On Monday, October 28, Apple released a new iMac all-in-one desktop computer with the latest and most powerful M4 chip and Apple Intelligence function, priced at $1299, available for pre-order now and shipping on November 8.

At the same time, iPhone, iPad, and Mac that meet the hardware requirements can use Apple Intelligence function, including integrating ChatGPT service into Siri and the next batch of AI functions for image generation will be launched in December.

After the announcement, Apple's stock price continued to hit new highs and rose by over 1%, approaching a recovery of all losses since last Tuesday.

This week is significant for Apple, not only releasing major software and hardware updates but also announcing the financial performance for the fourth quarter of the 2024 fiscal year after Thursday's closing bell. According to Apple's Chief Marketing Officer Greg Joswiak's hint, there may be more new Mac computers with M4 released this week.

Wall Street Journal has mentioned that the AI features released this week are the first batch, relatively common and basic functions, such as: integrating writing tools for summarizing and rewriting text into applications, AI image cleaning in photos, summarizing articles and notifications, and the redesigned typing experience of Siri. The new batch of AI features expected to be released in December will be more exciting, including integrating ChatGPT into Siri's services.

iMac has completely removed the Lightning port, added a more advanced display, and collectively upgraded the RAM to at least 16GB to support AI.

First, let's take a look at the update of the iMac. This is a new desktop computer launched by apple just one year after releasing the iMac with the M3 chip. It looks similar to the 2021 version with the M1 chip after a major redesign. The main changes are reflected in the color schemes, processor and memory expansion, complete replacement of the Lightning port with USB-C, and the option to choose a more advanced display.

The new iMac still offers seven color options: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. However, it does not adopt softer tones but deepens them, and provides color-matched accessories.

The entry-level model starts at $1299 and is equipped with two Thunderbolt USB-C 4 ports. The higher-end model starts at $1499 and includes four of the aforementioned ports, as well as a gigabit Ethernet port. Some analysts say that the USB-C ports support the fastest Thunderbolt 4 standard, meaning users can transfer large videos and other files more quickly.

The new iMac retains the same 24-inch 4.5K Retina display as the earlier models. The higher-end configurations can be upgraded to a nanotexture display for an additional $200, which can help prevent reflections and glare if the computer is near a window. The previous 27-inch iMac with an Intel chip has been discontinued.

In terms of the M4 chip options, the entry-level model comes with an eight-core CPU and eight-core GPU, which can eventually be upgraded to a ten-core CPU and GPU. All models have a minimum of 16GB of RAM system memory, doubled from the previous versions, to support AI experiences more smoothly and can be upgraded to 32GB. The base memory of the computer is 256GB and can be upgraded to 2TB for an additional fee.

At the same time, the latest iMac features a 1080p camera, a six-speaker sound system, and three 'studio-quality' microphones. Apple has also added Center Stage to the 12MP webcam, which automatically keeps the user's face in view during video calls. It supports up to two additional 6K displays, as well as updated Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard.

Apple introduced the use of the "second-generation 3-nanometer process technology" M4 chip for the first time in the new iPad Pro in May this year, while the iMac became the first Mac computer product line to be equipped with this chip this week. Two weeks ago, Apple also unexpectedly launched the iPad Mini supporting AI and featuring the A17 Pro chip.

M4 will prioritize energy efficiency and speed. Apple stated that the speed of the latest iMac will be 1.7 times faster than the M1 chip in the 2021 iMac, with graphics processing speed increased by 2.1 times, even six times faster than the older iMac with Intel chips.

In addition, with the release of MacOS Sequoia 15.1 and iPadOS 18.1 and other operating system updates today, devices equipped with the M4 chip can now start using the brand new Apple Intelligence AI features.

It is worth noting that unlike the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and this year's latest iPhone 16 series, which only support AI functions, since 2021, any Mac computer equipped with M1 or higher chips can run Apple AI.

Apple's first batch of AI features has successfully completed the testing phase and officially launched. The writing tools and content summaries are very appealing, expected to be updated in December or even more importantly.

Apple also released the iOS 18.1 mobile operating system update on Monday. Users with compatible devices can choose to experience the first batch of AI features, which were first mentioned at the WWDC Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

Wall Street News has previously mentioned that the first batch of AI features are quite common, including writing tools integrated into applications for text summarization and rewriting, image cleaning to remove objects in photos, summary of emails and notifications, redesigned Siri typing input, audio transcription text summaries in the Notes app, and smart replies for Messages.

To experience ai, users need to download iOS 18.1 from "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update", then apply to join the Apple waitlist in "Settings" > "Apple Intelligence and Siri", typically approved within a day in the beta test version, then the user's phone will start downloading and running the large files required for Apple Intelligence (such as apple's ai models).

The new batch of ai features expected to be released in December is exciting, including integrating ChatGPT into Siri's services, and launching image generation tools that can better compete with Google and other rivals.

The improved Siri today will have a new text interface appearance, answer more questions about apple products, help troubleshoot devices with more natural voices, but still cannot perform operations within multiple applications. However, now one can access Siri by sliding up from the bottom of the screen, without the need to speak loudly to inquire.

Apple's ai writing tool can display in any text input position in the operating system, including third-party applications. Users need to mark a large block of text first, and choose to rewrite it in a more "friendly", "professional", or "concise" style with ai. The latest "Photos" app has smarter search capabilities, understands natural language, and can generate video clips based on user photos.

Previously, analysts such as those from Bank of America had predicted that due to Apple Intelligence's ai features being rolled out in batches, the first batch of features may be slightly disappointing, and the demand stimulus for new devices may only emerge in subsequent feature iterations.

Some analysts believe that the release of the first batch of ai features is an important milestone for Apple, as it can not only drive sales of the iPhone 16 series new models released last month, but also answer Wall Street's questions about Apple's ai global strategy. With the upcoming arrival of the 2024 fiscal Q4 earnings report, Goldman Sachs optimistically expects profits to significantly exceed consensus expectations.

For example, apple ai functions will utilize chips on the mobile side to run, rather than investing billions of dollars to develop cloud-based ai systems powered by NVIDIA chips like other major competitors, so upgrading hardware devices is required to run AI on apple phones. Similarly, only iPads equipped with the A17 Pro chip can use ai functions.

In comparison with products like ChatGPT, the unique aspect of Apple's AI system lies in its smaller model approach. The new Apple Intelligence functions are trained on specific, selective datasets for targeted functions, unlike the large-scale black-box methods used by other systems.