Absolutely RIDICULOUS iMac M1 Shipping Delays

[RichieCee]

Hi all,

I’ve read about the delays to the iMac being a few weeks - but mine has slipped into the months category!!

Okay, so it’s a BTO… but still!

I ordered the 24” M1 iMac (8c) in Green with the VESA mount option. Upped the RAM to 16gb and upped the SSD to 1TB. Didn’t order at the same time as some of you as it took me a bit of time debating between whether this ’smaller’ 24 would suffice when I’m used to the 27” 5K - but after some deliberating and using one, took the plunge. (I’m in the UK btw)

So ordered on 26th May 2021 and received a ship date of 8th July!! That was then pushed back to a firm 15th July with the Apple Store chat person confirming that it would ship before that date to arrive at that time.

Then this week, I get a text (and email) from Apple… started to get excited as just assumed it would be the one to say the product has shipped. To my flipping disbelief… the date has now been pushed BACK to 15th August!!!

Are you serious!!??

A friend orders a Mac Mini just yesterday and gets a ship date of 20th July - and that’s a BTO too!

I know what some of you will say… Nice machine - and you’ll love it when you get it! But that’s not the point. (What’s not helped is that I sold my Late 2015 27” 5K iMac in preparation for the new one arriving on 8th July - got £750 for that so wanted to sell before the buyer changed his mind!! But now I’m Mac-less and suffering)

The date is stretching in the complete wrong direction… and always in the back of my mind is the real possibility of Apple dropping some 27” M1X model just as I receive this one - and then the hassle of returning, re-ordering and another lengthy wait!!?? 🤷‍♂️

Thoroughly hacked off with this situation at the mo - but stuck in limbo. Wanna cancel out of anger - but that would only put me back to square one and in a worse position!

 

[Apple_Robert]

You shouldn't have sold your 2015 iMac until you were in possession of the new iMac. Bad move on your part.

The shipping date you initially received was an estimate. It wasn't some legally binding, etched in stone and won't be changed date.

In my opinion, there is no reason to be angry at Apple. Apple hasn't done anything wrong that I can see. You are overreacting to the situation. If you want to blame someone, look in the mirror for selling too early.

 

[Puonti]

You shouldn't have sold your 2015 iMac until you were in possession of the new iMac. Bad move on your part.

Especially since, regardless of product, there might be something wrong with it and it might need to be sent back to be replaced. I would imagine that's something people take into consideration if they can't be without a computer.

The date is stretching in the complete wrong direction… and always in the back of my mind is the real possibility of Apple dropping some 27” M1X model just as I receive this one - and then the hassle of returning, re-ordering and another lengthy wait!!?? 🤷‍♂️

If that's a concern why did you order the 24"? Did you need a 24" or a larger screen? Does the 24" BTO you ordered meet your other needs or does it not?

I'm sure you had a good reason to purchase the 24" iMac, but it's just not coming through very clearly. Has that reason changed?

Thoroughly hacked off with this situation at the mo - but stuck in limbo. Wanna cancel out of anger - but that would only put me back to square one and in a worse position!

It sucks for sure, hopefully everything turns out well.

 

[za9ra22]

Hi all,

I’ve read about the delays to the iMac being a few weeks - but mine has slipped into the months category!!

Okay, so it’s a BTO… but still!

I ordered the 24” M1 iMac (8c) in Green with the VESA mount option. Upped the RAM to 16gb and upped the SSD to 1TB. Didn’t order at the same time as some of you as it took me a bit of time debating between whether this ’smaller’ 24 would suffice when I’m used to the 27” 5K - but after some deliberating and using one, took the plunge. (I’m in the UK btw)

So ordered on 26th May 2021 and received a ship date of 8th July!! That was then pushed back to a firm 15th July with the Apple Store chat person confirming that it would ship before that date to arrive at that time.

Then this week, I get a text (and email) from Apple… started to get excited as just assumed it would be the one to say the product has shipped. To my flipping disbelief… the date has now been pushed BACK to 15th August!!!

Are you serious!!??

A friend orders a Mac Mini just yesterday and gets a ship date of 20th July - and that’s a BTO too!

I know what some of you will say… Nice machine - and you’ll love it when you get it! But that’s not the point. (What’s not helped is that I sold my Late 2015 27” 5K iMac in preparation for the new one arriving on 8th July - got £750 for that so wanted to sell before the buyer changed his mind!! But now I’m Mac-less and suffering)

The date is stretching in the complete wrong direction… and always in the back of my mind is the real possibility of Apple dropping some 27” M1X model just as I receive this one - and then the hassle of returning, re-ordering and another lengthy wait!!?? 🤷‍♂️

Thoroughly hacked off with this situation at the mo - but stuck in limbo. Wanna cancel out of anger - but that would only put me back to square

Ignore those who might suggest you're the one to blame for selling the old system too quickly - it must be great to have perfect hindsight in advance, but for the rest of us, there's always a risk of making a mistake when you take information you're given at face value that turns out not to be accurate.

