The iMac M3 is Apple’s latest offering, combining sleek design and impressive performance. In this review, we’ll dive into what makes this 24-inch iMac special, covering its aesthetics, features, and how it performs in everyday tasks.
The iMac M3 keeps things fresh with a vibrant color palette, making it an eye-catching addition to your workspace. Whether you prefer a subtle hue or a bold shade, the iMac M3 has you covered. Plus, you can now order one through Apple’s official website, with deliveries starting on November 7th.
Priced at $1,299 for the base model, the iMac M3 boasts a powerful Apple M3 chip with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, offering a performance boost compared to its predecessor. It’s a great choice for various tasks, from web browsing to light gaming.
But there are a few trade-offs at this price point, like the absence of Touch ID on the Magic Keyboard and a limited color selection. If you’re looking for a broader range of colors and additional ports, the $1,499 model might be more to your liking.
The standout features include its impressive built-in speaker system, offering immersive sound quality and supporting technologies like Dolby Atmos and Apple’s Spatial Audio. It also boasts a stunning 24-inch Retina display, making it perfect for various activities, from streaming to gaming.
While the iMac M3 excels in many areas, it’s important to note that it might not meet the demands of hardcore gamers due to some limitations. However, for everyday computing, productivity, and entertainment, it’s a solid choice.
In this review, we’ll explore the iMac M3’s design, performance, and features, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
iMac M3 Specifications
| Starting Price | $1,299 |
| Colors | Blue, Green, Pink, Silver, Yellow, Orange, Purple |
| CPU | 8-core CPU |
| GPU | 8-core GPU (configurable up to 10-core) |
| Display | 24 inches (4480 x 2520) |
| Memory | 8GB (configurable to 16GB or 24GB) |
| Storage | 256GB (configurable up to 2TB) |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt / USB-4, 3.5mm headphone jack, optional Gigabit Ethernet |
| Webcam | 1080p |
| Size | 21.5 x 18.1 x 5.8 inches |
| Weight | 9.75 – 9.87 pounds |
Apple iMac M3 – The Same Great Look, with a Splash of Color
The new iMac M3 doesn’t stray far from the design of its predecessor, the 24-inch iMac M1, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The sleek “big monitor wrapped in silver aluminum” aesthetic is still captivating, and the addition of vibrant color options adds a refreshing touch to any workspace.
It’s a relatively novel and pleasing experience to see a colorful iMac gracing your desk, maintaining the iconic design language of its forerunners. Interestingly, the iMac M3’s paint job can appear quite distinct depending on the angle. The front, for instance, exudes a subdued and pale shade of pink, while the rear is so vivid that it borders on red.
The rear of the iMac M3 houses all the essential ports and the power button, making interaction straightforward. While locating a specific port might require a bit of tactile exploration if you prefer not to rotate the display, the fact that all ports are Thunderbolt/USB-C reduces confusion since they share the same form and are conveniently lined up along the rear’s left side.
However, one aspect that remains unchanged and slightly irksome is the aluminum stand. While it does allow for a modest tilting adjustment, there’s no option for altering the height or rotation of the display. The absence of height adjustment may pose challenges for users outside of a particular height range.
While the term “cruel” may be a bit dramatic when referring to industrial design, it’s worth noting that individuals with varying height requirements could encounter difficulties. For taller users, such as those standing at 6’4″, using the 24-inch iMac comfortably on a standard desk arrangement may prove impractical. To optimize the experience, creative solutions like constructing makeshift tiered desk setups or opting for a VESA mount adapter with an adjustable arm or wall mounting may be necessary.
The New 24-inch iMac M3 – Features and Pricing
Apple enthusiasts can now place their orders for the latest 24-inch iMac M3 via Apple’s official website, with anticipated deliveries scheduled to commence on Tuesday, November 7. The base model starts at $1,299. However, those who wish to mount the iMac on a wall or monitor arm must opt for an iMac M3 with a VESA adapter, instead of the standard stand.
The entry-level iMac M3, priced at $1,299, boasts 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 256GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, and is powered by an Apple M3 chip featuring an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. Notably, this chip offers an extra GPU core compared to the 2021 iMac, delivering a welcome performance boost within the same price range.
Despite these enhancements, the entry-level iMacs continue to include a Magic Keyboard without Touch ID support. Furthermore, they are only available in four colors, rather than the seven offered for the higher-end iMacs. This sales strategy, previously seen with the 2021 iMac, may be frustrating for customers who wish to enjoy the full color spectrum without the need to upgrade to pricier models. This raises questions about whether certain colors are somehow incompatible with the entry-level iMac.
