The iMac Pro i7 4K is one of Apple’s most admired all-in-one desktops, renowned for its sleek build, powerful internals, and stunning Retina 4K display.
If you are looking for a computer that can handle any task you throw at it, then this is the one for you. It has an 8-core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, so it can easily handle even the most demanding tasks.
The display is stunningly beautiful and perfect for creative professionals who need to see their work in the best possible light. So, if you are in the market for a new computer, be sure to check out the iMac Pro.
In this iMac Pro i7 4K a detailed long-term review, I’ll cover its specifications, performance, features, pros and cons, and how it stacks up in the current desktop market.
Apple iMac Pro i7 4k – A Versatile Desktop For Professionals
iMac Pro i7 4K is a powerful machine that can endure any task. It has an 8-core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, so it can easily handle even the most demanding tasks.
The 4K display is stunningly beautiful and perfect for creative professionals who need to see their work in the best possible light.
This machine is incredibly powerful and can only be bought by people who need its top-of-the-line internals. It’s the first Apple ‘Pro‘ product targeted specifically toward professionals.
It’s a machine capable of anything you could want to throw at it, including virtual reality and 4K video editing.
Pros and Cons of iMac Pro i7 4K
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful design | High cost compared to other desktop options |
| Stunning 4K Display | Limited upgradeability |
| Elegent Design | |
| High-Quality Camera and Microphones | |
| Fast Storage |
iMac Pro i7 4K Specs
| Feature | Specs |
|---|---|
| Brand | Apple |
| Model | iMac Pro i7 4K (A2116) |
| Processor | 8th Gen Intel Core i7 (3.2GHz – 4.6GHz Turbo) |
| RAM | 16GB / 32GB DDR4 (2666 MHz) |
| Storage | 512GB SSD / 1TB / 2TB |
| Graphics | Radeon Pro 555X / 560X with 2GB / 4GB VRAM |
| Display | 21.5-inch Retina 4K (4096×2304 resolution) |
| Weight | ~21.5 lbs |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Ports | 4x Thunderbolt 3, 2x USB 3.0, SDXC reader, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm headphone |
| Operating System | macOS Ventura (Upgradeable to macOS Sonoma) |
| Warranty | 1 Year Standard (Extendable with AppleCare) |
Features of iMac Pro i7 4K
1. Sleek All-in-One Design
The iMac Pro i7 4K keeps Apple’s minimalist aesthetic intact. With its aluminum body, slim side profile, and Space Gray finish, it remains one of the most elegant desktops ever built.
The curved stand with an adjustable hinge allows for easy viewing angle customization. The lack of visible clutter and its all-in-one nature means no bulky tower under the desk, everything is packed neatly behind the display.
2. Ports & Connectivity
Though compact, the iMac Pro i7 4K is packed with connectivity options:
- 4x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports – High-speed data transfer, external GPU support
- 2x USB 3.0 ports – Backward compatibility with legacy accessories
- 1x SDXC card reader – Great for photographers
- 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
As always, the ports are located on the back of the device. This design choice keeps things looking tidy on the front, but it can make it difficult to plug devices in.
3. Performance
Powered by an Intel Core i7 8700 (6 cores, 12 threads), this iMac is no slouch. While not Apple Silicon, the chip remains competent for multi-core workloads and daily productivity.
- 16GB RAM (upgradeable to 32GB via Apple) is sufficient for most tasks, though RAM upgrades must be done by a certified technician.
- Performance is strong in apps like:
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Final Cut Pro X
- Logic Pro X
- Blender and DaVinci Resolve
Pro Fact:
This computer is ideal for individuals requiring a robust, high-performance device to manage tasks efficiently. Whether you’re a video editor, a graphic designer, or just someone who wants a beautiful machine to work on, it is the perfect choice.
4. Retina 4K Display
The 21.5-inch Retina 4K display is one of the standout features. With a resolution of 4096 x 2304 pixels, it offers vibrant colors, deep contrast, and exceptional clarity.
Ideal for tasks like:
- Color grading
- 4K video editing
- CAD design
- Photo retouching
The screen supports P3 wide color gamut, ensuring accurate colors and superior brightness for professional content creation. Those at the top of their professional field may need to plug in an external graphics card via Thunderbolt 3.
Did You Know? The iMac’s 4K display packs over 9.4 million pixels, about 4.5 times more than a standard 1080p HD monitor.
5. Keyboard and Mouse
iMac Pro i7 4K has a matching Space Gray keyboard and mouse. The keyboard is full-sized, has a numeric keypad, and is soft to press. The mouse is also sized for comfortable use and has a smooth, responsive tracking surface.
Apple’s iMac Pro comes with a backlit Magic Keyboard with a numeric keypad and the Magic Mouse 2, which come in the box. The mouse has a Lightning connector for charging.
