Apple iMac (2023) Review: Minor Update with M3 Processor

At first glance, Apple’s latest iMac model appears to be nearly identical to the 2021 iMac, sporting the same attractive 24-inch display and colourful exterior. The only discernible difference between the two is the new M3 processor included in the updated model.

Overall, the iMac’s sleek design, stunning display, and powerful M3 chip remain highlights of the latest iteration. However, some of the previous model’s issues, particularly the lower-end model’s specifications, cannot be overlooked.

The M3 chip inside the new iMac is great news. Paired with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage in the model I tested, it provides more than enough power for my daily workflow. As a journalist, my needs are moderate, and I usually work with a browser, Messages, Photos, Slack, Bear, Apple Music and Trello. However, I tested it with a ton of Safari tabs, and it never slowed down. Even more power-hungry apps like Lightroom or Photomater never stuttered either, as I edited and exported RAW photos. The M3 iMac supports up to 24GB of RAM this time around, up from 16GB on the M1 model, which is a big plus.

The M3 iMac can also run modern games, at least those that are available for it. The Mac still lags behind Windows when it comes to gaming, but the situation is improving.

Apple has done a remarkable job of incorporating high-quality speakers into its laptops, and the iMac’s speaker system is equally impressive. With six speakers altogether, including two force-cancelling woofers, this system delivers clear and relatively loud audio. Although I prefer dedicated speakers for music, this sound system is better than expected for casual listening or watching YouTube videos. Plus, the speakers support Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio for Apple Music, movies, and shows through the Apple TV app. While the effects aren’t the most noticeable on this system, I have found that songs sound somewhat different, though not necessarily better, regardless of the device used to play Spatial Audio.

The iMac includes a keyboard and mouse (or trackpad) that match the computer, which is a subtle but nice touch. While those who love mechanical keyboards may not be impressed, I find the Magic Keyboard extremely comfortable for typing for long periods. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that Touch ID is now integrated into the keyboard. The Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad are the same models that Apple has been selling for years, and they are very dependable, although some people do not like the shape of the mouse.

Apple had the chance to update the design of its accessories to make use of USB-C for charging. However, they chose to stick with the old Lightning connector that has been around for years. With Lightning’s future uncertain, this would have been a perfect opportunity to shift to USB-C. Nonetheless, the included Lightning cable matches the colour scheme perfectly.Low base specs are a significant drawback.

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Most of the features that Apple kept the same with the new iMac do not bother me – the design and screen are just fine, even if some people would prefer them to be different. What I find concerning are the corners that Apple cuts to offer the iMac at a starting price of $1,299. The configuration with that price point comes with only 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which was considered inadequate two and a half years ago and is now completely unacceptable. I cannot, in good conscience, recommend that anyone spend over $1,000 on a computer that has only 8GB of RAM in the year 2023.

While the entry-level iMac is a more affordable option, it does come with some drawbacks. For instance, the power adapter with a gigabit Ethernet port and Touch ID are not included. The GPU has only eight cores, compared to the ten found in the $1,499 model. Additionally, the base iMac only has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and four colour options, as opposed to the more expensive iMac’s four USB-C ports and seven colours. Despite being marketed as an education model, it is still recommended to upgrade from the standard 8GB RAM if you plan to use it for personal or family use.

To get a computer with 16GB of RAM and all the necessary features, you will have to spend at least $1,499. This is the same price as the middle-tier iMac, which comes with the gigabit Ethernet adapter, Touch ID, and other features but only has 8GB of RAM. If you want to upgrade the iMac to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which are the minimum specifications I would recommend for a desktop, it will cost you a staggering $1,899.

It’s not a new issue. The company’s entry-level models often feel artificially limited to encourage you to buy a more expensive option. Take the $1,099 MacBook Air, for example. It’s also limited by 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, but it’s more understandable on a laptop. However, with the iMac, you don’t get improved portability in exchange for lower specs. In many ways (except for the screen), the iMac is a more expensive and limited computer than the MacBook Air.

Thankfully, Apple has an alternative option, the Mac mini. For just $999, you can get a compact desktop equipped with an M2 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. If you add a 4K monitor, you’ll have a fully functional setup for less than $1,500. However, keep in mind that the all-in-one conveniences of the iMac will be lost, which is not insignificant. I’ve appreciated the absence of cable clutter on my desk while using the iMac.

Wrap-up

Apple’s desktop computer lineup is in better shape than ever thanks to Apple Silicon. For a while, the iMac needed to be a simple all-in-one for those with basic needs as well as a more powerful, pro-focused machine (remember the iMac Pro?). But now, the Mac mini and Mac Studio are compelling options for people who want better performance, leaving the iMac to serve a smaller audience. And it does it well – the screen is excellent, the M3 is powerful, and the entire device is surprisingly compact. If you want the most effortless Mac experience, the iMac is still the way to go. Just don’t forget to increase the RAM.