Apple announced yesterday a 24-inch iMac completely redesigned with the Apple M1 silicon chip. The new iMac, the first major redesign of the Mac desktop computer in 2012, has more changes compared to the previous generation.
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Following the event, some new topics and features may have crept in, so we’ve compiled this list with some of the less discussed features and modifications of the new 24-inch camera.
The first Mac with built-in spatial audio
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The 24-inch “iMac” is the first Mac to feature built-in audio with Dolby Atmos. This is allowed by six high-fidelity speakers, which work in conjunction with force-canceling woofers. Apple says in tandem, the new speakers and woofers create “the best speakers on any Mac.” Spatial Audio is available on iPhone and iPad devices compatible with Dolby Atmos content, and is now coming to the Mac for the first time.
The first iMac with WiFi 6
BookM1 Apple silicone MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac mini launched in November were the first Macs to accept the new and faster WiFi 6 protocol. With M1 now on iMac, the 24-inch 24iMac becomes the first Mac desktop computer to support WiFi 6.
Headphone jack on the side
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The new 24-inch camera has a radically thinner design compared to the previous generation. Although visually pleasing, this new design presented a challenge in terms of the placement of the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Usually, the headphone jack would be placed on the back of the iMac with, but with the new 24-inch model, the jack is placed on the left side.
Ethernet port on the power adapter
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Another problem presented by the new slim design of iMac was the place where the Ethernet port is placed. Apple’s solution to the dilemma is to place the Ethernet port directly in the power adapter. Apple says this new “new innovation” means that users can keep their offices less crowded, while still enjoying the benefits of Ethernet.
No SD card slot
Previous generation iMac models had an SD card slot reader on the back. The new 24-inch MiMac design has made this a challenge. In theory, Apple could have easily placed the SD card reader on the side, just like the headphone jack, but instead decided to remove it completely.
Of course, these are just some of the many new features offered by the 24-inch Mac. You can learn more about the new iMac and all the other things Apple announced at its “Spring Loaded” event using our summary.