6. Sound Quality
Despite its slim body, the iMac Pro delivers excellent stereo sound. The built-in speakers offer rich bass and crisp highs, making it suitable for video calls, podcasts, or casual music playback.
- Built-in mics deliver studio-quality voice clarity.
- Dolby Atmos support gives a more immersive audio experience.
💡Pro Tip: If you’re working in audio production or mixing, it’s advisable to connect studio monitors via Thunderbolt or 3.5mm jack.
7. Webcam and Accessories
The 1080p FaceTime HD camera is more than enough for professional Zoom meetings, FaceTime calls, or video recording.
Included accessories:
- Magic Keyboard (with numeric keypad)
- Magic Mouse 2
- Both come in matching Space Gray with Lightning charging.
The backlit keyboard and low-profile mouse are ideal for long editing sessions and productivity workflows.
8. Thermal Performance & Fan Noise
While the iMac Pro i7 4K performs well under stress, its slim profile can result in noticeable fan noise during heavy rendering or multitasking.
- Idle Use: Virtually silent
- 4K Video Editing or Rendering: Moderate fan noise
- Extended Gaming or Simulation: Noticeable heat buildup
9. Security Features
While newer Macs have the T2 Security Chip, this iMac model includes essential macOS protections:
- FileVault 2 full disk encryption
- Gatekeeper and XProtect to block unsafe apps
- Firmware Password Utility
- Secure boot support via macOS
However, it lacks biometric logins (no Touch ID or Face ID).
Is the iMac Pro i7 4K Still Worth It in 2025?
Apple has moved on to M1, M2, and M3 chips with massive gains in performance-per-watt. But that doesn’t mean the iMac Pro i7 4K is obsolete.
Who should buy it:
- Graphic designers or video editors on a budget
- Students or freelancers needing macOS for Adobe/creative tools
- Users with older Intel-based workflows
Who should avoid it:
- Developers needing latest chip compatibility
- Users looking for maximum upgrade flexibility
- Gamers or those needing external GPU acceleration
📌 Fact: The iMac Pro i7 4K, when bought refurbished or second-hand, offers more value than entry-level new Macs at similar price points, especially with its 4K Retina display.
iMac Pro i7 4K Price & Availability (2025)
As of 2025, Apple no longer sells the iMac Pro i7 4K as a new product. However, you can still find refurbished and certified pre-owned models through:
- Apple Refurbished Store (limited availability)
- Amazon Renewed
- Best Buy Outlet
- Local Mac resellers or certified repair shops
| Condition | Price Estimate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Refurbished (Excellent) | $450 – $750 |
| Certified Pre-Owned | $500 – $600 |
| Open Box (rare) | Up to $900 |
💡Pro Tip: Make sure to confirm RAM and SSD specs before buying. Many refurbished units are 16GB RAM with 512GB SSD by default.
iMac Pro i7 4K vs. M1 & M3 iMacs (2025 Comparison)
| Feature | iMac Pro i7 4K | M1 iMac (2021) | M3 iMac (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel i7 8th Gen | Apple M1 | Apple M3 |
| RAM | 16GB/32GB DDR4 | 8GB/16GB Unified | 8GB/24GB Unified |
| Display | 21.5″ 4K Retina | 24″ 4.5K Retina | 24″ 4.5K Retina |
| GPU | Radeon Pro 555X | Integrated (7-8 core) | Integrated (10-core) |
| Ports | 4x Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.0 | 2x USB-C / Limited | 4x USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 |
| OS Support | Ventura / Sonoma | Sonoma+ | Latest macOS |
| Upgradeability | RAM (Apple only) | None | None |
| Value (Used) | ~$600 | ~$800 | ~$1,200+ |
The M3 iMac wins in power and longevity, but if you’re looking for a solid, display-rich Intel Mac under $600, the iMac Pro i7 4K is unbeatable in its class.
Final Verdict
The iMac Pro i7 4K is a remarkable device that delivers outstanding performance and breathtaking visuals.
It can easily handle even the most challenging tasks, making it ideal for professionals seeking a high-performance workstation.
The 4K display is stunning, offering a detailed and immersive viewing experience for creative individuals who require accurate visual representation.
Moreover, the device boasts a sleek, elegant design and an extensive range of ports. All these things are briefly discussed in the article.
People Also Ask
Is the iMac Pro i7 upgradeable?
No, the iMac Pro i7 4K is not upgradeable. The hardware components, the processor, are not user-upgradable, so choosing the desired specifications at the time of purchase is essential.
Is the iMac Pro i7 available in a specific storage?
The iMac Pro i7 4K comes with varying storage options. The specific storage capacity depends on the configuration you choose at the time of purchase.
Is this device good for professional use?
An Intel Xeon W processor powers the iMac Pro i7 4K, and provides impressive performance, especially for professional tasks.
What is the display resolution of the iMac Pro i7?
The iMac Pro i7 4K boasts one of the finest displays, offering a stunning visual experience. The high-resolution display contributes to excellent image quality
