Apple quietly ditches the 21.5-inch iMac with Intel chip

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21.5-inch iMac 2020
It was the company's most affordable all-in-one.
Photo: Apple

Apple has quietly discontinued its most affordable iMac model. The 21.5-inch device with Intel chip remained available to order following the introduction of the 24-inch M1 iMac in April, but it has now been removed from the Apple Store.

The lower cost all-in-one, which usually starts $1,099, is still available from third-party retailers while stocks last. And if you act fast, you can get yours at a sizable discount right now.

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Apple drops the 21.5-inch iMac

Apple discontinued a number of its higher end 21.5-inch iMac configurations when the M1 iMac made its debut earlier this year. But the most affordable offering remained — likely for education institutions more than anything.

That changed over the weekend when the 21.5-inch, which was still powered by an Intel processor, was removed from the Apple Store online. The 24-inch iMac with M1 chip, which starts at $1,299, is now the most affordable model.

The 27-inch iMac is still available for those who aren’t ready to switch to Apple silicon. However, Apple is expected to refresh its larger iMac model — which is likely to get its latest M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets — early next year.

Still want a 21.5-inch iMac?

If you were planning to buy a 21.5-inch iMac and nothing else will do, the machine will continue to be available from third-party retailers while stocks last. And if you act quickly, you can get yours at a pretty stellar price.

Amazon is currently offering brand-new 21.5-inch iMac units for just $879. That’s a generous $220 off the usual price, but this is a “Deal of the Day,” so you’ll need to take advantage of it now if you’re interested.

Alternatively, Apple is still offering some 21.5-inch refurbs through the Apple Store online, where prices currently start at $889.

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