Apple 2024 iMac 24-inch 4.5K Retina All-in-One w/ M4 Chip Review: Pros, Cons & Rumors Debunked

Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 24-inch Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage; Silver

Experience lightning-fast performance with Apple’s M4 chip, 8-core CPU/GPU, and 16GB unified memory on a vivid 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, all in a sleek, all-in-one desktop design.
Stay connected and creative with Apple Intelligence, a 12MP Center Stage camera, studio-quality mics, and six-speaker Spatial Audio, all in a slim, colorful design that brightens any workspace.

Overall strong user satisfaction with speed and design of the M4-powered iMac.
Minor software interactions like Apple Intelligence pop-ups and setup nuances affect some users.
Base 256GB SSD and lack of Touch ID on the keyboard may not suit heavy storage or security-focused workflows.
No evidence of widespread hardware defects or persistent rumors undermining core reliability.

Sleek form factor with seven color options enhances any desktop aesthetic.
Powered by the high-efficiency M4 chip and vibrant 24-inch 4.5K Retina display.

Table of contents

Product Overview
Apple 24-inch iMac (M4) Review: Honest Findings
Positive Feedback & Highlights
Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis
Who Should Consider the Apple 24-inch iMac (M4)?
Conclusion: Final Verdict

Product Overview

The Apple 24-inch iMac redefines the concept of an all-in-one desktop design, blending the monitor, CPU, GPU, and speakers into a single ultra-thin chassis just 11.5 mm thick. Housed in a streamlined enclosure available in Silver, Space Gray, Green, Pink, Yellow, Orange, and Blue, it brings a modern, minimalist aesthetic to any workspace. The compact footprint and color-coordinated Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and power cable mean fewer cables and a cleaner desk setup right out of the box.

Central to its performance is the Apple M4 chip, which integrates an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU with a unified architecture. This SoC delivers swift load times, responsive multitasking, and energy efficiency in a fan-less design that runs almost silently. The iMac ships with 16 GB of unified memory, ensuring applications like Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud launch instantly and handle complex tasks without hiccups.

The star of the front panel is the 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, offering up to 500 nits of brightness and support for one billion colors. This screen is ideal for photo editing, video playback, and design work, providing crisp detail and accurate color reproduction under varied lighting conditions. Thanks to its P3 wide color gamut, creatives can trust that their content reflects real-world tones.

Onboard storage comes in a 256 GB SSD, delivering rapid read/write speeds that shave seconds off boot-up and file transfer times. Connectivity ports include two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, two USB 3 ports, a headphone jack, and a Gigabit Ethernet option built into the power adapter on higher-tier models. While no SD card slot is provided, users can add external solutions via Thunderbolt hubs.

Beyond visuals and processing, the iMac features a 12 MP FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage, a studio-quality three-microphone array for clear calls, and a six-speaker system with Spatial Audio support. Combined, these elements make the iMac a powerful hub for work, creativity, and entertainment.

Reviewers consistently note streamlined setup and prompt Amazon delivery.
Apple Intelligence features are appreciated but can feel intrusive to some.

Apple 24-inch iMac (M4) Review: Honest Findings

After collating feedback from a diverse user base, it’s clear the iMac impresses right when you unpack it. Most buyers on Amazon report that the packaging and unboxing experience meet Apple’s renowned standards, protecting the components in transit. Setup typically takes under 20 minutes, guiding users through Wi-Fi installation, Apple ID creation, and basic personalization. Those already invested in the Apple ecosystem—iPhone, iPad, or MacBook—find the Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and AirDrop processes seamless, eliminating friction when sharing files or continuing work across devices.

Performance benchmarks highlight smooth operation when running multiple tabs in Safari, editing 4K video in Final Cut Pro, or designing layouts in Adobe Illustrator. The M4 chip’s unified memory architecture reduces latency between CPU and GPU tasks, making it particularly responsive during creative workloads. Even games available on macOS exhibit stable frame rates, though the iMac is not marketed as a gaming rig.

Complementing its hardware excellence, Apple Intelligence offers on-device machine-learning features like Smart Summaries in Notes or contextual lookup in Safari. While innovative, some users report occasional persistent pop-ups that interrupt workflows. Yet, most find these prompts a worthwhile trade-off for features like Live Text and Visual Lookup. AppleCare remains a popular add-on, with reviewers praising the quick resolution of minor hiccups via chat or screen-sharing sessions.

The overall sentiment is that the iMac delivers on Apple’s promise of combining power with ease of use. First-time Mac buyers enjoy a relatively gentle learning curve, and long-term macOS veterans appreciate the incremental enhancements to stability and security.

Customers applaud speedy performance and impeccable color accuracy on the Retina display.
Seamless integration with iPhone and iPad enhances productivity.