The iMac M3, priced at $1,499, provides an upgrade featuring an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a choice of seven colors: blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange, or purple. This model and the more expensive options also come with a Gigabit Ethernet port and two additional USB-C ports on the back, bringing the total to two Thunderbolt 4 ports and two USB-C ports.
While the M3 chip in the iMac M3 cannot be upgraded beyond an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, users have the flexibility to expand RAM and storage for increased memory. The fully-loaded iMac M3, equipped with 24GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage, is available at a price of $2,699.
Every iMac M3 includes an Apple Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard, although the $1,299 models come with keyboards that lack Touch ID support, unless customers choose to pay an additional $50 for the upgrade. For those who prefer a Magic Trackpad, an extra $50 is required. The option to include a Magic Trackpad is especially appreciated by users with hand and wrist issues.
iMac M3 Ports and Connectivity Options
The ports on the iMac M3 closely mirror its predecessor. The entry-level iMac M3 features two Thunderbolt 4 ports at the rear, along with a headphone jack located on the left-hand edge of the display. This minimal selection remains consistent with the iMac M1, leading to the conclusion that the port options may be considered somewhat limited.
For an additional investment of $200 or more, users can upgrade from the entry-level model and gain access to an extra pair of USB 3.0 Type-C ports on the rear, adjacent to the Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports. Additionally, an Ethernet port is included on the power adapter.
For those who rely on wireless connectivity, it’s worth noting that the iMac M3 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, a step up from the Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 available on the earlier iMac M1 models from 2021.
While some users may desire a more extensive array of ports, especially power users, it’s important to consider that the iMac is an all-in-one computer designed to rest on a desk. As such, any missing port options, such as USB-A ports or an SD card reader, can be conveniently supplemented with adapters, dongles, or hubs that can sit alongside the iMac on the desk, providing flexibility for various connectivity needs.
iMac M3 Sound Quality and Speaker System
The iMac M3 is equipped with a six-speaker sound system, comprising four woofers and two tweeters, offering an impressive auditory experience with remarkable sound quality and a commendable bass output. Additionally, these speakers are compatible with Dolby Atmos and Apple’s Spatial Audio technology, which employs directional filters and other techniques to create the illusion of 3D sound surrounding the listener. This results in a more immersive and expansive soundscape.
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Even when enjoying music and movies that do not support Spatial Audio or Dolby Atmos, the iMac M3’s speakers deliver clear and crisp audio. The speakers are capable of producing high volume levels, which means users should exercise caution when adjusting the volume to avoid disturbing neighbors.
While it’s possible to achieve superior sound quality with a dedicated set of external speakers or a home audio system, the sound quality produced by the iMac’s built-in speakers is exceptional, making it a standout feature among all-in-one computers. Although some all-in-one PCs may have decent built-in speakers, few can rival the sound quality offered by the iMac.
iMac M3 Display Quality
The iMac M3 features a striking 24-inch Retina display with a resolution of 4.5K (4,480 x 2,520 pixels), offering vibrant and visually appealing visuals. The display is bright, colorful, and well-suited for various activities, such as gaming and streaming movies and TV shows. During usage, there were no noticeable performance issues or display-related problems.
However, it’s worth noting that the iMac’s screen lacks support for high dynamic range (HDR) and associated technologies like Dolby Vision, which may disappoint users, considering the increasing prevalence of HDR content in movies, shows, and games.
Despite the absence of HDR support, the iMac M3 still delivers high-quality visual experiences. Streaming films and TV shows, even at non-HDR resolutions, look impressive on the display. The wide viewing angles ensure that content remains visible and engaging from different angles.
Gaming performance on the iMac M3 is also commendable, and while it may not support HDR, games look excellent on the display. The brightness levels are noteworthy, with Apple claiming the display can reach up to 500 nits, While reviewing we have achieved an average brightness of 479 nits, peaking at 508 nits at the center of the screen.
In terms of color accuracy, the iMac M3 is quite impressive. It covers 108.2% of the sRGB color gamut and 78.6% of the more demanding DCI-P3 color gamut, achieving a Delta-E score of 0.2 (a lower score is better). It’s essential to note that the display’s color accuracy and brightness levels make it a suitable option for various tasks.
The iMac M3 stands out for its brightness and color accuracy. It is brighter and more color-accurate than the HP Envy 34 all-in-one. It also performs admirably compared to the 27-inch Apple Studio Display, offering users an impressive visual experience.
iMac M3 Performance Overview
The new iMac M3 offers a notable improvement in performance over its predecessors, making it a capable multi-tasking machine suitable for various tasks, from productivity to entertainment. With the 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 24GB of RAM on the maxed-out M3 model, users can expect a responsive and smooth experience. During various tasks, such as web browsing, running multiple applications, and streaming music, the iMac M3 exhibited zero slowdown or limitations, even with over 20 open browser tabs.
