Key takeaways
- Elegant all-in-one design: Beautiful Retina display and minimal desk clutter.
- Renewed deals are cheap: Intel iMacs offer huge savings for everyday tasks.
- M4 is future-proof: Fast, silent, and ready for Apple Intelligence.
- Long-lasting build: Apple hardware ages gracefully.
What's inside
Black Friday is prime hunting season for Apple desktops, and the iMac all-in-one is the star attraction. Because Apple rarely discounts current hardware deeply, the real savings come from two directions: certified renewed older iMacs at a fraction of their original price, and genuine holiday markdowns on the latest M-series models. Knowing which route fits your needs is the key to a smart buy.
This guide looks at what Apple desktop Black Friday deals actually offer, comparing renewed Intel iMacs against the newest Apple Silicon machines. Whether you want a cheap, capable all-in-one for the family or a future-proof creative workstation, here is how to shop the sales without overpaying.
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Design & Build
The iMac’s all-in-one design remains its signature draw: a single elegant slab that houses the display, computer, and speakers with just a power cable running to the wall. The renewed Intel models, from the 21.5-inch 2017 and 2019 Retina 4K units to the 27-inch Retina 5K, carry the classic aluminum design with generous screen real estate. The 2024 24-inch M4 iMac represents Apple’s modern redesign, thinner, brighter, and available in fresh colors, with the same clean, cable-free desk appeal. Build quality across the lineup is excellent, which is part of why renewed units hold up so well years later.
Displays
Retina panels are the highlight. The 4K and 5K screens on these iMacs render text and photos beautifully, and the 24-inch M4’s Retina display is razor-sharp for everyday work and media.
Performance
Here the gap between old and new is stark. The renewed Intel iMacs, powered by Core i5 chips with 8GB of RAM and SSD or HDD storage, remain perfectly capable for browsing, email, office work, and light photo editing. They are outstanding value on Black Friday for a secondary or family machine. The 2024 24-inch iMac with the M4 chip is a different animal entirely: its 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory, and 512GB SSD deliver fast, silent performance that handles serious photo and video editing, plus Apple Intelligence features the Intel models can’t run. For demanding creative work or long-term use, the M4 is the clear choice; for basic computing on a budget, a renewed Retina iMac is hard to beat.
Pros & Cons
- Elegant all-in-one design: Beautiful Retina display and minimal desk clutter.
- Renewed deals are cheap: Intel iMacs offer huge savings for everyday tasks.
- M4 is future-proof: Fast, silent, and ready for Apple Intelligence.
- Long-lasting build: Apple hardware ages gracefully.
- Intel models are dated: Older chips won’t run the newest features or heavy workloads.
- Limited upgradability: RAM and storage are typically fixed at purchase.
- M4 costs more: The latest model commands a premium even on sale.
Alternatives to Consider
If you want Apple performance without the built-in screen, a Mac mini paired with your own monitor delivers M-series power for less. And if portability matters, a MacBook Air on Black Friday offers similar Apple Silicon capability in a laptop form. But for a clean, self-contained desktop, the iMac remains uniquely appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are renewed iMacs reliable?
Certified renewed units are tested, cleaned, and typically come with a warranty. Apple hardware ages well, so a renewed Retina iMac is a safe, budget-friendly buy for everyday use.
Should I buy an Intel or M-series iMac?
Choose M4 for creative work, longevity, and Apple Intelligence. A renewed Intel model is fine for browsing, office tasks, and family use at a much lower price.
How much unified memory do I need?
The 24GB in the M4 iMac is generous for most users. Photo and video editors benefit from it, while casual users are well served even by less.
When are the best Apple deals?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring the deepest discounts, especially on renewed models and the current M-series iMac.
Verdict
Black Friday makes Apple desktops genuinely affordable if you shop smart. For serious, future-proof performance, the 2024 24-inch M4 iMac is the standout pick. If you just need a capable, elegant all-in-one for everyday tasks, a renewed Retina 4K or 5K iMac delivers remarkable value. Match the machine to your workload and the savings take care of themselves.
