iMac M4 review: Still the go-to desktop PC purchase

The iMac has long ruled the roost when it comes to all-in-one desktop PCs and now Apple is back with another upgrade aimed at making these popular computers even tougher to beat. Tucked inside its colourful shell is the mighty M4 processor which pushes performance to a whole new level. Previous iMac generations weren’t exactly slow but this latest model can now munch through daily digital workflows with even more ease than before.

For our review, we took delivery of the beefed-up 10-core version which features 24GB of Unified Memory and 1TB hard disk, and it’s a bit of a beast.

Having run endless tests including retouching high-resolution photos, editing 4K videos and filling the screen with windows, games, professional applications and web tabs it’s never once faltered.

With most people using their iMacs for some quick internet browsing, a bit of work and creating family movies we honestly doubt this machine will ever get close to being pushed to its limits.

In fact, even the base 8-core model should easily survive the daily onslaught of family members checking their emails, surfing the web and creating content. This is a classic communal computer, after all.

Along with being ludicrously fast, that new processing power also means this machine is fully ready for Apple Intelligence when it launches in the UK later this year.

With that artificial intelligence upgrade installed, you’ll be able to tap into a swathe of smart features such as automatic writing tools, instant image retouching, image creation and better ways to find files on your hard drive.

Siri is also improved and there’s ChatGPT integration to help boost this personal assistant further.

Apple is really pushing its Apple Intelligence update hard but we’ll have to wait and see if it really is a game-changer when it fully launches in December,

Of course, speed and intelligence aren’t the only reasons to buy an iMac. Firstly, the set-up is so beautifully simple that you’ll have it removed from the box and sat on your desk with the screen glowing bright in minutes.

Thanks to a single power cable (that’s also colour-matched to the model you pick) it keeps things clutter-free. The skinny and super premium design means it won’t look out of place in even the most style-conscious of homes. The whole computer is housed in the display so you don’t need a separate tower.

That’s something that can’t be said for most bland and boring Windows PCs with chunky tower units, although we still wish Apple would make the bezels around the screen black (rather than white) and add their famous logo on the chin of the machine. The logo is hidden on the back, no doubt to face customers as the iMac adorns reception desks around the world.

Although the overall design hasn’t changed this year (there are seven slightly refreshed colours but that’s about it) you can now add a nano‑texture glass to the 24-inch 4K Retina screen which stops glare ruining your content.

It works really well and reduces the annoyance of spotlights or the bright daylight shining through the window.

We’d definitely recommend checking it out in your local Apple shop as, although it does kill reflections, it will also add £200 to the bill. If you want it, it’s not available on the base-level machine either which means spending even more.

Another useful update comes to the in-built FaceTime camera which now features clever Center Stage technology. This follows you around the room when making video calls and is a great addition to the iMac. Even in low light, this camera performs really well so you should always look pin-sharp in your early morning video calls.

On the rear of the body are 4 USB-C ports (2 on the entry-level model) which now support Thunderbolt 4 for super fast data transfers and connecting accessories such as external storage or additional monitors.

Having those sockets on the back is more aesthetically pleasing but it’s still a bit of pain when you want to quickly plug something in.

So what about the all-important price?

Things start from £1,299 but we’d only recommend buying that model if you are on a budget.

The entry-level machine has a little less power, gets 2 USB-C ports rather than 4 and doesn’t include the improved keyboard with the brilliant Touch ID fingerprint scanner. That little button instantly unlocks the screen, makes it easier to add passwords and lets you pay for products online without reaching for your credit card. It’s something we use every day and we’d happily pay a bit extra not to lose it.

Paying a bit more also gets you the power adapter with an Ethernet port built-in, which means if you rely on a hard-wired connection to the web, all the cables can be hidden neatly under the desk.

All the new iMacs do come with a colour-matched wireless mouse and Bluetooth keyboard which now feature USB-C charging rather than a Lightning port. That’s good news for cutting down on cables although Apple still wants you to flip over the mouse to refill it which means you can’t use it while charging.

The iconic iMac has lost none of its charm. This PC is still a top choice if you want to add a stylish yet powerful desktop to your design-conscious living space.

The M4 chip inside is an absolute beast and it can now be configured with that glare-free nano-textured screen.

Set-up is simple, its FaceTime camera is better thanks to Center Stage and it’s raring to go when Apple Intelligence launches in the next few weeks.

No, the design hasn’t changed since 2021, and there are still some niggles such as no ports on the front and the mouse needing to be turned on its head to charge.

We’d also say that most people with the previous M1 and M3 generations probably won’t need to upgrade as those devices are already powerful enough for everyday use.

However, if you have an ageing Intel iMac and want the ultimate all-in-one desktop PC then Apple’s new Macintosh is a mighty machine that’s built for the future.