Apple unveiled the latest iteration of the iMac to the world last night. At a glance, it may look identical to the last year’s model but it appears that the 2024 edition has slightly more upgrades than before.
Apple M4 chip provides performance boost
Naturally, let’s start with the processor upgrade. With the Apple M4, Apple claimed that the 2024 iMac can deliver up to 1.7x faster CPU performance and 2.1x more graphics performance than the M1-based iMac.
The Neural Engine in M4 is also 3x faster than M1 which helps the 2024 iMac process AI-related tasks much faster. The amount of RAM available to customers with the 2024 iMac also starts at 16GB instead of 8GB as per 2023 M3-based iMac.
New camera, more Thunderbolt 4 ports
Aside from the processor upgrade, the 2024 iMac features a new 12MP Centre Stage camera that also supports the Desk View feature that allows users to show themselves and a top-down view of their desk simultaneously. Meanwhile, Apple has retained the studio-quality three-microphone array and 6-speaker sound system for the new model.
The 2024 iMac can also be obtained with up to 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports which is double than what M3-based iMac can deliver. However, the base model is still limited to two Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Not to forget, you can also obtain nano-texture glass on the iMac’s 24-inch 4.5K Retina display for the first time. The RM850 add-on option helps reduce reflections and glare although it can only be obtained with iMac variants that have the 10-core GPU on their M4 chip.
Lower price tag than its predecessor
Another big change that comes with the 2024 iMac is its price tag in Malaysia. Specifically, the base model which has 256GB storage and 16GB unified memory starts at RM5,799.
As a comparison, the starting price for the base model of the 2023 M3-based iMac which also has 256GB storage but with less memory was RM6,299. Here’s the general pricing of the 2024 iMac with M4 in Malaysia:
- 2024 iMac with 256GB storage, 8GB memory, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU – RM5,799
- 2024 iMac with 256GB storage, 16GB memory, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU – RM6,699
- 2024 iMac with 512GB storage, 16GB memory, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU – RM7,549
- 2024 iMac with 512GB storage, 24GB memory, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU – RM8,399
If you want a fully loaded 2024 iMac with 2TB storage, 32GB memory, 10-core CPU, and 10-core GPU, that would cost you RM11,799. If you also want Magic Trackpad, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & Numeric Keypad, and nano-texture glass, then the price tag would shoot up to RM12,069.
Colour-wise, the 2024 iMac can be obtained in Blue, Purple, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Silver. Each unit is accompanied by a colour-matching Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad if you opt for it.
The 2024 iMac is not yet available for purchase in Malaysia even though it has been listed on Apple Malaysia’s website. So, stay tuned for further announcements once we know when it is coming to Malaysia.
