response in China due to the absence of the AI features, which will likely roll out in 2025.
Apple stock gained 38% in the last 12 months.
Price Action: AAPL stock is up 1.29% at $234.40 at the last check on Monday.
