The new M3 iMac offers a significant performance boost over its M1 predecessor, especially in graphics. While it retains the same striking design and vibrant color options, the question remains: is this iterative update enough to justify an upgrade, or are we still waiting for the elusive larger-screened iMac Pro?
The Apple iMac M3 in blue, displayed on a desk.
Design and Display: Still a Head-Turner
The iMac’s 2021 design continues to impress with its slim profile, vibrant colors, and white bezels. While the bold aesthetics might not be universally loved, the pastel hues and color-matched accessories create a cohesive and pleasing visual experience. The limited tilt adjustment remains a drawback, common among all-in-one desktops. However, the iMac’s light weight allows for easy repositioning. The 4.5K Retina display, identical in sharpness to the Studio Display, delivers impressive brightness and color accuracy. While 24 inches is sufficient for most users, the persistent desire for a larger, potentially XDR-equipped iMac Pro lingers.
Peripherals and Ports: Nickel and Diming Continues
The Magic Keyboard and trackpad on a desk.
The base iMac’s inclusion of the outdated Magic Mouse and non-Touch ID Magic Keyboard feels underwhelming. Charging extra for essential features like Touch ID and more functional peripherals is a frustrating practice. While the Magic Keyboard offers a pleasant typing experience, the lack of standard Touch ID in 2024 is a significant oversight. Similarly, the base model’s limited two Thunderbolt ports necessitate additional purchases for users needing more connectivity. While the upgraded model offers four USB-C ports and the convenient Ethernet jack integrated into the power brick, the entry-level configuration feels unnecessarily restrictive.
The four ports on the back of the iMac.
Audio and Video: A Clear Winner
The display of the iMac in front of a window.
The iMac’s 1080p webcam delivers outstanding video quality, surpassing even the Studio Display’s 12-megapixel camera. The six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers provides rich, balanced audio, easily filling a room with sound. While a dedicated subwoofer might offer deeper bass, the iMac’s integrated speakers provide an excellent audio experience for everyday use and casual entertainment.
Performance: The M3 Shines
The M3 chip represents a substantial performance leap over the M1. Cinebench R23 scores reveal a 20% improvement in both single-core and multi-core performance, translating to significant real-world gains. Video encoding tasks, for example, are considerably faster on the M3 iMac. The 10-core GPU model, aided by Dynamic Caching, delivers impressive graphics performance, even outperforming the M2 Pro Mac mini. While the Intel-powered Lenovo Yoga 9 AIO boasts superior multi-core performance, its lack of a discrete GPU puts it at a disadvantage in graphics-intensive tasks.
Lies of P being played on an iMac.
Gaming performance is also notably improved. The M3 iMac can handle well-optimized AAA titles like Lies of P at playable frame rates with adjusted settings, showcasing the M3’s impressive graphics capabilities. While not a dedicated gaming machine, the iMac’s ability to handle modern games is a significant step forward for integrated graphics.
Configurations and Upgrade Considerations
The M3 iMac essentially comes in two configurations. The base model lacks additional ports, Ethernet, two GPU cores, and is limited to 1TB of storage. The higher-tier model addresses these limitations and offers up to 2TB of storage. Upgrading from an older Intel iMac is a compelling proposition, with the M3 offering significant performance and efficiency gains. However, M1 iMac owners might not find the improvements substantial enough to justify an immediate upgrade.
The profile of the iMac on a desk.
Conclusion: A Good Choice, But Room for More
The M3 iMac is undeniably the best all-in-one desktop currently available, providing a compelling blend of performance, design, and display quality. However, the persistent need for a larger, more powerful iMac Pro remains. While the M3 iMac serves a broad audience, those seeking a truly premium all-in-one experience might find themselves waiting for Apple’s next move.
