2021 iMac, iPad Pro and Apple TV 4K hit stores on Friday

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iMac preorders start: Early on, the purple iMac looks like the hardest to come by.
Credit cards at the ready.
Photo: Apple

Apple on Tuesday confirmed that the new 2021 iMac, iPad Pro, and Apple TV 4K will be available from retail stores on Friday, May 21.

That’s the same day preorder customers will begin receiving their deliveries. If you haven’t already claimed your new device, you’ll have the chance to do so when Apple Store locations open on Friday morning.

Recent leaks had all but confirmed Apple’s plans to launch its newest hardware this Friday. But the release date wasn’t completely official until Cupertino published a press release confirming the news on Tuesday.

With shipping dates for all three devices slipping to beyond two weeks through the Apple Store Online, visiting a retail store on Friday is now the only way to get a new iMac, iPad Pro, or Apple TV on launch day.

2021 iMac, iPad Pro, Apple TV 4K launch Friday

Apple notes that that “more than 99 percent” of its Apple Store locations worldwide are now open and ready for business following COVID-19 closures. So customers will have the opportunity to experience all its new products firsthand, with assistance from an Apple Specialist, before splashing their cash.

The 2021 iMac, which sports an all-new design available in a bunch of vibrant colors, is the highlight of this particular launch for most fans. It packs a blazing fast M1 chip, stunning 4.5K Retina display, and a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID — a first for the iMac.

Wait for 2021 iPad Pro stretches out months
iPad Pro gets an M1 chip, too.
Photo: Apple

The new iPad Pro also gets an M1 chip, plus up to 16GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage. Cellular models also get 5G connectivity for the first time, while those who opt for a 12.9-inch device will be treated to Apple’s first Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology.

The next-generation Apple TV 4K gets a big performance upgrade, which helps deliver new color balance technology and high frame rate HDR. It also ships with an all-new Siri Remote that promises to make navigation quicker and simpler.

Prices start at $179

Prices start at just $179 for the new Apple TV 4K with 32GB of storage, while the 64GB model is $199. The iPad Pro with M1 chip starts at $799 if you want an 11-inch model, or $1,099 if you want a 12.9-inch model. Its refreshed Magic Keyboard, now available in white, starts at $299.

The 2021 iMac can be yours from $1,299. However, if you want yours in yellow, orange, or purple — or you want a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID — you’ll need to spend at least $1,499 on the faster model.

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