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Apple today began selling certified refurbished models of the latest Intel-based 27-inch iMac, originally released in August 2020, in the United States and Canada. Prices are discounted by approximately 15 percent compared to brand new models.

refurbished-imac-august-2020.jpg

The latest 27-inch iMac features a 5K display with True Tone and a nano-texture glass option, 10th-generation Intel Core processor options, AMD Radeon Pro 5000 series graphics options, up to 128GB of RAM, up to 8TB of storage, a higher-resolution 1080p camera, the Apple T2 security chip, and improved speakers and microphones.

Refurbished pricing starts at $1,529 for the base model 27-inch iMac with a 3.1GHz six-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and Radeon Pro 5300 graphics, compared to regular pricing of $1,799. Two higher-end configurations are available as well, but supplies are limited and inventory will likely fluctuate.

Apple says all refurbished ‌iMac‌ models are thoroughly inspected, tested, cleaned, and repackaged with a new box and all manuals and accessories, including a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2, Lightning to USB cable, power cord, and a polishing cloth. In our view, a refurbished iMac is virtually indistinguishable from a brand new model.

Any refurbished Mac is covered by Apple's one-year limited warranty and 14-day return policy, and AppleCare+ can be purchased.

The major caveat here is that this is still an Intel-based iMac. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple is planning to launch a new iMac this year with a next-generation Apple silicon chip and a similar design as the Pro Display XDR, including slimmer bezels, a flat back, and no metal chin below the display. Two sizes are expected.

If you are still considering the Intel-based model, keep in mind that third-party resellers frequently offer better deals than Apple's refurbished store, so be sure to monitor our deals roundup for the latest discounts.

Article Link: Apple Begins Selling Refurbished Intel-Based 27-Inch iMac Released August 2020
 

iapplelove

Suspended
Nov 22, 2011
5,324
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East Coast USA
I really wanted to replace my MBP with a new iMac.
Figured it would be an easy upgrade, but now that Apple designs their own chips I find that waiting is a better option.
Only issue now is how long, and do I really want the 1st gen A1 iMac lol...
Thankfully my iPad Pro does everything I need.
 

Maconplasma

Cancelled
Sep 15, 2020
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I really wanted to replace my MBP with a new iMac.
Figured it would be an easy upgrade, but now that Apple designs their own chips I find that waiting is a better option.
Only issue now is how long, and do I really want the 1st gen A1 iMac lol...
Thankfully my iPad Pro does everything I need.
I think the 1st gen MacBook Air and Pro have proven to be amazing. Also to be honest unless the iMac has gone through a complete redesign it's really not "1st Gen" since it's only a change in processors. You're not really being a guinea pig with a new processor as opposed to redesign hardware. I would say go for it.
 
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Wordman

macrumors regular
Jan 14, 2010
136
126
I really wanted to replace my MBP with a new iMac.
Figured it would be an easy upgrade, but now that Apple designs their own chips I find that waiting is a better option.
Only issue now is how long, and do I really want the 1st gen A1 iMac lol...
Thankfully my iPad Pro does everything I need.
I'm in a similar position.

Another option may be to get one of the newer generation Macbooks when they're released this year (presumably), with a good external monitor. Then you're getting second generation M1, and you have portability too. Then if we're really lucky, Apple might even release their lower-priced external display this year too.

And then I woke up.
 

AngerDanger

Graphics
Staff member
Dec 9, 2008
5,440
28,925
I really wanted to replace my MBP with a new iMac.
Figured it would be an easy upgrade, but now that Apple designs their own chips I find that waiting is a better option.
Only issue now is how long, and do I really want the 1st gen A1 iMac lol...
Thankfully my iPad Pro does everything I need.
Just wait for the A4; then you'll get that crisp iPhone 4 speed.

Rdbd178feabf6d7c233c2dba0faf7e9ed.jpeg
 
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iapplelove

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Nov 22, 2011
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East Coast USA
Just wait for the A4; then you'll get that crisp iPhone 4 speed.

View attachment 1720771
Believe me, I’m not one to shy away from 1sr generation apple products. All my iPads and iPhones are launch day devices. Always had good luck.

I feel it’s more the design. Everything still looks the same, so it’s just not new software and processors.
I keep things a while, and would dislike getting a new iMac and then Apple makes it look better in a year lol
 

Xavier

Contributor
Mar 23, 2006
2,736
1,371
Columbus
Tempting, but I've waited this long. With the Apple silicon iMac coming in the pipeline, I might as well wait a little bit longer.
 

agsystems

macrumors 65816
Aug 1, 2013
1,197
1,138
"Apple today began selling certified refurbished models of the latest Intel-based 27-inch iMac"
good start if you must have an Intel machine - not the fire sale we might see later in the year
I buy all my iMac/Laptops from the Apple Refurb store - never had an issue
 
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Amazing Iceman

macrumors 601
Nov 8, 2008
4,965
3,481
Florida, U.S.A.
Believe me, I’m not one to shy away from 1sr generation apple products. All my iPads and iPhones are launch day devices. Always had good luck.

I feel it’s more the design. Everything still looks the same, so it’s just not new software and processors.
I keep things a while, and would dislike getting a new iMac and then Apple makes it look better in a year lol
Take away shape and paint, and all cars are practically the same.
The looks are important, but are not the main feature, unless you just want it to decorate your home.
The new iMac may have a new design, so let's wait and see.
 
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TVreporter

macrumors 68000
Mar 11, 2012
1,696
2,543
Near Toronto
I waited so long for this so called new iMac and finally caved when the 2019 iMac came out... tempted to sell it now while it still has some value and wait until the new one rolls out this year.

Although I shudder to think what they'll be charging for a silicon version — Canadian prices are painful.
 

alfonsog

macrumors 6502
Jul 17, 2002
494
445
Cape Coral, FL
someone tell me where these will be half price when apple silicon iMacs come out since my music notation programs will take a few years before they switch over if ever...
 

Lukasz Rewerenda

macrumors newbie
Oct 28, 2020
26
41
Those will depreciate quickly and brutally. I would not get one even if it was offered at a much steeper discount. Intel machines always had problems with heat management, and once you experience the dead-quiet-while-plenty-fast experience of a M1 chip, there is really no going back.
 

Maconplasma

Cancelled
Sep 15, 2020
2,489
2,215
there is absolutely no reason for anyone to buy a intel mac
There are many reasons why people will still buy an Intel Mac.

#1) They've been satisfied with their past Intel Macs and don't keep up with tech so they don't know anything about Apple's M1 processors.

#2) They are running a business and just buy Macs to get the job done and are not concerned about the fastest processors or the latest specs.

#3) Price

#4) They may not be comfortable with the latest tech (M1) and prefer to continue to buy what works until good time has passed and then they may consider an M-series Mac on the next upgrade.
unless you need x86 and windows bootcamp support.

You need to get that out of your head that people buy Intel Macs just to run Windows Bootcamp. I've been buying Intel Macs since they first came out to run my business on them and have never installed Windows.
Keep in mind the majority of Apple's customers are the average consumer and not a developer who uses VM's to code. They are in the minority.
 
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reyesmac

macrumors 6502a
Jul 17, 2002
804
454
Central Texas
Core i9 macs at M1 prices are worth it, other than that, they are overpriced considering the OS will be discontinued on them before the usual amount of time one keeps a Mac up and running. As all your must have apps go M1 only on their features the last to buy intel will not get their moneys worth if they pay full retail for them.
 
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