iMac 24-in 4.5K with M4 chip - Built for Apple Intelligence

In this review the iMac with the M4 chip stands out as a versatile all-in-one for creative professionals and everyday users who want a simple, elegant desktop that just works. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of the new M4 silicon and the 24-in 4.5K Retina display, which together deliver noticeably faster performance for photo editing, multitasking, and media than previous entry-level iMacs while keeping the desktop footprint minimal. This review focuses on real-world benefit rather than specs alone to help decide if it belongs on your desk.

Key Features

• M4 chip: Provides faster CPU and GPU performance so editing photos, rendering video snippets, and switching between apps feels more fluid and responsive.
• 24-in 4.5K Retina display: The bright, high-resolution screen with support for up to 1 billion colors makes photos, videos, and design work look detailed and accurate.
• 16GB unified memory: Larger unified memory helps keep multiple apps and browser tabs open without frequent swapping, improving day-to-day productivity.
• 1TB SSD storage: A roomy, fast internal SSD reduces load times for large files and projects and makes system responsiveness consistently snappy.
• All-in-one design: The thin, single-unit chassis saves desk space and presents a clean, colorful look that fits both home and studio environments.
• Built for Apple Intelligence: System features aim to streamline writing, creativity, and organisation with privacy-first handling of personal data.

Who It's For

The iMac is ideal for photographers, designers, content creators, and power users who value a bright, accurate display and strong integrated performance in a compact package. Its combination of the M4 chip, 16GB memory, and 1TB SSD suits users who work on large files, multitask heavily, or want a long-lived desktop without assembling components.

It is less suitable for users who need the absolute highest-end modular workstation or specialized expandable hardware such as multiple discrete GPUs or many internal drive bays. Gamers who demand desktop-level expandability or users who need legacy ports in large numbers should consider other desktop configurations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional display quality with 24-in 4.5K Retina for color-critical work and media playback.
• M4 chip delivers noticeably improved CPU and GPU responsiveness for editing and everyday tasks.
• 1TB SSD and 16GB unified memory keep apps and large files accessible and fast.
• Slim all-in-one design reduces clutter and fits neatly into home or studio spaces.

Cons

• All-in-one form limits internal expandability compared with tower desktops.
• Fewer ports and upgrade paths mean some power users will need additional adapters or external drives.

Specifications

Model	iMac All-in-One
Chip	M4 with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
Display	24-in 4.5K Retina, 500 nits, up to 1 billion colors
Memory	16GB unified memory
Storage	1TB SSD
Color	Silver (one of seven vibrant colors)
Design	All-in-one thin desktop

Our Verdict

The iMac with M4 is an excellent all-in-one for creatives and everyday professionals who want a bright, color-accurate 24-in display combined with fast integrated performance and a tidy footprint. It delivers strong value for users who prioritize screen quality and system responsiveness over internal expandability, making it a solid choice for most home studios and office desks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this iMac support professional photo and video editing?
The M4 chip, large memory, and 4.5K Retina display make it well suited for photo and moderate video editing workflows.

Can the memory or storage be upgraded later?
As an all-in-one, internal upgrades are limited; larger storage or memory changes typically require ordering a different configuration or using external drives.

Is the iMac good for everyday office work and web browsing?
Yes, the M4 performance and 16GB unified memory provide smooth multitasking for office apps, browsers, and video calls.