Paul Morris on April 17, 2021, 11:46 pm

Availability Of 21.5-Inch iMac In Decline At Apple Stores Ahead Of Spring Loaded Event

Apple is holding a product launch event in just a few days and we’ve got one of the biggest hints yet that it’s going to be iMac centric. The company’s low-end 21.5-inch iMac appears to be in seriously short supply through all channels hinting that a refresh or a change could be imminently upon us.

Those who have been to Apple’s website to try and purchase a 21.5-inch iMac – specifically the cheapest 1080p model – have noticed that shipping dates have slipped back by a week or more.

This takes the earliest delivery into early May in some instances. At this point in a product’s lifecycle, Apple normally holds sufficient stock to be able to fulfil orders almost immediately.

A shipping date slip of this magnitude generally suggests dwindling stock and with a product launch coming in the next few days it’s reasonable to assume the iMac will be at the forefront of that. Punters have also noticed that it’s not possible to pick up these model iMacs at local Apple Stores. Again, adding fuel to the refresh fire.

The smart money is on Apple introducing a refreshed 21.5-inch or 24-inch iMac during next week’s Spring Loaded event, but the shortage could be down to a worldwide shortage of processors. It’s important to consider all potential avenues for the shipping slip.

With that said, it makes perfect sense that Apple could be planning on revamping the lower-end iMac range in the first instance rather than focusing on the more expensive iMacs. The lower-end, affordable iMacs would make perfect machines for Apple’s own M1 chip whereas the more powerful expensive iMacs in the 27-inch range would likely need Apple to introduce a second-generation M1 chip.

Again, 21.5-inch iMac shortages could be attributed to a global shortage of processors but we’re betting that we see a product refresh next week.