But indeed, no point in cancelling because it's only yourself you'll hurt. And given the pace of deliveries seems to be picking up for many BTO options, it's likely the VESA mount in your case is the culprit with this order. In other circumstances I'd be inclined to suggest you see if an order for a similar model but with standard mount might ship faster, or even be available locally, because there are likely to be third-party mounting options that could be used subsequently, or you might be able to beg or borrow a Mac from family or friends to tide you over for a month.

Ultimately though you just have to console yourself that it is only a month, and that there remains a possibility, however slim, that it will ship early. I suspect that with the early rush now settling down, Apple are more likely than not by now to have a pretty clear idea of when individual BTO options will be ready for shipment, but you never know.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Ignore those who might suggest you're the one to blame for selling the old system too quickly - it must be great to have perfect hindsight in advance, but for the rest of us, there's always a risk of making a mistake when you take information you're given at face value that turns out not to be accurate.

But indeed, no point in cancelling because it's only yourself you'll hurt. And given the pace of deliveries seems to be picking up for many BTO options, it's likely the VESA mount in your case is the culprit with this order. In other circumstances I'd be inclined to suggest you see if an order for a similar model but with standard mount might ship faster, or even be available locally, because there are likely to be third-party mounting options that could be used subsequently, or you might be able to beg or borrow a Mac from family or friends to tide you over for a month.

Ultimately though you just have to console yourself that it is only a month, and that there remains a possibility, however slim, that it will ship early. I suspect that with the early rush now settling down, Apple are more likely than not by now to have a pretty clear idea of when individual BTO options will be ready for shipment, but you never know.

It is common sense not to sell a needed item like a Mac, until one has replacement in hand. The OP is griping about not having a Mac. The OP is to blame for his own actions.

 

[PilotWoo]

Ridiculous? - a 1 month delay in the middle of a global chip shortage? Um probably not. All the dates Apple give you are estimated, the same as for any company.

It's annoying, for sure, but you sold your old machine too early. Either wait for shipping details have been sent or until after it has arrived and you know the new machine is working.

 

[za9ra22]

It is common sense not to sell a needed item like a Mac, until one has replacement in hand. The OP is griping about not having a Mac. The OP is to blame for his own actions.

I'm not going to discuss my opinions, I stated my point for the benefit of the OP and I regard that as issue closed.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I'm not going to discuss my opinions, I stated my point for the benefit of the OP and I regard that as issue closed.

You told the OP to ignore a post like mine and yet you won't discuss said opinion made on an open forum. One should expect to challenged on that kind of post, in my opinion. The matter may be closed for you but your advice was nothing more than giving the OP a pass on bad behavior.

 

[za9ra22]

You told the OP to ignore a post like mine and yet you won't discuss said opinion made on an open forum. One should expect to challenged on that kind of post, in my opinion. The matter may be closed for you but your advice was nothing more than giving the OP a pass on bad behavior.

By all means keep on beating the OP up for trying to do a deal on his old computer - I'm sure it helps a great deal to benefit from the wisdom. Personally, I don't see how that benefits anyone because it's done. Did he make a wise choice? Possibly not in the short term, but in a month it'll work out perfectly.

A pass? Bad behaviour? Neither, just providing my opinion.

 

[Apple_Robert]

By all means keep on beating the OP up for trying to do a deal on his old computer - I'm sure it helps a great deal to benefit from the wisdom. Personally, I don't see how that benefits anyone because it's done. Did he make a wise choice? Possibly not in the short term, but in a month it'll work out perfectly.

A pass? Bad behaviour? Neither, just providing my opinion.

I didn't beat the OP up in the post. Pointing out the actual situation to show the OP is overreactive over a computer is not berating the OP.

 

[SegNerd]

Yeah... sorry, new Apple products do face shipping delays. Maybe it's because Apple ships quality products that people actually want...?

If you think that's bad, PS5s are still hard to get after almost a year.

 

[za9ra22]

If you think that's bad, PS5s are still hard to get after almost a year.

Oh yes, this! Still trying to get one, though my progress has been self-thwarted because I refuse to buy from scalpers.