Streaming movies and playing games were enjoyable on the iMac M3, and users may have good experience with games like Lies of P, Total War: Warhammer III, and No Man’s Sky. However, it’s important to note that the iMac M3 is not on par with high-end gaming PCs due to its lack of support for advanced graphics technologies like variable refresh rates and HDR.
While the M3 chip significantly boosts performance compared to its predecessor, it’s still not the ideal choice for serious gamers looking for top-notch graphics performance. Nevertheless, the iMac M3 is well-suited for a range of general tasks, making it a recommended choice for families, students, and individuals interested in web browsing, homework, basic coding, photo and video editing, and light gaming.
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The iMac M3 performs closely to the Mac mini M2, particularly the $799 Mac mini M2 with its vanilla M2 chip. However, the iMac M3 offers advanced gaming features not supported by the M2, such as hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh caching.
In gaming performance, the iMac M3 tends to struggle when running modern games at the native 4.5K resolution. Achieving solid frame rates in most games may require lowering the settings. For instance, running Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm at 1080p resulted in a peak framerate of 35.9 frames per second, but the rate dropped to 20 FPS when played at the native resolution.
While the M3 chip offers advanced gaming features, it may not provide the performance required by avid gamers. Those seeking a Mac for gaming might find the MacBook Pro M3 laptops with the beefier M3 Pro and M3 Max chips to be more suitable options.
The iMac M3 offers an excellent balance of performance and versatility, making it a solid choice for everyday computing and entertainment, but it may not meet the demands of high-end gaming enthusiasts.
iMac M3 Webcam
The iMac M3 is equipped with a 1080p FaceTime camera, mounted at the center of the top bezel, making it ideal for video calls and selfies. This camera provides excellent image quality, ensuring that you look your best during video calls on platforms like FaceTime, Zoom, and other video conferencing apps.
The iMac M3 also features a triple-microphone array that functions effectively for audio input. While it may not be recommended for tasks where high-quality audio is critical, such as podcast recording, it is more than sufficient for basic applications like video calls with family and friends.
Furthermore, the M3 chip in the iMac supports various features, including gesture-triggered video reactions, enhancing the user experience and providing access to the latest macOS Sonoma features.
Final Conclusion
The iMac M3 offers a visually stunning and colorful addition to your workspace, maintaining its iconic design language. Apple enthusiasts can place their orders for the iMac M3, starting at $1,299, with the base model offering an impressive performance boost within the same price range.
The more advanced iMac M3 models, starting at $1,499, offer expanded color options and additional ports. While the M3 chip doesn’t support high-end gaming, it excels at general computing tasks. The built-in speakers provide exceptional sound quality, making it a standout feature among all-in-one computers.
The 24-inch Retina display is bright and colorful, providing an excellent visual experience for various activities. Although it lacks HDR support, it still delivers high-quality visuals.
Performance-wise, the iMac M3 is a capable multi-tasking machine, suitable for productivity and entertainment, while the 1080p FaceTime camera offers excellent image quality for video calls.
Pros and Cons of iMac M3
| No. | Pros | Cons |
| 1. | Aesthetic Design: The iMac M3 maintains the sleek and captivating design of its predecessor, with vibrant color options that add a refreshing touch to any workspace. | Limited Height Adjustment: The aluminum stand lacks height adjustment options, which may be inconvenient for users outside of a specific height range. |
| 2. | Port Accessibility: All essential ports are conveniently located at the rear of the iMac, making it straightforward to interact with your devices. | Color and Feature Limitation: The entry-level model lacks Touch ID support on the keyboard and offers only four color options, which could be frustrating for users who want a broader color choice without upgrading to a pricier model. |
| 3. | Performance Boost: The M3 chip in the iMac M3 offers enhanced performance with an additional GPU core compared to the 2021 model, providing a welcome performance boost within the same price range. | No HDR Support: The display lacks support for high dynamic range (HDR), which might disappoint users interested in HDR content. |
| 4. | Sound Quality: The iMac M3 boasts a six-speaker sound system with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio support, delivering an immersive and exceptional auditory experience. | Not Suitable for High-End Gaming: The iMac M3 is not on par with high-end gaming PCs, and avid gamers might consider alternative options with more powerful chips. |
| 5. | Bright and Color-Accurate Display: The 4.5K Retina display is bright, colorful, and accurate, making it suitable for various tasks, from gaming to content creation. | |
| 6. | Good for Everyday Use: The iMac M3 is a capable multitasking machine suitable for productivity, entertainment, web browsing, and light gaming. | |
| 7. | Quality Webcam: The 1080p FaceTime camera and triple-microphone array offer excellent image and audio quality for video calls and conferencing. |
