Apple 24-inch M1 iMac Review: A Colorful All-in-One

A Fresh Take on the iMac: Apple’s M1-Powered Redesign

Last September, our review of the 27-inch iMac concluded with a question regarding the future of the product line and the timeline for updates. The anticipation was heightened by the impending arrival of ARM-based systems and circulating rumors of a complete redesign.

This assessment wasn’t unique to us; the iMac existed in a peculiar transitional period for Apple’s computers. At WWDC in June, Apple made the unconventional announcement of its transition from Intel processors to its own in-house chips, without immediately releasing corresponding hardware.

Preparing for a Seismic Shift

The company’s reasoning was strategic. They aimed to provide developers with advance notice to prepare for the launch. This transition represented a significant change for the Mac line, the most substantial since 2005.

Fifteen years is a considerable duration, presenting challenges with legacy software compatibility. While the new silicon wouldn’t necessarily break all macOS software, optimizing for the new hardware via the Mac Mini developer kit was crucial for developers. Apple projected a two-year timeframe for the complete transition.

The Arrival of Apple Silicon

In November, Apple unveiled the first M1 Macs: a new Mac Mini, MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Pro. Extensive reviews of all three systems followed, with Matthew succinctly stating, “Apple’s new M1-powered MacBook demonstrates impressive performance gains, rendering Intel’s chips obsolete overnight.”

This posed a challenge for the all-in-one iMac, launched just two months prior. The situation was further complicated by the fact that the 2020 iMac hadn’t undergone a fundamental redesign in some time, making it feel outdated quickly.

Introducing the Redesigned 24-inch iMac

Last month, Apple announced the new iMac alongside a range of other hardware releases. This model appeared to be the iMac many had been waiting for, featuring a completely new, ultra-compact form factor, improved audio and video capabilities, and, crucially, the M1 chip.

Size and Design Considerations

The primary advantage of the 2020 system is its larger size. Having used a 27-inch iMac extensively during the pandemic, I found myself missing those extra three inches of screen space. Initially, I assumed the additional screen real estate would be insignificant beyond the 20-inch threshold, but it requires adjustment.

Conversely, the new design is remarkably compact. Despite a 2.5-inch increase in display size compared to the 21.5-inch model, the new system is only 11.5 mm thick (14.7 mm with the stand).

A Nostalgic Aesthetic

The overarching theme of the system is “cute” – an unusual descriptor for technology. However, it feels like a true successor to the iMac G3, evoking the colorful all-in-ones that marked Steve Jobs’ return to Apple, reminiscent of the Volkswagen New Beetle’s design era.

The design language has evolved significantly over the past quarter-century, influenced by changing styles and shrinking component sizes. The flat-panel design emerged in the early 2000s and settled into its most recent form around 2012. While updates have occurred since then, nine years is a long time for an Apple design to remain unchanged.

Color and Cohesion

The most discussed aspect of the new iMac was the color options. My unit arrived in a yellow hue – a light, spring-like shade that leans more towards gold with a bright sheen. Visiting an Apple Store to view the colors in person is recommended, if possible.

Apple’s attention to detail is striking. The keyboard, cables, desktop wallpaper, packaging, and even the OS buttons all coordinate with the chosen color. While the OS and wallpaper can be customized, the system and keyboard represent a more significant commitment, influencing lighting and interior design considerations.

An AR iOS app allows users to visualize the new iMac in their surroundings, a clever and potentially useful feature. The system also weighs less than 10 pounds, making it surprisingly portable compared to other desktop systems.

Ports and Connectivity

The front of the system resembles previous iMacs, but the bottom panel features a streak of color instead of a large Apple logo. The glass panel lies flush with the screen, framed by a noticeable white bezel. This bezel, combined with the panel, occupies significant space below the display, likely due to component placement and the downward-firing speaker grille.

Up top is the upgraded 1080p HD Webcam – a first for any Mac. The system sits atop a stand, darker in hue than the front of the system in the yellow model. A VESA mount is configurable upon purchase, but the stand isn’t user-replaceable. The hinge action is smooth, allowing for easy webcam adjustments.

A 3.5 mm headphone jack is located on the left side – a welcome return to a more convenient placement. A cable management hole in the stand accommodates the power cable, which now features a magnetic charging connector. This design prioritizes ease of connection and reduces the risk of tripping over cables.

The power brick now includes ethernet connectivity, a significant improvement, especially for those who prefer a wired connection. The brick is larger than those used with MacBooks, but its placement should be unobtrusive.

However, the port selection is limited. The base model has two Thunderbolt/USB ports, upgradeable to four. This upgrade is highly recommended, as two ports quickly become insufficient when connecting peripherals like wireless keyboards, mice, and AV accessories.

Accessories and Peripherals

The $1,299 version includes the Magic Keyboard. While not universally loved, it’s an improvement over MacBook keyboards. The $1,699 model upgrades to a version with Touch ID – a long-awaited feature for desktop Macs. The base version comes with the Magic Mouse, with upgrades to a Trackpad or a Trackpad/Mouse combo available for $50 and $129, respectively.

While Apple’s move to USB-C offers benefits, the lack of USB-A ports is noticeable. Adapters are likely necessary for users with legacy peripherals.

Performance and Benchmarks

The new M1 chip significantly enhances system performance. Geekbench 5 scores reached 1,720 Single and 7,606 multi-core, surpassing the average of 1,200 and 6,400 for the 21.5-inch system. Rosetta-translated scores were 1,230 and 5,601, respectively, still demonstrating solid performance. These gains align with those observed in other M1-powered systems.

Compatibility with existing software is generally good, with resources available to assess individual application performance. Some applications, like Spotify and Audacity, experience performance impacts under Rosetta, but remain functional. Compatibility varies depending on developer support.

Audio and Video Enhancements

The new iMac features significant upgrades to its microphone and camera systems, particularly relevant in the era of remote work. The three-microphone array delivers clearer audio with reduced background noise, while the 1080p HD webcam provides a noticeable improvement in image quality compared to the 720p camera on the previous model.

The six-speaker audio system is also improved, offering good performance for music and movies, though it may be less clear for teleconferencing depending on the quality of other participants’ microphones.

Final Thoughts

The new iMac represents a substantial leap forward for Apple’s all-in-one desktop, revitalizing a product line in need of a refresh. While some may miss certain ports and features, the combination of a stylish design, improved audio and video capabilities, and the power of Apple Silicon makes it a compelling option.

The pricing structure offers three main configurations:

• $1,299: 8-core CPU, 7-Core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, two USB ports, standard Magic Keyboard
• $1,499: 8-core GPU, ethernet, two USB ports, Touch ID keyboard
• $1,699: 512GB storage (tested configuration)

The new iMac is available for pre-order now and will begin shipping to customers this Friday.