Apple Reveals iMac Featuring Apple's Latest M4 Chip

Apple has revealed an updated iMac featuring its latest M4 chip, starting at $1,299. Orders can be placed ahead of its launch on November 8. Even though the Mac segment is less crucial to Apple compared to the iPhone, it still represents a significant part of the business. In the June quarter, the sales figures for Macs stood at $7 billion, marking a 2% rise compared to the previous year.

In contrast to the iPhone, where only devices launched in the last two years can utilize Apple Intelligence, all computers featuring the M1 chip and newer versions from 2020 onwards will support the new artificial intelligence capabilities. Apple is promoting its latest Macs with an emphasis on AI to generate excitement around its newest technology.

Apple Intelligence enables users to rewrite, proofread, or summarize texts. For instance, one could select an email's text and use Apple Intelligence to enhance its professionalism or conciseness. Furthermore, it allows users to interact through typing with Siri, who now provides expanded information regarding Apple’s products. A subsequent version of Apple Intelligence, which will integrate OpenAI's ChatGPT into writing tools and Siri, is set to be released in December.

The M4 iMac will be available in fresh colors such as green, yellow, orange, pink, and purple, along with the classic silver. All four USB-C ports located at the back are compatible with the high-speed Thunderbolt 4 standard, facilitating quicker transfers of sizable videos and other data. It can accommodate up to two additional 6K displays. The package includes an upgraded Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard that feature USB-C charging instead of the older Lightning port.

The updated iMac retains the 24-inch 4.5K Retina display introduced in earlier versions but now offers a new nano-texture display that minimizes reflections and glare.

Apple might announce additional new Macs in the upcoming days. Apple’s chief marketer, Greg Joswiak, hinted on the social media platform X on Thursday to “Mac your calendars” for a thrilling “week of announcements.”

The M4 chip was first unveiled in May with Apple's iPad Pro. At that time, Apple noted the chip's enhanced AI functionalities, improved graphics processing, and its production using TSMC’s 3-nanometer manufacturing technology. According to Apple, the M4 consumes half the power of the M2 chip that debuted in 2022.

In September, Apple unveiled new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods. The Mac announcements expected this week will likely be Apple's final significant hardware releases for the year.