 

[coso]

By the way this is the first time that I read about such a delay. It must be the VESA mount option, I can’t see no other difference to the many iMacs ordered without problems with the new 3-4 weeks delivery times

 

[nicho]

What’s not helped is that I sold my Late 2015 27” 5K iMac in preparation for the new one arriving on 8th July

When did you do this as it's not 100% clear from the wording?

 

[LeeW]

Thoroughly hacked off with this situation at the mo - but stuck in limbo. Wanna cancel out of anger - but that would only put me back to square one and in a worse position!

You get one date, it pushes back, you get another date and are told by Apple it will arrive by then only to be told another delay. At this stage better to just stick with it than cancel.

Ignore some or one poster in particular above. You wanted a rant, with good reason, I get it

 

[pmiles]

It's the VESA mount that is pushing the ship date out... very few people order that sort of build, thus less actual stock to ship from. It's so unique, even Apple uses a separate storefront just for such purchases. Used to be, they buried that option so deep in their website that only the most tenacious would even find any mention of it. So yeah, your BTO is even more BTO than a BTO normally is.

And in case it hasn't been blatantly obvious, COVID has slowed down the entire manufacturing industry. For every day production was slowed or stopped, stock wasn't being replenished or built. Just like streaming services can't contend with binge watchers, manufacturing can't contend with a loss in lead time. You would think such slow downs would have a negative impact on sales, but the opposite is actually true. People always want something more when they can't have it. Human nature.

This thread is case in point.

 

[RichieCee]

Ignore those who might suggest you're the one to blame for selling the old system too quickly - it must be great to have perfect hindsight in advance, but for the rest of us, there's always a risk of making a mistake when you take information you're given at face value that turns out not to be accurate.

But indeed, no point in cancelling because it's only yourself you'll hurt. And given the pace of deliveries seems to be picking up for many BTO options, it's likely the VESA mount in your case is the culprit with this order. In other circumstances I'd be inclined to suggest you see if an order for a similar model but with standard mount might ship faster, or even be available locally, because there are likely to be third-party mounting options that could be used subsequently, or you might be able to beg or borrow a Mac from family or friends to tide you over for a month.

Ultimately though you just have to console yourself that it is only a month, and that there remains a possibility, however slim, that it will ship early. I suspect that with the early rush now settling down, Apple are more likely than not by now to have a pretty clear idea of when individual BTO options will be ready for shipment, but you never know.

Thanks all!

I saw the first comment whilst out a little while ago, (from @Apple_Robert) and thought blimey!! Straight talking but lacking a bit of empathy there methinks!?? Also missed the main point somewhat.

But your comment above is kinda what I was expecting to see - so thanks for the back up!

Just to confirm, my op wasn’t an issue about selling my old machine - which most of you have seemed to make the focal point! Getting £750 for a 6 year old machine that’s worth only around £4/500 (or less?), was a deal too good to miss - rather than have the new iMac arrive and be stuck with an iMac I can’t now sell. (Of course, it would sell - but not for £750). I’ve got an iPad Pro M1 12.9” that I’m making do with for now - so to clarify, I am Mac-less but not without an Apple device - if that makes sense.

My main issue was the delay - as I’ve seen many post on this very forum that they’ve had a delay of weeks - but not seen a post yet where the delay is almost 2 months. I also agree that the VESA mount is the issue here - as if I’d just ordered the regular stand mount iMac in the same spec, I would’ve had it weeks ago!

Anyway, just to clarify and in response to @Apple_Robert , I used to work for Apple (at their Lakeside Store - Genius Bar Team), and so probably have a better idea of the Apple ethos and standards than you mate! So the delay is a very real surprise - as their usual standard is to exceed expectations. (We used to call it ‘Surprise and Delight’; going beyond a customers expectations - not going backwards) - which would explain why, after speaking to Apple Customer and business services, they both said they ‘couldn’t explain the delay’ and empathised!

Long story short… I know it’s just the VESA mount that’s causing the issue really - as the same M1 Soc and spec are shipping much sooner in other Macs; just didn’t expect the shipping date to go backwards by a month! From the time I ordered, the original date of 15th July was already a 5-6 week delay; so putting it back another 4 weeks was unexpected - and hence my post - as that is ridiculous for Apple!

As for other posts - on whether the 24” purchase was properly thought through when I already had a 27” iMac… that’s the question we all wrestle with, right? Whether to buy now and be happy or hold off and wait - which often means you’ll never buy as there’s always something better around the corner!

The way I reasoned it out was… The M1 iMac was already miles ahead of my Late 2015 27” iMac; after using one at length, I was happy to live with the (slightly) smaller screen size (as I already have a 32” 4K monitor that it can be extended to - so no issue with real estate); and lastly, I need something now!! If it was released at the same time, of course I would’ve gone for a 27” (or 32 we were hoping) iMac - even if it was ‘just’ an M1… just not prepared to wait endlessly for a what if?

