Apple Discontinues Intel-Based 21.5-Inch iMac

[MacRumors]

Apple has quietly discontinued the Intel-based 21.5-inch iMac, which had remained available as a low-end configuration suitable for educational institutions. This leaves customers with the 24-inch and 27-inch iMac models to choose from.

A single 21.5-inch iMac configuration remained part of the iMac lineup following Apple's "Unleashed" event last week, but Apple has confirmed it is being discontinued and will no longer be sold through its online store or in Apple retail stores. The 21.5-inch model will remain available through third-party providers while supplies last.

The discontinued 21.5-inch iMac configuration included a 2.3GHz dual-core 7th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 for $1,099.

The iMac lineup now starts with the new 24-inch model released in April of this year, with key features including Apple's M1 chip and an updated design available in several colors. The 24-inch iMac starts at $1,299. For customers wanting an even larger iMac, the 27-inch iMac remains in the lineup.

Apple stopped selling several higher-end 21.5-inch iMac configurations after the 24-inch model launched and now the 21.5-inch model has been discontinued entirely. Apple continues to sell some refurbished 21.5-inch iMac models through its online store.

(Thanks, Mark!)

Article Link: Apple Discontinues Intel-Based 21.5-Inch iMac

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Good!!!
That thing was a good five years out of date, if not more.
Now just replace the Touch Bar M1 MacBook Pro with a new M2 MacBook Air, discontinue the iPod touch, and I think they would have the best lineup they’ve had in years.
They would literally have a product at every price point that I could genuinely recommend, no pulled punches

 

[yellow8]

That is an expected move.
Only users with intel-virtualization needs could buy this kind of machine.

 

[PsykX]

That dual-core configuration in 2021 was a real shame for Apple, but it was also a throwback to the first Intel iMac in 2006.

 

[dogslobber]

Will we ever see a Fusion Drive again?

 

[Bustycat]

They should’ve retired this 7th-generation Intel Core model for years…

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

That dual-core configuration in 2021 was a real shame for Apple, but it was also a throwback to the first Intel iMac in 2006.

You’re gonna need to explain the logic on that one.
Design was from 2012, the screen specifications from 2009, and the processor was from 2017.
Not sure what from this computer was a throwback to 2006, when the iMac came in 17 and 20 inch white poly carbonate shells

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Nice knowing you Intel.

Apple silicon valley chips are just way too good. Real talk!

 

[opeter]

That is an expected move.
Only users with intel-virtualization needs could buy this kind of machine.

I don't know what kind of user does virtualization on an dual-core CPU ... even if it has 4 threads.

 

[saudor]

You’re gonna need to explain the logic on that one.
Design was from 2012, the screen specifications from 2009, and the processor was from 2017.
Not sure what from this computer was a throwback to 2006, when the iMac came in 17 and 20 inch white poly carbonate shells

the processor might be from 2017 but it's the same dual core crap that intel has been milking for years until ryzen came along

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

the processor might be from 2017 but it's the same dual core crap that intel has been milking for years until ryzen came along

That first Intel iMac had a Core duo chip, not even in Intel‘s current series of chips started in 2009 with the first I three, I five, I seven, etc series

 

[Sirious]

This was and still is a beautiful machine. Will miss it honestly!

 

[Icelus]

Might also be because the CPU was discontinued.

https://qdms.intel.com/dm/i.aspx/912E9BE3-33FA-4D44-A70A-1DB63F3F79B2/PCN117617-02.pdf

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

That is an expected move.

Only users with intel-virtualization needs could buy this kind of machine.

Users who are buying a Mac to do windows virtualization would have purchased the current 2020 27 inch with much better specifications over this piece of crap.
Or better yet, they would’ve spent their money to just run windows on a dedicated Windows machine

 

[the1madmonk]

I'm not at liberty to say this model is still available for order in our reseller purchasing portal, but this model is still available for order in our reseller purchasing portal. It's also still showing up on the Apple for Higher Education site.

 

[Souponastick270]

Farewell friend, still using my late 2012 iMac that I ordered on announcement and delivered December 2012.

I’m interested to see what the 27” M1 Pro/Max rumours produce or even a Pro/Max Mini at some point but then there aren’t any nice monitors that fit the Apple aesthetic

 

[sw1tcher]

A single 21.5-inch iMac configuration remained part of the iMac lineup following Apple's "Unleashed" event last week, but it has now been removed from Apple's website. This configuration included a 2.3GHz dual-core 7th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 for $1,099.

7th-generation Intel Core i5? ?

Apple has no shame selling an outdated machine like that to educational institutions. That thing's from like 2017.

 

[jz0309]

Will we ever see a Fusion Drive again?

in a retro movie only

 

[jz0309]

probably ran out of supplies and not worth given the current component issues

 

[jz0309]

7th-generation Intel Core i5? ?

Apple has no shame selling an outdated machine like that to educational institutions. That thing's from like 2017.

so it cannot be used for web browsing and basic functionality like text creation and such?

you should read the comments in the Mac section how many people still love their 2010-2105 Macs ...

 

[littlebobbytables]

You’re gonna need to explain the logic on that one.
Design was from 2012, the screen specifications from 2009, and the processor was from 2017.
Not sure what from this computer was a throwback to 2006, when the iMac came in 17 and 20 inch white poly carbonate shells

"The iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.16 20-Inch features a 2.16 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (T7400), with two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip"

 

[littlebobbytables]

so it cannot be used for web browsing and basic functionality like text creation and such?

you should read the comments in the Mac section how many people still love their 2010-2105 Macs ...

at least those (usually mbps) have SSDs...

 

[DFZD]

I think Apple must be thinking they need an i3 or i5 dual core replacement chip. Maybe M2 range would have an M2 Mini option with 6 Core (2 fast / 4 slow).

I mean they have left the low end market open for takeover right now. Maybe M1 would be the M2 Lite.

 

[W2u7Yw4HaD]

Will we ever see a Fusion Drive again?

I hope never... If you want a spindle drive, connect it externally...

 

[Slix]

It makes sense to finally discontinue this. I bet they just had to clear out the stock they had from earlier before discontinuing it for sale.

When they're available, you can get an M1 iMac refurb for around $1100 anyway. Maybe this means we'll get a higher end "M2" iMac later and the M1 will be made cheaper.