Apple continues to maintain its popular iMac line at the core of its computer catalog, surprising users once again with the launch of the iMac with M4 chip. But, Is it really worth upgrading from the M3 iMac? Those from Cupertino have made a significant leap with the iMac M4 in terms of performance and features, offering improvements that may make you think about changing generations or, if you still use an older computer, choosing one or the other. Today we are going to break down all the differences between the iMac M4 and the iMac M3, so that you know which one best suits your needs, whether you are simply looking for a computer for everyday use or, on the contrary, you need a powerful computer for more demanding tasks.
The M4 takes the iMac to another level
The first thing you should look at when Compare the iMac M4 to the iMac M3 is in its performance. The M4 chip is Apple's most advanced processor to date and significantly improves on the capabilities of the M3. Both chips are manufactured in 3 nanometers, But M4 uses a second generation technology which optimizes energy efficiency and heat dissipation.
The iMac M4 features a 10-core CPU (3 or 4 performance and 6 efficiency) which surpasses the 8 cores of the M3, which translates into greater multitasking capacity and superior performance in demanding applications. In addition, if you work with graphics or perform video editing tasks, the jump in M4 GPU will be crucial, as it is considerably more powerful than the M3. This new chip also allows the iMac to incorporate 16 GB of RAM from the base model, which is a big improvement over the 8GB that the iMac M3 came with in its initial configuration.
Graphics and artificial intelligence: the great leap
One of the most interesting aspects of iMac M4 is the significant increase in graphics performanceWhile the M3 already offered a solid graphics system, the M4 takes a big step forward by taking graphics processing to another level. In particular, the iMac M4 has been optimized for tasks that require advanced artificial intelligence, including the new system Apple Intelligence, which allows AI tasks to be processed more quickly and efficiently, improving performance in photo and video editing applications, as well as in 3D modeling or even in video games.
The M4 also opens the door to ray tracing tasks, or ray tracing, by hardware, something that the previous generation simply could not manage in the same efficient way. This translates into a Visual improvement of up to 65% in graphics performance compared to the iMac with M3.
Continuing design, but with new features
As for the design, it is important to note that Apple hasn't changed the exterior appearance too much of the M4 iMac compared to the M3. Both models continue to feature the minimalist style that we already saw with the M1 iMac, with an incredibly thin profile and a display with almost no borders. All of this makes both iMacs extremely attractive to have on any desk.
An important novelty is found in the New colors of the iMac M4, which, although it still maintains the same base of tones as its predecessor, offers us a somewhat more refined and modern catalogue. However, the Retina 4,5K display remains practically the same, although with an important improvement: the nanotextured finish. This coating, which we saw on the Apple Studio Display, allows reduce glare and reflections without sacrificing image quality, making it a very interesting option if you work in brightly lit environments. However, this improvement has an additional cost that significantly increases the price of the equipment.
Connectivity: goodbye to Lightning
Another change that has been applauded is that of the iMac M4 accessories. Many users have been waiting for the arrival of the USB-C to devices like the Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad, and it's finally a reality. The USB-C connector The new accessories are a necessary improvement to be in line with current regulations and for greater compatibility with other devices. However, the interior of these accessories remains practically the same as in the M3 model, this change is only significant for the user experience.
However, one aspect that some users miss is the backlighting on the Magic Keyboard, something that despite rumors has not yet been implemented. Perhaps in future versions we will see this addition, but for now, the situation remains the same as in previous generations: keys without light.
Is it worth upgrading from the iMac M3 to the iMac M4?
Finally, we have to address the key question: should you upgrade from your M3 iMac to the new M4 iMac? The answer depends largely on what you plan to use your machine for. If your job involves basic or semi-professional tasks, such as browsing the Internet, using office applications or occasional photo editing, the iMac M3 remains an excellent choice and It is not strictly necessary to update. Considering that this version is being discontinued from Apple's catalog, it will be interesting to find units in stock at attractive prices.
However, if you’re doing more demanding tasks that require a lot of processing power, or work in fields like video editing, 3D modelling or advanced graphic design, then upgrading to the iMac M4 could be a very smart decision. The improvements to the processor, RAM, graphics and the inclusion of 16GB of base RAM make the iMac M4 fully justified in these more demanding scenarios, and lay the foundation for the performance you’ll get going on today.
Basically, the iMac M4 is without a doubt the The most powerful and versatile iMac Apple has ever launched to date. While the iMac M3 remains a highly recommended option for those who don't need the latest in technology, those looking for a computer more geared towards intense creative tasks will find in the iMac M4 a product that promises not to disappoint.