The target audience was consumers when Apple first released the iMac and the Mac Mini. Consumers have become creators since the first iMacs (remember blueberry?). Creators want tools that integrate not just into their workflow but their lives. Apple has constantly adapted, evolved, and improved its products to become part of the creator lifestyle. The New iMac and Mac Minis with M4 chips continue this evolution, bringing speed, security, and Apple Intelligence to creators. Below, we cover some of the cool features of these new Macs; I see they have a blue one, excellent.
Key Specs of the iMac
- 24″ 4.5K Retina display with 500 nits of brightness delivers sharp and vibrant detail
- M4 chip. Zip through tasks with flying colors
- 12MP Center Stage camera. Keeps you front and center
- Advanced image signal processor with computational video
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (with 10-Core); Magic Keyboard (with 8-Core)
- New vibrant colors
- Strikingly thin design
- Built for Apple Intelligence
- Personal, private, powerful
- iPhone Mirroring. Use your phone on the big screen
- Up to 6 ports 2x Thunderbolt / USB4 or 4x Thunderbolt4, Gigabit Ethernet, headphone jack
Key Specs of the Mac Mini
- Hello, Apple Intelligence: Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly
- 1/20 the size yet up to 6x faster
- World’s fastest CPU core for incredible responsiveness
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing for game-changing graphics
- Drives up to three displays
- Image Playground: Create fun, original images based on a description, a concept, or even a person from your Photos library
- Groundbreaking privacy protections: gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data f not even Apple
Biggest Features of the New Macs
The new iMac and Mac Minis are powered by the M4 family of chips, Apple’s latest (to date) chipset. All these models are built with Apple Intelligence in mind, with powerful security and a ton of processing power. The Mac Mini is ready to customize with your choice of monitor/keyboard, etc. The iMac is the all-in-one solution for creators, with a 24″ 4.5K Retina Display and fantastic audio and video features.
Built for Apple Intelligence
Apple is always one step ahead. They predict how people will use the constant flow of new technology that barrages us daily. As such, the new iMac and Mac Mini are designed from the ground up to work seamlessly with Apple Intelligence. Apple Intelligence is Apple’s own secure and powerful AI. Whether you use natural language to search or have Apple Intelligence proofread, make suggestions, or summarize your writing, the AI technology is blended perfectly with the MacOS. Though we all get excited about using new technology, there is often a lingering fear: is this private? The answer is yes in the case of the new iMac, Mac Minis, and Apple Intelligence!
Powerful M4 Chip
Apple has included the latest and most powerful chipset in the new iMac and Mac Mini. In fact, the Mac Mini can be had with the M4 Pro chip for those who need the ultimate power for editing multiple 8K streams! The M4 chips can quickly share data between the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine using Apple Unified memory. This means we can truly multitask with multiple apps running, including Apple Intelligence, without a single hiccup. When we see such power, we often think of large video editing projects, but the M4 will speed up any workflow. Whether you are crunching numbers in massive spreadsheets, editing photos, or playing graphic-intensive games, the M4 has you covered.
Privacy
I mentioned it above, but it can’t be overstated how much we, as end users, need to be concerned about privacy. Sure, businesses have concerns, but so do the rest of us. Apple addresses this with powerful privacy features in the new iMac and Mac Mini. Macs have always been know to have significant protections against viruses and malware. If you have an iPhone or a previous Mac, you know the sense of security that things like Find My and FileVault can give you. In addition, Apple can’t access your data when using Apple Intelligence. You should feel secure with these new Macs.
iMac Advanced Camera and Audio
So many creators and business owners connect with fans and clients through video conferencing and live streaming. With the iMac, you have a production studio built in. No need for a separate camera when the 12MP center stage can keep you in focus even as you move around the frame. Use Desk View to enable your iPhone as a top-down camera to show your work when crafting or demonstrating a product or technique. The iMac comes complete with professional quality microphones and spatial audio with support for Dolby Atmos, which has some serious production value.
iMac Immersive Display
Whether you are consuming or creating content, the draw of the iMac design has always been the all-in-one set-up. Of course, if you are relying on the built-in monitor, it better be good! The iMac’s 24-inch, 4.5K Retina Display blows most stand-alone monitors away. Even those that cost nearly as much as this entire powerhouse for creatives. The screen is bright at 500 nits and supports up to one billion colors. I can’t help but do my Dr. Evil voice here: “One billion colors!”
Who Should Use These New Macs
Both the iMac and Mac Mini are designed as desktop computers. This means they are best for someone with a permanent to semi-permanent set-up. For those on the move, a MacBook is a good option. The Mac Mini is ideal for someone with monitors and other peripherals that they want to continue using. Also, the Mac Mini has the option of M4 Pro, so if you are editing 8K videos, a Mac Mini is for you. The iMac is the perfect machine for those who need a complete set-up and/or want to cut down on cords and clutter. The iMac would also be ideal for those who do a significant amount of video conferencing or streaming.
Conclusion
This is a great time to be in the market for a new desktop computer. Depending on your needs, one of these new iMacs or Mac Minis will surely fit the bill. I’m excited to see all the fantastic content we will create with these tools. The Center Stage camera could replace a clunky camera setup while Apple Intelligence helps us speed up our workflow.
