The cheaper iMac that was mentioned in various reports in preceding weeks is now listed on Apple’s online store, a 21.5-inch model priced at $1,099. The entry-level iMac joins the existing 21.5-inch and 27-inch versions, being $200 cheaper than the 21.5-inch model that sells for $1,299. However, because it’s cheaper, the new iMac also has less impressive hardware, packing a 1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor – all other iMacs have quad-core CPUs – and an Intel HD Graphics 5000. Other specs include 8GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive. The new iMac can be purchased immediately and will ship in 24 hours.
This small iMac refresh is apparently meant to drive down the price of the iMac, and is similar to Apple’s recent MacBook Air refresh. However, unlike with the MacBook Air update which brought tiny performance bumps across the line, alongside a $100 price cut, Apple has dropped both the price and the specs on the cheaper iMac.
The cheaper iMac option is also available in other international markets.
Apple is rumored to launch Retina iMacs later this year.
The press release follows below.
Apple Introduces New Entry Level 21.5-inch iMac
World’s Leading All-In-One Desktop Now Starts at $1,099CUPERTINO, California—June 18, 2014—Apple® today introduced a new 21.5-inch iMac® starting at just $1,099, making the world’s leading all-in-one desktop even more affordable. Featuring a stunning ultra-thin design, brilliant display, Core i5 processors and the world’s most advanced operating system, the new iMac is the perfect entry-level Mac® desktop.
The new 21.5-inch iMac features a 1.4 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost Speeds up to 2.7 GHz, Intel HD 5000 graphics, 8GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive. All iMac models include next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and two Thunderbolt ports and four USB 3.0 ports for excellent expandability and support for high-performance peripherals.
iLife® and iWork® come free with every new Mac. iLife lets you edit your favorite videos with iMovie®, create new music or learn to play piano or guitar with GarageBand®, and organize, edit and share your best shots with iPhoto®. iWork productivity apps, Pages®, Numbers® and Keynote®, make it easy to create, edit and share stunning documents, spreadsheets and presentations. iWork for iCloud® beta lets you create your document on iPad®, edit it on your Mac and collaborate with friends, even if they’re on a PC.
Every Mac comes with OS X®, the world’s most advanced operating system, designed for ease of use while taking full advantage of the powerful technologies built into every Mac. Earlier this month, Apple announced OS X Yosemite, a powerful new version of OS X redesigned and refined with a fresh, modern look, powerful new apps and amazing new continuity features that make working across your Mac and iOS devices more fluid than ever. The final version of OS X Yosemite will be available for free from the Mac App Store℠ this fall.
Pricing & Availability
The new 21.5-inch iMac is available today through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. Starting at $1,099 (US), the new iMac features a 1.4 GHz processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.7 GHz, 8GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive. Configure-to-order options include a 1TB hard drive, a 1TB Fusion Drive, and up to 256GB flash storage. Additional technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at http://www.apple.com/imac.Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.
