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Coastal Picks
Apple 2024 iMac (M4) review
A thin, all-in-one desktop with the M4 chip and a 24-inch Retina display, built for Apple Intelligence.
Quick take
This iMac pairs the Apple M4 chip (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) with a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display rated at 500 nits brightness, in a strikingly thin all-in-one design. It's built for Apple Intelligence and includes a 12MP Center Stage camera with matching audio hardware. This 8-core CPU / 8-core GPU configuration ships with 2 Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports; the 4-port version is only available on higher-end 10-core GPU configurations, so check the exact model before buying if port count matters.
From our own use
I own several Apple desktop computers, and this iMac's specifications compare well with the others I have used. It is fast, easy to operate, and integrates smoothly with iCloud, my iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch. That connected ecosystem is one of the main reasons I continue to use Apple products.
| Brand | Apple |
| Chip | M4, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU |
| Display | 24" 4.5K Retina, 500 nits |
| Memory | 16GB unified |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Color | Silver |
| Weight | 9.72 lbs |
| Connectivity | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (this 8-core GPU config) |
Who it's for
Good fit
- Households already using iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch for a seamless ecosystem
- Anyone wanting an all-in-one desktop without separate tower and monitor
- Everyday business, multimedia, or personal computing use
Skip it if
- You need discrete graphics for heavy 3D or gaming workloads
- You're committed to the Windows ecosystem
Design and daily use
The all-in-one design is the main draw for anyone who doesn't want to manage a separate tower and monitor — everything is integrated into one thin unit. Apple Intelligence integration and the tight iCloud/iPhone/Watch ecosystem tie-in are what long-term Apple users consistently point to as the reason they stay in the ecosystem rather than switching.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Thin, all-in-one design with a bright 24-inch Retina display
- Fast M4 chip for everyday and multimedia tasks
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices
- Available in multiple vibrant colors
Cons
- 256GB base storage is modest for heavy local file use
- Not built for discrete-graphics-dependent workloads like advanced gaming
Frequently asked questions
What chip does this iMac use?
The Apple M4 chip, with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU.
How big is the display?
24 inches, 4.5K Retina resolution, 500 nits brightness.
How much storage does it have?
256GB SSD in this configuration.
Does it work well with an iPhone or Apple Watch?
Yes, it's designed for seamless integration across iCloud and other Apple devices.