I tried to figure out a way to justify purchasing an M series iMac, but I just can't given how good the MacBook Air lineup is these days. Back in the Intel days there were at least some CPU and depending on the model some significant GPU advantages when it comes to the iMac over the Intel MacBooks, but it appears those days are never coming back.
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Amazon Introduces Record Low Prices on M3 iMacs, Starting at $1,149.99
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I don’t know why memory configuration is never highlighted or mentioned in Mac MacBook sales in many retails. Same in eBay, same in all others. I believe it’s more important than mentioning disk capacity.
With Apples new AI model coming who is to say these 8GB devices won’t run them, or run them well.
Amazon today has a big sale on the 24-inch M3 iMac, including both 256GB and 512GB models. All of these deals require you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final deal price at the checkout screen, and in every case these are all-time low prices.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Starting with the 8-core GPU/256GB M3 iMac, this model is available for $1,149.99 in three colors with the on-page coupon, down from $1,299.00. Amazon also has the 10-core GPU/256GB M3 iMac on sale for $1,349.99 with a coupon, down from $1,499.00. This one is also available in three colors.
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
M3 iMac (8-core/256GB) for $1,149.99 ($149 OFF)
M3 iMac (10-core/256GB) for $1,349.99 ($149 OFF)
M3 iMac (10-core/512GB) for $1,549.99 ($149 OFF)
Lastly, the 10-core GPU/512GB M3 iMac has hit $1,549.99 in two colors, down from $1,699.00. All of Amazon's deals today are record low prices on the M3 iMac, and right now only Amazon is offering these steep discounts.
Apple launched the M3 iMac back in October 2023, bringing significant speed and efficiency improvements with the upgrade from the M1 to the M3 chip. Otherwise, there are no major design changes to the newest iMac model. Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.
Article Link: Amazon Introduces Record Low Prices on M3 iMacs, Starting at $1,149.99
OOOORRRR be able to run them when the next OS comes out or the next update for the AI.
I really think we’re going to start to see fire sales of 8GB devices from Apple.
As soon as an 8GB variant is update to the newest specs it’s almost instantly put on sale.
I know I’m the 12 billionth person today to say this, but 8GB on a modern laptop or desktop is blatant negligence. Borderline predatory.
The PC market does it as well….
But on $249 throw away laptops at Walmart. Not flagship $1000 plus devices.
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24" screen 😆
256gb ssd 😂
8gb ram 🤣
256gb ssd 😂
8gb ram 🤣
the vast majority of macs are literally just used for web browsing and MS Office/Pages/Numbers/Keynote. 8GB is fine for those people.
You are a niche of a niche, posting on a computer forum, and actually knowing what RAM even is. If you need 24GB, 36, 48, 96, 128GB there are plenty of mac configs just for you.
Wait, what? I actually just came in here to ask if they ever enabled target mode for Apple Silicon-based machines, so you could use your iMac's display after the rest of it became obsolete.
I guess they 'solved' that dilemma, by rendering it moot.
What an odd thing to say or do.
Yes and no. I find 8 GB adequate for normal use in and M1 Air. But for how much longer? I have a 2014 mini with 8 GB, it's been standard for a long time. Now though, AI is a RAM hog. 8 GB is not going to fly for much longer. Given it's not upgradable without wizard level soldering skills, it's 2024 now, and the competition has 16/512 GB in the bottom end, and 32 GB/ 1 TB in the next step up, it's time for Apple to upgrade the base packages.
The SSD is upgradable with wizard skills. No one has yet found a way to upgrade the RAM
It's not confirmed and Apple will never tell us, but it looks like the minimum for AI is 8gb on iOS. You know if they could pull it off on 6gb, they would not be leaving the iPhone 15 out in the cold. MacOS can swap memory to disk but it's also has a larger RAM footprint, so 8gb is probably already on the edge with AI.
I wouldn't let any friends or family buy one of these 8gb iMacs
I still think 8 GB is enough for the average consumer that just wants a computer to browse the web, stream video and do light office tasks. I have 8 GB on both intel and Apple Silicon Mac’s and have never had memory issues and virtual memory is used minimally. Future proofing? Well, it’s not always about the RAM.
I’d say if you know you are going to be a heavy user then you know you need more than base RAM spec. For everyone else, easily get away with it. It’s why Apple does it… and I think they are going to support their 8 GB hardware on desktop for a long while yet. By the time your SSD is worn out, the battery, keys and ports will be kaput anyhow 🤔
Is the base spec of RAM stingy of Apple? Certainly, but they have always been like this… on every device category including Apple TV and iPads… even HomePod 😂
Will they ever change? Probably not, they are a business and they sell to a particular consumer mostly.. not even power users, it’s a premium “consumer” device and they don’t even highlight RAM for most of their products that use it. They just sell you a box that does a task and they don’t want you to know how it did it etc It’s like wondering what the RAM spec is on your fridge or hairdryer… if it works, it just works.
