Apple refreshes the 24" iMac with M4, Thunderbolt 4, 16GB+ of RAM, a nano-texture screen option, and a 12MP webcam, starting at $1,299 and shipping November 8

Apple today announced that it has updated the 24-inch iMac with the M4 chip, which debuted in the iPad Pro earlier this year.

MacRumors 2024-10-28 Joe Rossignol

Context & Ripple Effects

This is the next step in Apple’s compact desktop refresh cycle: the 24-inch model moved from the M1 redesign at the same $1,299 entry price to an M3 version last year, while retaining the same basic product position.

The M4’s earlier arrival in the iPad Pro means the iMac is now following Apple’s chip rollout across product categories. Compared with the prior M3 iMac refresh, the update raises the memory floor and expands display, camera, and connectivity options rather than changing the desktop’s form factor.

First-order effects

Prospective iMac buyers get M4 performance, Thunderbolt 4, at least 16GB of RAM, a 12MP camera, and an optional nano-texture display without a higher starting price.
The M3 24-inch iMac is immediately superseded, putting the new configuration—not the prior chip generation—at the center of Apple’s all-in-one desktop lineup.

Second-order effects

Keeping the $1,299 starting point makes the upgrade a clearer default for buyers comparing current iMac configurations, while remaining M3 inventory may need to compete on price or availability.
Thunderbolt 4 and the nano-texture option broaden the iMac’s fit for users who rely on higher-bandwidth peripherals or need more control over screen reflections, strengthening the value of compatible accessory ecosystems.

Third-order effects

The refresh reinforces Apple’s approach of moving its in-house chips from an initial flagship device into a wider hardware lineup, making the silicon generation a recurring basis for desktop upgrades.
If Apple continues to lift baseline memory and professional-use features at stable entry pricing, differentiation may increasingly move to configuration choices and peripherals rather than a larger spread of entry-level iMac models.

The trend: Apple is standardizing newer in-house silicon and higher baseline specifications across its hardware range while preserving familiar entry prices.

Discussion

@tim_cook Tim Cook on x
Meet the new iMac! With the power of M4 and Apple Intelligence, plus its stunning design and fresh colors, the world's best all-in-one just got even better. https://www.apple.com/...
@mkbhd Marques Brownlee on x
So I see Apple's flagship desktop mouse has finally gotten a long overdue update... to USB-C 🫠 [image]
@markgurman Mark Gurman on x
It's worth noting the prior two iMacs from 2021 and 2023 support Apple Intelligence as well. Not just the new one.
@bzamayo Benjamin Mayo on x
now they need to do a studio display update featuring the new iMac's upgraded camera
@ianzelbo Ian Zelbo on x
That wallpaper totally says iMac [image]
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
Apple just announced a new iMac with its M4 processor. It comes in 7 different colorful options, with 16GB of RAM on the base model and a 24-inch 4.5K display https://www.theverge.com/...
@parkerortolani Parker Ortolani on x
the new green for the iMac is GORGEOUS and pink is now ACTUALLY pink
@vadimyuryev Vadim Yuryev on x
New M4 iMac comes with 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports, taking advantage of all 4 Thunderbolt controllers in the M4 chip! [image]
@basicappleguy Basic Apple Guy on x
Old vs. New iMac Colors [image]
@lukemiani Luke Miani on x
BRUH why are we comparing M4 iMac to the M1 when there's an M3 version?? [image]
@parkerortolani Parker Ortolani on x
now that is one pretty homepage [image]

Chronicles