Last week was swamped with Mac announcements and what the refreshed and new models entailed. The tech community was particularly interested in the iMac with the M4 chip and the power-packed performance it was meant to deliver. Apple even emphasized its efficiency and power through an advertisement that metaphorically represented the M4 chip coming out as a champion. The new iMac is to hit the shelves on Friday, and consumers can get their hands on it tomorrow. As the official launch is just around the corner, early reviews are out for the all-in-one desktop computer.
Right before its launch, the first reviews of Apple's new iMac with an M4 chip are doing the rounds as they are shared on YouTube channels and other outlets. Although the iMac did not receive a major design overhaul, its matte nano-texture display marks a huge improvement. This is especially a practical option for those who work in bright environments or have a cubicle beside the window and need the glare to be reduced without compromising on the screen clarity.
CNET's Matt Elliott
Matt Elliott evaluated the effectiveness of the nano-texture display in direct sunlight and bright light, and he mentioned how well it kept away distractions.
Our M4 iMac test model featured the $200 nano-texture glass display upgrade. It was very effective in combating glare and reflections as I moved the iMac around my house to see how it stood up to direct sunlight or a bright overhead artificial light. In every instance, it did its job of keeping distractions away. As impressive as the nano-texture glass is, you probably don't need it if you plan to place your iMac in a room with normal lighting conditions. It's a feature that's more valuable on a MacBook or iPad that you will use in a variety of spots, including outdoors.
Six Color's Jason Snell
Jason Snell, elaborating on the nano-texture display, described the experience as nothing short of magic. It is said to be so seamless that one does not even notice it if not looked up from close proximity.
Using a nano-texture-covered display is a little weird -- the reflections just stop at the screen edge, as if by magic. It works incredibly well. And most of the time, in more normal lighting conditions, I didn't really notice the nano-texture being there. (Yes, if you look closely you will notice a light scatter that can reduce contrast a bit.)
The new iMac with an M4 chip scored an average multi-core CPU performance of 14,512 on the Geekbench 6 database, while the previous model had an average score of 11,711, emphasizing the faster speed and performance of the new model. Another key feature is the upgrade to the camera system. The iMac comes with a 12MP front camera with support for the Center Stage that allows the focus of the camera's view to be centered even if you are on the go or moving around. This is the first time a Mac extends support for such a feature without having to connect to a Studio Display.
A Desk View capability has also managed to create quite the buzz for its ability to simultaneously feature the face and the overhead view of your desk by leveraging the iMac's camera and software.
Macworld's Roman Loyola
Roman Loyola expressed his excitement about finally having an impressive camera capability incorporated into the long-awaited iMac.
The M1 and M3 iMacs have a 1080p FaceTime camera that was...fine. It worked, but it wasn't impressive. With the M4 iMac, Apple finally upgraded to a 12MP Center Stage camera, the same one Apple introduced to the Mac lineup in 2022 through its Studio Display. Why we had to wait over two years to see it on an iMac only Apple knows, but it's here and it's fantastic.
Forbes' David Phelan
David Phelan praised the camera quality of the Desk View feature, saying it is highly watchable and very clear and seems to have addressed previous concerns regarding the quality of the video.
There are no other visible differences between the new iMac and last year's model, although the front facing camera is a different component, now called the Center Stage camera.
This comes with a feature called Desk View which means you can show your physical desktop as well as what's on screen to people at the other end of the call. This works very well. The camera is excellent and where some people had previously complained that video call quality was subpar, here it seems pristine, clear and highly watchable.
Check out some of the review videos below for more details.