So made a decision to purchase now and be happy. And if I had it here now, then no problem; I’d be happy. Just didn’t expect this level of delay - in my experience being an ex-employee for quite a few years!

Thanks for your comments all, nonetheless. 👊

 

[Apple_Robert]

Thanks all!

I saw the first comment whilst out a little while ago, (from @Apple_Robert) and thought blimey!! Straight talking but lacking a bit of empathy there methinks!?? Also missed the main point somewhat.

But your comment above is kinda what I was expecting to see - so thanks for the back up!

Just to confirm, my op wasn’t an issue about selling my old machine - which most of you have seemed to make the focal point! Getting £750 for a 6 year old machine that’s worth only around £4/500 (or less?), was a deal too good to miss - rather than have the new iMac arrive and be stuck with an iMac I can’t now sell. (Of course, it would sell - but not for £750). I’ve got an iPad Pro M1 12.9” that I’m making do with for now - so to clarify, I am Mac-less but not without an Apple device - if that makes sense.

My main issue was the delay - as I’ve seen many post on this very forum that they’ve had a delay of weeks - but not seen a post yet where the delay is almost 2 months. I also agree that the VESA mount is the issue here - as if I’d just ordered the regular stand mount iMac in the same spec, I would’ve had it weeks ago!

Anyway, just to clarify and in response to @Apple_Robert , I used to work for Apple (at their Lakeside Store - Genius Bar Team), and so probably have a better idea of the Apple ethos and standards than you mate! So the delay is a very real surprise - as their usual standard is to exceed expectations. (We used to call it ‘Surprise and Delight’; going beyond a customers expectations - not going backwards) - which would explain why, after speaking to Apple Customer and business services, they both said they ‘couldn’t explain the delay’ and empathised!

Long story short… I know it’s just the VESA mount that’s causing the issue really - as the same M1 Soc and spec are shipping much sooner in other Macs; just didn’t expect the shipping date to go backwards by a month! From the time I ordered, the original date of 15th July was already a 5-6 week delay; so putting it back another 4 weeks was unexpected - and hence my post - as that is ridiculous for Apple!

As for other posts - on whether the 24” purchase was properly thought through when I already had a 27” iMac… that’s the question we all wrestle with, right? Whether to buy now and be happy or hold off and wait - which often means you’ll never buy as there’s always something better around the corner!

The way I reasoned it out was… The M1 iMac was already miles ahead of my Late 2015 27” iMac; after using one at length, I was happy to live with the (slightly) smaller screen size (as I already have a 32” 4K monitor that it can be extended to - so no issue with real estate); and lastly, I need something now!! If it was released at the same time, of course I would’ve gone for a 27” (or 32 we were hoping) iMac - even if it was ‘just’ an M1… just not prepared to wait endlessly for a what if?

So made a decision to purchase now and be happy. And if I had it here now, then no problem; I’d be happy. Just didn’t expect this level of delay - in my experience being an ex-employee for quite a few years!

Thanks for your comments all, nonetheless. 👊

I appreciate the reply.

If your OP had not painted the picture that you were having to do without and struggling due to selling your 2015 iMac, I wouldn't have seen it as a problem as you framed due to a lack of details.

I also wouldn't have framed my other response like I had, if you hadn't painted such an angry picture against Apple, even though they had done nothing wrong. I get that people get impatient at times, especially with Apple products, especially ones so expensive. I have been there myself.

I responded to what I saw and attempted to point you back into taking some responsibility for the situation as framed by you and being more patient.

The fact that you are an ex Apple employee with more insight than me, should have made a difference in how you conveyed yourself in your OP, in my opinion. Had you done so, my reply would have been a lot different.

 

[RichieCee]

I appreciate the reply.

If your OP had not painted the picture that you were having to do without and struggling due to selling your 2015 iMac, I wouldn't have seen it as a problem as you framed due to a lack of details.

I also wouldn't have framed my other response like I had, if you hadn't painted such an angry picture against Apple, even though they had done nothing wrong. I get that people get impatient at times, especially with Apple products, especially ones so expensive. I have been there myself.

I responded to what I saw and attempted to point you back into taking some responsibility for the situation as framed by you and being more patient.

The fact that you are an ex Apple employee with more insight than me, should have made a difference in how you conveyed yourself in your OP, in my opinion. Had you done so, my reply would have been a lot different.

