Fans of all-in-one desktops are about to get the improved iMac they’ve been waiting for. The first reviews of the 2023 version are out and they’re full of praise for performance gains that that come with the new Apple M3 processor.
“The 2023 edition of the 24-inch Apple iMac is a real pleasure to use, and arguably the best all-in-one desktop when it comes to the amount and variety of tasks it can accomplish,” said the PCMag reviewer.
Just as pretty as before
In 2021, Apple redesigned this entry-level desktop with a slim shape and a 24-inch screen. It sticks with that tried-and-true form factor with the new model.
The Cnet review calls it an “overall fantastic design. And TechCrunch says, “It’s cute. There’s no other word, for it, really. Just cute.”
Which isn’t to say there are no complaints about the design. “It would be nice to see an option to add a tilt- and height-adjustable stand similar to the one available for Apple’s Studio Display,” Cnet remarked.
And there were complaints about the keyboard lack of backlighting, and that all the wireless accessories still charge via a Lighting cable rather than USB-C.
2023 iMac boasts Apple M3 power
Although the exterior is virtually identical, the interior of the 2023 iMac offers a significant upgrade: an Apple M3 processor in place of the M1 in the earlier model.
On the Geekbench 5 benchmarking app, the chip pulled in a 10,738 score on the multi-core CPU test, according to PCmag. That’s a whopping 44% increase over the M1 version of the Mac.
The performance improvements makes it a better option for gaming. “After playing some Baldur’s Gate 3 and Disney Dreamlight Valley, I can see where this iMac could be an option for kicking back and playing some games,” said the Cnet reviewer.
“I was able to test Baldur’s Gate 3 on the new iMac at 1080p and 1440p with high detail settings and found the game absolutely playable — close to 60fps at 1080p,” said PCmag. “Yes, that’s a 2023 game running smoothly with eye candy active on essentially a mobile-integrated GPU.
Summing up
When making closing remarks, reviewers were generally complimentary about the 2023 iMac.
“The 24-inch iMac seems especially well-suited as a family computer or if you want something other than a laptop to easily move from room to room,” said Cnet. “It’s small enough to squeeze into tighter spaces, like a kitchen nook, but big enough to spread out your work, kick back and stream a movie or do some casual gaming.”
“The M3 absolutely brings impressive gains over the already powerful M1,” said TechCrunch. “Is it worth the upgrade from the 2021 model? Not really. If, however, you’re looking to replace an older machine or for something compact and zippy for a dorm room or cubicle, or just an apartment with a space crunch, it’s a nice little option that’s far more accessible than the pro-focused Mac Studio.”
