Main Highlights:
- Following Apple’s “Unleashed” event last week, a single 21.5-inch iMac model remained in the iMac lineup. Still, Apple has announced that it is being phased out and will no longer be sold online or in Apple retail locations.
- The 21.5-inch model will be available through third-party vendors while supplies last.
- $1,099 was the price of the discontinued 21.5-inch iMac variant. It had a dual-core Intel Core i5 processor running at 2.3GHz, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB solid-state drive, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640.
- The iMac portfolio is now led by the new 24-inch model debuted in April, which features Apple’s M1 processor and a revamped design available in a choice of colors.
According to reports, Apple’s 21.5-inch Intel iMac has been pulled from store shelves. Apple’s decision to transition away from Intel CPUs and toward its M1 chip means that this decision doesn’t come as a surprise.
Apple’s new M1 SoCs
Apple’s first in-house Arm-based laptop CPU announced less than a year ago, is the first of its kind. Launched alongside the revamped MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini lines, it will also be incorporated in future iMac and iPad Pro models as well as the 2021 iMac, according to Apple’s announcement.
This chip was a significant improvement over Intel’s M0. Still, it was only used on Apple’s entry-level to midrange hardware, with its high-end MacBook Pro and Mini models (designed for programmers, graphic designers, and others with more demanding workloads) all notably continuing to use Intel’s chips for the past year and a half.
Even though the 21.5-inch iMac was still available after Apple’s Unleashed event on October 18th, it didn’t go missing until this week. There is no longer a $1,099 21.5-inch iMac equipped with a 7.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor as well as Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 available for purchase on Apple’s webshop. Although the 21.5-inch iMac appears on Apple’s product comparison page, there is no “Buy” option.
MacRumors confirmed that the machine has been discontinued and will no longer be available for purchase on Apple’s online store or in any of their physical stores. Even though it is no longer in production, Apple is still selling the $1799.99 27-inch Intel-based iMac with a 3.6GHz 10-core Intel Core i9 processor. MacRumors have reported that Apple’s online store continues to sell refurbished 21.5-inch iMacs.
Following Apple’s discontinuation of the 21.5-inch iMac in March, the model has been gradually phased out throughout the past few months. It’s only natural that Apple would take this step after releasing its new M1-powered iMacs in April, which had a smaller and more colorful look than previous models.
Apple releases two new Macbook Pros
At the Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple has announced two new MacBook Pro models, one measuring 14 inches and the other measuring 16 inches. The function row has taken the place of the Touch Bar on the screen. The new MacBook Pro comes equipped with an HDMI port, three Thunderbolt ports, an SD card slot, a headphone connection, and a MagSafe charger, all of which are functional and reliable. The 14-inch model starts at $1,999, while the 16-inch model starts at $2,499 (plus tax). They’ll be available for preorder on Monday, with a wide release following the week, so keep an eye out for more information.
