If you are looking to buy an iMac, there’s no need to pay full price. Photo: Apple
A new M4 iMac deal knocks 9% off the price of Apple’s 24-inch computer, dropping it to just $1,182.10. The all-in-one desktop machine is right for both families and businesses.
Besides its stellar performance, the machine stands out for its beautiful 4.5K Retina display and sleek design.
An M5 MacBook Air, Mac mini and Mac Studio are all on the way. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
The Apple M5 chip jumped from rumor to reality Wednesday with the launch of MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models running the new cutting-edge processor. But so far, there’s been no official mention of an M5 Mac mini, M5 MacBook Air, M5 Studio or M5 iMac.
Here’s when the next generations of these Macs are rumored to reach customers, along with the probable launch dates of the M5 Pro and M5 Max versions of the MacBook Pro.
Can you beat us at our own predictions game? Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: With Apple’s Awe Dropping event bearing down on us, it’s time to once again put our professional reputations (and our personal dignity) on the line with our traditional predictions game!
Who will win this time? And will a CultCast listener steal the glory once again?!?
Also on The CultCast:
A stripped-down version of the Vision Pro, possibly called the Vision Air, could reduce the strain on users’ necks (and wallets).
A proposed iMac Lego set is gaining supporters online. Let’s take it over the top!
Apple wins one in court — and it’s a big one. A judge rules that the $20 billion payments that Google forks over to Apple each year can continue.
What can you use it for? Quite a lot, actually. Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
There are lots of things you can do with an old Mac. No one will fault you for upgrading to Apple’s latest and greatest, but your old Mac can still find a job to do, too.
It used to be that when your old iMac kicked the can, you hollowed it out and made an aquarium or a desk lamp. These days, Macs have a much longer shelf life. The right model can give you years upon years of loyal service. (Not to mention, modern Macs are too thin to house a fish.)
Here are the six best things you can do with an old Mac. Watch our latest video or keep reading below.
This user ponders replacing both the M1 MacBook Pro and the M3 iMac, possibly with an M4 Pro MacBook Pro. Photo:
Today’s featured setup user seeks out and gets good advice on his upgrade questions. He runs an aging MacBook Pro and a more recent iMac, but wonders about replacing them both with a newer MacBook Pro, perhaps an M4 Pro model. Commenters on his post offered useful thoughts, below, on future-proofing choices of Mac models as well as external display options.
This is the user's "before" picture, with 2017 iMac. See the "after" picture below. Photo: [email protected]
I love the “before” and “after” setups posts with photos on social media. Today’s is on the basic side, but it’s always fun to see clear visuals of what people do. In this one, an iMac toiling away for eight years gets judged into well-deserved retirement by Apple’s hot little M4 desktop machine on a Satechi Mac mini hub that greatly expands connectivity and storage. With the iMac’s lovely screen gone, the new rig is a Dell-4K-display-Mac-mini combo.
Apple keeps selling more and more Macs each quarter. Photo: Apple
Mac shipments increased 21.4% in the second quarter of 2025, according to a market research firm. Apple has shown strong growth in shipments every quarter since the launch of multiple M4-powered Mac models began last autumn, and the new chip has helped grow the company’s share of the global market.
Most of the top Windows makers also saw growth last quarter, but none can match Apple’s pace.
This user's Blue Yeti mic on a nice boom arm plus a Behringer audio interface get the job done. Photo: [email protected]
Sometimes a computer setup showed off on social media demonstrates just how easy and affordable it can be to add a nice set of audio gear for podcasting, streaming, Zoom meetings and more. Today’s M4 iMac workstation sets a good example. It not only includes AirPods Max, Apple’s premium over-ear headphones. It also features one of the most popular USB microphones mounted on a boom arm, plus a capable audio interface. And it’s all pretty much plug and play, so the user can start broadcasting or recording in minutes.
As the user points out, an iMac setup is a clean setup because so many components are included in the desktop computer. Photo: [email protected]
When I came across today’s M4 iMac setup on the interwebs, I realized how rarely they come up in Cult of Mac‘s setups coverage. Out of 616 articles I’ve written about setups to date — over more than 4 years — this is only the 11th one to feature an iMac (plus a few others from before I took over the setups beat). And that small number doesn’t come from any hatred of iMacs on my part. It’s just that users seem to flaunt them much less on social media than other hardware. And they’re not top sellers for Apple.
These new models helped spur Mac shipments in Q4 2024. Photo: Apple
Mac shipments in the last three months of 2024 rose sharply, hitting 17.3% in year-over-year growth according to a market research firm. Apple enjoyed a better growth rate than any of its top rivals, some of which saw their shipments decline.
The company also experienced growth in Mac shipments for the entire year compared to 2023.
One of these iMacs is actually an external display, with specs similar to the Apple Studio Display. Photo: Run Young/YouTube
With some careful modding, you can use an iMac as a display — and save more than $1,300 to get a high-end monitor similar to Apple’s pricey Studio Display.
Apple’s Studio Display is one of only a small handful of 27-inch Retina 5K displays on the market, boasting a resolution of 5,120 × 2880. Unfortunately, it costs quite a handful — $1,599. If you have an old iMac 5K sitting around, you already have a computer with the exact same display panel inside. So if you are willing to spend about $190 in parts and can convert it to a Studio Display, you can save a big chunk of change.
Here’s how you can mod it yourself — but be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart.