I’d say if you know you are going to be a heavy user then you know you need more than base RAM spec. For everyone else, easily get away with it. It’s why Apple does it… and I think they are going to support their 8 GB hardware on desktop for a long while yet. By the time your SSD is worn out, the battery, keys and ports will be kaput anyhow 🤔
Is the base spec of RAM stingy of Apple? Certainly, but they have always been like this… on every device category including Apple TV and iPads… even HomePod 😂
Will they ever change? Probably not, they are a business and they sell to a particular consumer mostly.. not even power users, it’s a premium “consumer” device and they don’t even highlight RAM for most of their products that use it. They just sell you a box that does a task and they don’t want you to know how it did it etc It’s like wondering what the RAM spec is on your fridge or hairdryer… if it works, it just works.
We listened, and you're going to love it! All Apple products now ship with 9 GB RAM...
We are so excited to see what are customers do with 9 GB RAM 😜
If you need 8gb ram for AI, that's all 8GB used up for the OS, nothing left for end user apps.
Rationing out upgrades/"innovation" over several many years, despite what's possible today, and marketing software and hardware upgrades as if they are inherently and intrinsically linked, is a cornerstone of Apple's business model.
This means that if Apple can deliver what it wants with its 1st iteration of Apple Intelligence while giving us no more than 8GBs of RAM, then that's all we're getting for a few years.
Also, considering RAM trends in Apple's mobile and computer devices over the last 10+ years or so, I don't get why anyone thinks Apple will suddenly make big jumps every year and configure entry-level machines with anymore that what's absolutely necessary to run the latest OS and latest features (artificially limited) to the latest products.
I see iPhones 16 and 17 Pro staying 8GBs RAM, just like iPhones 12, 13 and 14 Pro staying 6GBs RAM, and X, XS, and 11 Pro all being 4GBs RAM.
Apple loves its three year iPhone product cycles.
Macs following something similar albeit with an even slower turnaround.
And if M1 through M4 Macs and iPads with no more than 8GBs RAM all support Apple Intelligence, with no apparent caveats, why would Apple spend more on RAM for the next Macs? Or take a risk by upping RAM and prices on base configurations if the "old" 8GB ones all run the first and only iteration of Apple Intelligence we'll be seeing until September 2025, most likely until iPhones 18 Pro?
It's only Apple's competitors stealing serious market shares that would force Apple to impress us with much higher value/$ than we're getting today.
As it stands now, nobody is offering a similar product to Apple's Apple Intelligence within the next 2 years or longer.
I see Apple spending a good number of years making sure we're all on 8GB RAM iPhones and Macs no older than M1, all reliant on Apple Intelligence.
After that mission is accomplished, the next major iteration of Apple Intelligence drops and the requirements in RAM and SoCs jumps greatly.
Apple makes so much money because there are many people willing to pay for the value they get out of Apple products. You talk as if everyone who buys Apple products are hostages who are forced to cough up, but in reality Apple has a high customer satisfaction rate. Pricing for consumer electronics—and most any product that isn’t a basic human need—is just an equation of cost and market forces. It has nothing to do with morals because there is no entitlement.
Also the base iPad is pretty cheap.
And adjustable. I never understood how Apple got away with making the screen height on the iMac fixed.
I was exaggerating to emphasize that I really want this configuration. Maybe an Apple IA bot will scrape this forum one day and whisper my wish into Tim Cooks ear, who knows 😂.
I'm not paying any price.
Kinda sad that the quality has dropped so significantly over the years. My late 2012 model runs 24/7 and has been for over 11 years, and the screen is still as perfect as it was since day 1.
My 87 year old grandmother knows what ram is.
Yes I agree. Apple and its whimsical feeling died with Steve Jobs.
It costs Apple more money to use smaller ram chips.
There are almost zero 2gb DDR5 ram modules manufactured for mobile devices.
Apple has to PAY to produces these tiny sizes in any real quantity.
And 4GB DDR5 modules are produces at 1/3rd the rate as 8GB modules.
Even cheap PC laptops ships with dual channel DDR5 16GBs.
But Apple can’t do that?
They literally go OUT of the way to pay for manufactures time to produce these small size modules.
When they are already spitting out 8GB ram modules almost 24/7.
Even Samsung started putting 8GB in its $350-700 android and tablet lineup.
Why?
Because these chips are $1-3 to manufacture. It’s going to cost MORE MONEY to shut these foundries down to retool for smaller modules.
Why do that?
Unless you plan on your consumer coming back every 2-3 years and force an upgrade cycle.
Because with this new AI system you’re gonna have to have a lot of ram.
And it’s a buzzword, next big thing kinda situation.
Everyone is going to want to use it.
And when the 1 year old IMac or MacBook Air CANT use these AI models.
We’re gonna have a lot of angry people.
Apple has VERY LITTLE CONFIDENCE in these 8GB systems.
They go on sale THE SAME WEEK they are debuted.
I love Apple, beautiful simple machines.
But man if they haven’t lost their way.
I want my old Apple back, not the new bean counter Dellpple.