This week is a significant week for Apple.

On Monday, October 29, Apple announced an iMac desktop all-in-one computer equipped with an M4 chip.After Thursday's close, Apple will also announce its fiscal fourth-quarter results for fiscal 2024.At the same time, the entry of Apple Intelligence into China, which Apple has been promoting, has finally made progress thanks to Cook's efforts.

Updates specific to hardware devices.This regular update of the M4-equipped iMac can only be regarded as within the norm.The so-called M4 chip has relatively limited functional improvements. Compared with the M1 chip in the 2021 iMac, it is only 1.7 times faster, and the speed of understanding graphics is increased by 2.1 times.However, compared with older Intel chips, the improvement of the M4 is still relatively considerable.Apple squeezed the toothpaste to explode, which also indicates that the 3-nanometer chip technology is coming to an end.

In terms of operating memory, Apple has upgraded the standard to 16GB at one time (up to 32GB can be selected), obviously in preparation for Apple Intelligence.Even with the neural engine in the M4 chip, Apple has achieved 38 trillion cycles per second, just short of writing "born for AI" on the face of this iMac.

In these generations of products (including the iPhone and iPad), Apple highlighted improvements in the neural engine at the launch conference.It can be said that the neural engine is specially created for AI acceleration and plays a role in optimizing computing power in machine learning, application optimization, literal-text-picture generation, background music separation, etc.On this generation of iMac, Apple has carefully added light chasing to players to make real-time rendered images more realistic.Light chasing is one of the most expected functions of the image party and the game party.

There are also two "major" upgrades to the iMac. One is that it supports the iMac's external 8K 120Hz display for the first time; the other is that this iMac is upgraded to a 1080p camera, a six-speaker sound system and three "studio quality" microphones.Apple has also added Center Stage to the 12-megapixel webcam, which automatically keeps the user's face in the picture during video calls.The desk viewing angle function allows you to naturally and smoothly show your workbench from a top-down angle while you appear on the surface.

If you want to get better visual effects, Apple has also "affectionately" prepared optional nano-textured glass panels for users.Of course, there will be additional money.

If completely replacing the Lightning port with USB-C is an upgrade, then there is one more "major" upgrade left for the iMac this time.

In terms of color, the new iMac has more colors to choose from, including blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow, green, and silver. The overall visual effect is roughly similar to that of the new AirPods Max.Based on past experience, silver and blue may be more popular.

In terms of price, if priced in RMB, the price of 16+256GB is 10,999 yuan (8-core CPU+8-core GPU), the price of 16+256GB is 12,499 yuan (10-core CPU+10-core GPU), the price of 16+512GB is 13,999 yuan (10-core CPU+10-core GPU), and the price of 24GB+512GB is 15,499 yuan (10-core CPU+10-core GPU).All models are now available for pre-order and will ship on November 8.

Overall, this iMac is powerful and functional. It is also equipped with practical functions such as "Center Stage", desktop viewing angle, hardware optical tracking, etc., suitable for developing productivity.The only pity is that Apple Intelligence does not have exclusive access to such a desktop all-in-one machine created for AI.

According to Apple, since 2021, any Mac computer equipped with M1 and higher chips can run Apple AI; however, when the phone was released in September, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max and the newly released iPhone 16 series phones will support AI functionality-which may dissuade a group of consumers who want to try Apple Intelligence on new iMacs, because they can also experience Apple's AI functionality on old devices.

Still, Apple's share price rose after the release of the iMac.Analysts said this was partly because the iMac equipped with the strongest M4 chip did not fall short of market expectations, and partly because Apple announced that Siri equipped with ChatGPT service would be officially launched in December.