I hear what you say @Apple_Robert but if you had read what I originally said in the first place, you may have chosen your words more carefully. It’s got nothing to do with my predicament in selling my old iMac before receiving the new one - that’s my prerogative and doesn’t make a blind bit of difference what anybody here thinks! As for my framing of the issue, the subject is very clearly Absolutely RIDICULOUS iMac M1 Shipping Delays - which is exactly what it is; and that hasn’t changed!!

It shouldn’t really make a difference that I used to work for Apple in one of their retail stores for many years - but the fact I mention it now has seemed to make you tone down a bit, probably because of the revelation that you’re not talking to some random idiot who doesn’t know the score!

So the point still stands - the delay is ridiculous! The fact that is probably down to a simple VESA mount BTO is also ridiculous! And quite frankly, it’s not the usual Apple standard. FACT!! (Covid-19… yeah fair enough - that’s what the original 5-6 week delay was for - again, I already posted that a friend ordered a BTO Mac Mini only yesterday and still has a shipping date 4 weeks ahead of mine - and I ordered in May!!).

If people actually READ what someone says - think before you speak kinda thing - then the comments will probably be more constructive?

 

[scottrngr]

Tell your friend to check the Apple website for refurbed M1 minis to see if they have what he wants. If/when they do, cancel his order.

 

[za9ra22]

I hear what you say @Apple_Robert but if you had read what I originally said in the first place, you may have chosen your words more carefully. It’s got nothing to do with my predicament in selling my old iMac before receiving the new one - that’s my prerogative and doesn’t make a blind bit of difference what anybody here thinks! As for my framing of the issue, the subject is very clearly Absolutely RIDICULOUS iMac M1 Shipping Delays - which is exactly what it is; and that hasn’t changed!!

It shouldn’t really make a difference that I used to work for Apple in one of their retail stores for many years - but the fact I mention it now has seemed to make you tone down a bit, probably because of the revelation that you’re not talking to some random idiot who doesn’t know the score!

So the point still stands - the delay is ridiculous! The fact that is probably down to a simple VESA mount BTO is also ridiculous! And quite frankly, it’s not the usual Apple standard. FACT!! (Covid-19… yeah fair enough - that’s what the original 5-6 week delay was for - again, I already posted that a friend ordered a BTO Mac Mini only yesterday and still has a shipping date 4 weeks ahead of mine - and I ordered in May!!).

If people actually READ what someone says - think before you speak kinda thing - then the comments will probably be more constructive?

It's disappointing, but inevitable, that some will perceive negative posts as anti-Apple, and get defensive. I generally think that one of the most profitable and well-financed companies in the world can take the hit, or defend itself, but as long as you have to consider the sensibilities and mind-set of people you don't even know, who may at some point read your post, and who might possibly consider that you are the problem rather than the odds of a supply chain glitch, then you likely will get judgement rather than anything more helpful.

But honestly 'bad behaviour'..., I had to laugh, it's like being caught by a prefect for sneaking into school at break time.

On the more practical note of you entire point, I agree that the delay is actually a bit ridiculous. I wouldn't take the more rapid shipping of an M1 mini as any indication because that product has been around for many months longer, and has fewer potential rabbit holes for an order to fall into, but the fact Apple's customer care can't identify why your order is held up is quite the oddity itself. That the root of it is the VESA mount does seem probable, but the (potential) fact that Apple isn't ready to supply by now is quite odd.

Sad to say though, there's really nobody here can offer any real constructive support, because we don't know the cause of the problem any better than you do. I do think, however, that as a customer, hoping to join the growing throng of M1 iMac owners and users, you'd have got a bit more compassion and support from other customers than being treated as if you were the problem here, when the real question is what is responsible for Apple's uncustomary under-satisfying a user in this instance.

 

[4743913]

But now I’m Mac-less and suffering

Go buy a mac, use it for 14 days, return it.

rinse, repeat until they actually deliver what you paid for.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Go buy a mac, use it for 14 days, return it.

rinse, repeat until they actually deliver what you paid for.

Bad advice. That is being dishonest and could cause the customer to get banned from Apple.

 

[Phone Junky]

Go buy a mac, use it for 14 days, return it.

rinse, repeat until they actually deliver what you paid for.

You're not charged until it ships.

 

[Realityck]

Long story short… I know it’s just the VESA mount that’s causing the issue really - as the same M1 Soc and spec are shipping much sooner in other Macs; just didn’t expect the shipping date to go backwards by a month! From the time I ordered, the original date of 15th July was already a 5-6 week delay; so putting it back another 4 weeks was unexpected - and hence my post - as that is ridiculous for Apple!

No other workarounds for placement of M1 iMac in your setup outside Apple's VESA mount? Just seems like a lot of trouble you going through because of the VESA mount option choice along with the vendor that supplies them problems?