Positive Feedback & Highlights

Users consistently highlight the iMac’s ability to accelerate everyday tasks, from simple email checks to complex media editing. Photographers and videographers especially laud the Retina display and color gamut, noting that shadows, highlights, and midtones appear lifelike. One realtor reported saving significant time by using AirDrop to share contracts and photos with clients mid-presentation. Students and remote workers appreciate the front-facing camera’s Center Stage feature, which keeps them centered during video calls without manual adjustments.

The iMac’s aesthetic appeal also draws rave reviews. The cohesive color themes—matching keyboard, mouse, and cable—turn the desktop into a design statement rather than hidden utility. Many reviewers mention that colleagues envy the setup, and home office tours on social media frequently feature the iMac as the focal point.

Speed and smoothness in everyday applications are frequently cited. Launching apps, switching tabs, dragging window panes, and handling large attachments in Mail happen without stutters. Reviewers who upgraded from decade-old PCs or older Intel-based Macs describe a visceral “wow” moment when interacting with the new M4 architecture. Packaging and shipping receive praise for sturdy protection, with little to no damage reported upon arrival.

Value for money resonates among those opting for the base configuration. Even with the entry-level 256 GB SSD, the combination of design, performance, and support tips the scale in the iMac’s favor compared to similarly priced Windows all-in-ones.

Some users find the Apple Intelligence pop-up intrusive and difficult to disable.
256 GB storage can be insufficient; no user-upgrade path exists.

Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis

Software Interruptions & AI Prompts

A small fraction of buyers on Amazon mention an unremovable Apple Intelligence pop-up that surfaces when accessing System Preferences, requiring additional clicks to bypass or hide. For users accustomed to uninterrupted workflows, this can become a source of frustration. Several customers noted that no official way to permanently disable the prompt exists as of the current macOS release.

Setup & Apple ID Challenges

Some new users encountered hurdles creating or logging into an Apple ID during initial setup. Reports include repeated password resets, payment method requests, or error messages claiming an account does not exist. These issues often necessitate separate registration via the Apple Music website or contacting Apple Support, adding 30–60 minutes to the setup process for affected individuals.

Hardware Constraints & Upgrade Limitations

The choice of a fixed 256 GB SSD without any user-accessible expansion slot troubles power users who manage large photo libraries, project files, or virtual machines. A few reviewers warn that third-party external drives become a near necessity. Others expressed regret that the base Magic Keyboard lacks Touch ID, citing the convenience and security benefits of biometric authentication.

Rumor vs. Reality

Despite isolated complaints, there is no evidence to support rumors of mass hardware defects. Negative feedback represents a small percentage of total reviews, and most problems resolve via simple workarounds, firmware updates, or a return/replacement through Amazon or AppleCare. No coordinated recall or serious flaw has surfaced in credible tech forums or user communities.

Great for creative professionals, home offices, and content creation.
Consider external storage and optional Touch ID keyboard for advanced workflows.

Who Should Consider the Apple 24-inch iMac (M4)?

This model is ideal for individuals seeking a striking all-in-one that marries performance with simplicity. Graphic designers, photographers, and video editors will benefit from the color-accurate Retina display and M4’s GPU capabilities. Writers, students, and remote workers find value in the built-in camera, microphone array, and stable macOS ecosystem with automated updates and privacy safeguards.

Existing Apple users or newcomers desiring a cohesive, low-maintenance setup will appreciate how the iMac interacts with iPads and iPhones, making tasks like scrolling through large documents or annotating PDFs feel fluid. The 16 GB unified memory handles multitasking elegantly, though those running virtual machines or extensive simulations may bump into memory constraints under heavy loads.

Gamers should temper expectations; while casual gaming runs smoothly, this iMac is not optimized for high-end 3D titles at maximum settings. Similarly, creative professionals needing voluminous local storage should budget for external SSDs or opt for a higher-capacity upgrade at purchase.

Strong recommendation for users valuing design, ecosystem synergy, and reliable performance.
Weigh storage and biometric authentication needs before buying.

Conclusion: Final Verdict

The Apple 24-inch iMac equipped with the M4 chip stands out as a flagship all-in-one solution, offering robust performance, a sublime Retina display, and a streamlined user experience. Positive feedback heavily outweighs drawbacks, with most users celebrating its speed, aesthetics, and seamless Apple device integration. While a few experience software interruptions or lament the 256 GB SSD and missing Touch ID, these are largely manageable through external peripherals, settings tweaks, or optional AppleCare support. No verified rumors or serious complaints indicate inherent hardware failures, cementing the iMac’s reputation for reliability and style. Prospective buyers should assess their storage and security requirements but can proceed with confidence that this iMac delivers on Apple’s promise of power and elegance in one neat package.