A lot of Macs are coming next year. Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
What does Apple have planned for the Mac in 2025? For the last couple of years, Apple’s been killing it with its desktop and laptop computers. The chips scream, the industrial design has never been better, and the Mac lineup is undoubtedly the best in Apple’s history. Just look at the amazing new Mac mini.
Most of the new M4 Macs are on sale for Cyber Monday. Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey
Seems like the new Macs with M4 chips just got here — and you can already get great deals on them! Why? Well, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, of course. While it’s still a couple weeks away, that never stops deals from coming earlier and earlier every year, just like holiday decorations and pumpkin-spice-flavored everything. Check out early Black Friday Mac deals, below.
Update: The deals below saw updated on the runup to Black Friday and then again for Cyber Monday.
M4 iMac gets a flat $149 discount in this early Black Friday deal. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Apple’s new M4 iMac is available with a hefty $149 discount within weeks of its launch. The model with a beefier M4 processor — with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU — drops to just $1,349 on Amazon in this early Black Friday deal. You can save even more if you opt for the nano-texture glass upgrade available on this midrange model.
Other models receive similar discounts. Just be sure to check the coupon box.
Watch our video reviews of the Mac mini and iMac with the Apple M4 processor. Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Anyone considering the newly launched Mac mini and iMac with the speedy M4 processor needs to watch our video reviews of these new desktops. We talk design and performance… just what you need to know to make a buying decision.
As a bonus, don’t overlook our video review of Apple’s USB-C Magic Trackpad, keyboard and mouse.
Cult of Mac reviewers go hands-on with M4 Mac mini, MacBook Pro and iMac, and we're here to talk about it. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: So … many … M4 Mac reviews! Griffin tells us why the new Mac mini and the updated iMac make him go gaga. And the faster MacBook Pros are no slouches, either.
Also on The CultCast:
The “updated” Apple accessories — Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse — pack exactly one new feature. It’s not exactly magical.
Apple reportedly plans to launch an inexpensive touchscreen device for managing smart home gear. But what purpose would it serve, really?
Apple Music turns its ridiculous 100 Best Albums list into an even more ridiculous $450 coffee-table tome.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
★★★★☆
A bright, colorful computer with impressive power. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The 2024 iMac with the M4 chip is a stunning and powerful all-in-one. The desktop computer is an endangered breed, but if you have room for one in your life, the new iMac offers a beautiful design and some impressive performance.
Power users might find the base model M4 iMac’s small number of ports and skimpy storage capacity limiting. But the amount of powerful creative work you can get done on this thing speaks to the golden age of the Mac we find ourselves in. There’s not a single bad computer in Apple’s lineup. Everything can edit video or produce a professional podcast or develop apps. So, why not do it from a colorful iMac that sparks joy?
Rewatch my moment of abject horror over and over and over… Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Attention, new iMac owners: The M4 iMac sits upside down inside the box it comes in. This can be an unwelcome surprise if you open the box the wrong way — your new computer could tumble onto the floor on its first day, just like mine did.
Don’t fall for the picture on the front of the packaging, which shows the base of the iMac on the bottom. Follow these instructions on how to open an iMac box to avoid catastrophe.
Apple's new M4 Macs are here! Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey
Apple’s newest M4-equipped Macs — iMac, MacBook Pro and the redesigned Mac mini — reached store shelves Friday. Customers who placed preorders for delivery should receive their new computers today, too.
Apple announced its new Macs in the last week of October through press releases.
Some early reviews of the M4 iMac touch on how much more colorful the new version of the desktop is. But other reviewers had more to say about the performance boost from the Apple M4 processor.
Read on for a range of thoughts from reviewers on the 2024 iMac with M4.
An iPad Air with 90Hz display? Yes, please! Photo: Apple
Apple is allegedly working on a 90Hz display for the next-gen iPad Air, 24-inch iMac, and the Studio Display. All these devices currently sport a 60Hz panel.
The 90Hz screen will apparently debut on the M3 iPad Air before making its way to other devices. Apple’s focus on display technology aligns with its iterative improvements in the iPhone lineup, including models like theiPhone 3 SE, which aimed to balance affordability with performance.
The 90Hz screen will apparently debut on the M3 iPad Air before making its way to other devices.
You can almost feel the power of the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After a whirlwind week of M4 Mac releases, we weigh up the pros (tons) and cons (very few). Mostly it’s a lovefest as we talk about the new M4 Mac mini, iMac and MacBook Pros.
Also on The CultCast:
What’s up with Apple putting the new Mac mini power button on the bottom? (Luckily, the internet has some “fixes.”)
Apple surprised us by upgrading the RAM on M2 and M3 MacBook Airs — without raising the prices!
We wrap up with a discussion of what new Apple gear we ordered after this week’s Mac-o-rama.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Is it time for a new iMac? Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Is the new M4 iMac worth it? Should you upgrade and buy one? The latest models come with a big boost in performance and brighter, refreshing colors. It’s a solid upgrade if you’re still on an older model.
Of course, depending on your preferences, Apple may no longer make an iMac for you. You might want to consider the new Mac mini with a Studio Display.
Apple isn’t likely to make another 27-inch iMac. Sorry. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Monday’s launch of a 24-inch iMac renewed calls for a 27-inch version. While this is a product Apple made before, there are multiple reasons why it hasn’t come back and almost certainly isn’t going to.
I’m not arguing that an extra-large all-in-one desktop is a bad device, but it does have at least one serious drawback. And it’s also apparently weak in a critical area. Plus there’s one more reason that’s hard to argue with.