Apple announces new M3-powered 24-inch iMac with more memory and ray tracing.
At its “Scary fast” event, Apple revealed the new M3 chip along with new MacBooks that run on it. The Cupertino, California-based tech behemoth also unveiled a new 24-inch iMac that features ray tracing and an M3 processor for increased memory.
The new M3 chip makes the M3 iMac up to 2x quicker than the M1 iMac, up to 2.5x faster than the Intel-based 27-inch iMac, and up to 4x faster than the 21.5-inch iMac with an Intel chip. The M3 iMac’s architecture is similar to the previous generation iMac powered by the M1 CPU.
Additionally, the M3 iMac, running macOS Sonoma, has additional RAM built-in. While the 10-core GPU model offers a 2TB storage option, the version of the M3 with an 8-core GPU has 8GB, 16GB, and 24GB of RAM and SSD storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. A GPU version with 10 cores and 512GB of basic storage is also available.
While the 10-core GPU model has two more USB-3 ports, the 8-core GPU variant has two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 connectors. The latter offers three more options: gold, orange, and purple; the former is available in blue, green, pink, and silver. Whichever model you choose, complimentary color accessories and wall coverings will be included.
Apart from the upgraded CPU, the updated 24-inch iMac also features Bluetooth 5.3 for enhanced compatibility with the newest Bluetooth peripherals and Wi-Fi 6E for quicker transfer speeds. On 10-core GPU models, Gigabit Ethernet functionality is also available; this feature can be adjusted on the 8-core GPU variant.
The M3 iMac’s 24-inch 4.5K Retina display boasts a brightness of 500 nits and a resolution of 4,480×2,250 pixels. The six speakers in the M3 iMac’s system can play Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. It also features a three-microphone array with “studio-quality” audio and a 1080p FaceTime camera.
Apple claims that the M3 iMac has 100% recycled aluminum in the stand, rare-earth magnets, and recycled tin solder in numerous PCBs. Additionally, the iMac is the first to have 100% recycled gold plated.
Starting at $1,299 is the base 8-core GPU M3 iMac, while the 10-core GPU model costs $1,499 in total. Both may be ordered in 27 countries via Apple’s website, and shipping will start on November 7.
