tldr; Apple’s 24-inch M1 iMac is so stylish it could host its own design podcast. But under that ultra-slim, colour-popping shell is a machine that means business — as long as that business doesn’t involve heavy 3D rendering or gaming marathons. For day-to-day creative work, web, and design tasks? It’s chef’s kiss.
Tech Specs
- Apple M1 chip (8-core CPU, up to 8-core GPU)
- 24″ 4.5K Retina display (gloriously sharp and colour-accurate)
- Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, up to four USB-C total
- Magic Keyboard (with Touch ID on higher configs)
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera with M1 image signal processing
- Comes in 7 eye-popping colours (yes, we got the orange one 😎)
What We Loved (and What Made Us Meh)
This machine is fast, quiet, and frankly too good-looking for most desks.
- Blistering M1 performance for everyday and creative tasks
- Gorgeous 4.5K Retina display with exceptional colour accuracy
- Impressively thin design that turns heads
- Silent operation — fans? What fans?
- Excellent camera + mic for WFH calls that don’t look/sound like a hostage video
- Seamless macOS + iPhone integration (AirDrop, Handoff, etc.)
A few things made us raise our perfectly-groomed eyebrows.
- Limited ports — you’ll want a hub or docking station
- No user upgrades — RAM and storage are sealed in tighter than Apple’s NDA
- No HDMI or SD card slot (a strange omission for a “creative” machine)
- Entry-level model only has 2 ports and fewer GPU cores
- External display support limited to one extra monitor
- Keyboard without Touch ID on base config (booo)
The 24-inch M1 iMac is a brilliant reimagining of the classic all-in-one. It’s powerful enough for Photoshop, Lightroom, Final Cut, and even light Logic Pro work — all while sipping power and barely making a sound. The M1 chip continues to impress, offering speedy, stable performance that rivals many higher-priced desktops. And that screen? It’s one of the best in the business.
But it’s not perfect. Apple’s obsession with minimalism has left us craving more ports and upgradability. Still, if you’re a designer, video editor, or anyone who stares at a screen for a living, it’s a fantastic daily driver. Just… maybe keep an SD card reader handy.
Verdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s sleek, smart, and fast — but a few quirks and port limitations keep it from iMac perfection.
Would we buy it?
Yes — as a creative workhorse, it’s a delight (with a USB-C hub in the shopping cart too).
Value for Money
Strong value for the performance and display quality — just avoid the base model unless it’s purely for emails and browsing.