Apple Introduces 24-Inch iMac with M3 Chip and Enhanced GPU

Apple has launched an upgraded version of the 24-inch iMac, now equipped with the new M3 chip, marking a significant enhancement following the introduction of the M1-powered iMac in 2021. The new 24-inch iMac with the M3 chip was unveiled during Apple’s recent Scary Fast event, boasting a design similar to the 2021 iMac model with an M1 chip, introduced three years ago. This improved iMac model, powered by the M3 chip, features an 8-core CPU and can accommodate a remarkable 10-core GPU, promising up to double the performance of its M1 predecessor while also optimizing efficiency.

In India, the pricing for the 24-inch iMac with the M3 chip begins at Rs. 1,34,900. This particular model includes an 8-core CPU, an 8-core GPU, 8GB of memory, 256GB of SSD storage, and two Thunderbolt ports. Apple is also providing the package with the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse. Color options for this model include green, pink, blue, and silver.

Additionally, the 24-inch iMac with the M3 variant, featuring the 10-core GPU, is available in India starting at Rs. 1,54,900, with a reduced cost of Rs. 1,44,900 for education. The specifications for this model mirror those of the previous version, offering an 8-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD storage, two Thunderbolt ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and two USB 3 ports. This configuration includes a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and a Magic Mouse, and it comes in a variety of colors, including blue, green, orange, pink, purple, silver, and yellow.

For those interested in obtaining the new 24-inch iMac with the M3 chip, pre-orders have already begun on the Apple website. The official sales launch is scheduled for November 7 and will be accessible through the website, Apple Stores, and authorized Apple resellers.

The 24-inch iMac with the M3 chip may appear similar in design to its predecessor, but it offers notable performance improvements. The M3 chip with its 8-core CPU and the potential for a 10-core GPU, as well as support for up to 24GB unified RAM, is designed to deliver double the speed compared to the M1 chip. Impressively, the M3 chip is based on the Apple iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Pro chip and is manufactured using a 3nm process, enhancing its overall efficiency.

In terms of graphics, the M3 chip offers hardware-accelerating mesh shading with support for ray tracing. It also integrates a 16-core Neural Engine, facilitating faster machine learning processes. The 24-inch iMac is equipped with a high-resolution Retina Display, boasting 4.5K resolution and 500 nits of peak brightness. This model includes Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, up to four USB Type-C ports, two Thunderbolt ports, Gigabit Ethernet support, and a 1080p FaceTime camera. The audio experience is enriched with a six-speaker setup supporting Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. The operating system is macOS Sonoma.

Apple’s M3 chip lineup is expected to consist of the standard M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max versions, each with its own technical specifications. The M3 chip is projected to incorporate 8 CPU cores (4 performance and 4 efficiency cores) along with 10 GPU cores. The M3 Pro chip may feature multiple configurations, potentially including a version with 12 CPU cores (6 performance and 6 efficiency cores) and 18 GPU cores, as well as another variant equipped with 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores. The M3 Max is likely to follow suit with various configurations, possibly offering a version with 16 CPU cores (12 performance and 4 efficiency cores) and an impressive 40 GPU cores. There might also be a version with fewer GPU cores, featuring 32 cores.

Apple’s adoption of the 3nm manufacturing process for the M3 lineup could provide a significant competitive edge, as many industry rivals have yet to embark on producing 3nm desktop processors. The real-world performance implications of this technological advancement are eagerly anticipated.