This week, Apple is going to introduce a line of Mac computers based on the M4 processor. We still don't know when it will be, but we have a number of rumors that reveal major changes in the designs of the upcoming devices. What should we expect from the updated iMac monoblocks?
The new M4 chip
The last time Apple updated the iMac was in October of last year, switching from the M1 to the M3 processor, 24 Kanal writes. The company decided not to skip a year this time around, so we're expecting the M4 sometime this week. The new chip is made using TSMC's second-generation 3-nanometer technology, which should improve performance (an expected 20-25% increase) and power consumption, while upgrading the 8-core processor to a 10-core one.
USB-C Magic accessories
Researchers analyzing the code of the test version of macOS 15.1 noticed in it mentions of new Magic accessories. In particular, there are references to new Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse models.
Apple really needs to switch all of its new devices from Lightning to USB-C by the end of this year to comply with European regulations. So we should expect USB-C on the Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad bundled with the next iMac.
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Previous Bloomberg reports indicated that all M4 Macs will have at least 16 gigabytes of RAM. This also applies to the iMac with the M4, so we'll likely see 16 gigabytes in all base iMac models with an option to upgrade to 32 gigabytes. Previously, the maximum capacity was 24 gigabytes.
More Thunderbolt ports
The port situation on the 24-inch iMac has always been a little strange. There is a cheaper base model with only 2 Thunderbolt ports, and then a more expensive model with 2 Thunderbolt ports and an additional 2 standard USB-C ports.
While there is no indication that Apple will increase the number of ports on the base model, there is a good chance that all four ports on the more expensive iMac models will be Thunderbolt instead of two.
According to preliminary analysis M4 matrix, it turns out that Apple's M4 chip is equipped with four Thunderbolt controllers, compared to two on the M3 chip and earlier models. This could mean that Apple may indeed put 4 Thunderbolt ports on the upcoming iMac M4.
Wi-Fi 7
Apple is likely to add the Wi-Fi 7 standard in the upcoming iMac M4, as was done in the iPhone 16 line.
Wi-Fi 7 supports speeds of up to 46 Gbps, more than five times the speed of Wi-Fi Fi 6E (9 Gbps). Wi-Fi 7 also operates on 320 MHz channels and supports the 6 GHz band, which significantly reduces interference and signal congestion.
Conclusions
At unfortunately, there are no rumors to indicate that Apple is still working on a larger iMac or any variant of the iMac Pro. At least according to Apple, the 24-inch iMac – this is the most they will do for the time being.