iMac 10-Core M4: External 8K Display Support in Detail

Apple has now officially introduced the latest iMac and it brings with it a real first: With the new 10-core M4 chip, the iMac supports an external 8K display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz for the first time. This means that this iMac surpasses even Apple's most powerful models such as the MacBook Pro, Mac Studio and Mac Pro when it comes to display support.

Apple regularly introduces new technologies that set new standards and the iMac with 10-core M4 chip is another example of this. With the ability to drive an external 8K display at 120 Hz, Apple is targeting users who rely on the highest resolution and frame rate. The new iMac appeals to this target group because it offers features that are unique compared to other Mac models. So anyone looking for maximum performance and the best display quality for creative and productive work will not be disappointed with this iMac.

The new 10-core M4 chip: A milestone in performance

The 10-core M4 chip in the new iMac is Apple's answer to the increasing demand for higher display quality and frame rate. In addition to the ten processing cores, this chip delivers enough power to display the huge resolution of an 8K display at a smooth 120 Hz. For users, this means smooth work and a clear, sharp display of even the smallest details on a screen with 7,680 x 4,320 pixels. This innovation is also remarkable because the iMac not only supports a single 8K display at 120 Hz, but can also alternatively control two 6K displays at 60 Hz each. Apple is thus bringing its all-in-one desktop to a level that plays an important role in professional applications such as video editing, graphic design and gaming.

The iMac compared to other Mac models

Until this update, external display support on Macs was limited to a maximum resolution of 6K at 60 Hz - even on high-end models such as the MacBook Pro, Mac Studio or Mac Pro. The iMac with 10-core M4 chip now surpasses these devices, which makes it particularly interesting for users who place great value on outstanding screen quality and high frame rates. Even though a new MacBook Pro series is expected this week, which may also receive this 8K support, the iMac with the M4 chip currently remains the top model in terms of display options.

Display options and future developments

Interestingly, Apple itself does not currently offer an 8K display with 120 Hz. The high-quality Pro Display XDR, which is currently available, achieves a 6K resolution at 60 Hz, while the cheaper Studio Display monitor achieves a maximum of 5K resolution at 60 Hz. This raises the question of whether Apple might release its own 8K display with 120 Hz in the near future to optimally complement the new iMac. There are no concrete rumors about this so far, but it is quite conceivable that such a monitor will soon expand the product range.

Differences to the iMac with the M3 chip

A direct comparison with the previous model shows that the iMac with the M3 chip could only support an external display with up to 6K and 60 Hz. The newly introduced base model of the current iMac with the 8-core M4 chip also has the same limitations. This means that only the new 10-core model of the iMac offers this 8K 120 Hz support, clearly setting it apart from the rest of the iMac series.

iMac sets new standards in performance and display compatibility

With the iMac and its 10-core M4 chip, Apple has created a powerful option for demanding users who want maximum flexibility and outstanding image quality. Even though Apple itself does not currently offer a suitable 8K display with 120 Hz, the iMac sets new standards with its display support and shows where Apple could go in terms of performance and display options. Looking for the best accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront and discover a variety of products from top providers, including for HomeKit! (Image: Apple)

Update from October 29, 2024

The 8-core version of the iMac M4 can drive an additional 6K screen at 60 Hz, while the 10-core version was originally supposed to support either two 6K displays at 60 Hz or one 8K display at 120 Hz. The latter was a novelty, as no Mac could previously handle 8K at 120 Hz. However, Apple has corrected the information: It now says that the iMac M4 only supports 8K at 60 Hz. It remains unclear whether the error is due to a misunderstanding or whether future devices such as the Mac mini M4 Pro could enable this frequency. Apple is expected to provide clarity today at 4 p.m.