Skip to main content

You can pre-order the new iMacs starting today, but there’s a catch

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re looking to waltz into an Apple retail store and walk out with one of the new bright-hued iMacs, you may be in for some disappointment. Even though Apple announced that the entirely redesigned iMac all-in-one desktop is launching in seven colors, with pre-orders starting today, only some colors will be available at the company’s physical stores.

Of the seven new hues for the iMac, only the green, pink, blue, and silver iMac models will be available in stores, according to Tom’s Guide. These are the colors that are available for the base $1,299 configuration of the desktop with an eight-core processor and seven-core integrated GPU. With stores not stocking the orange, purple, and yellow models, this means that shoppers interested in these colors will have to buy them online. In addition to orange, purple, and yellow, Apple’s online store will stock all seven colors. The full spectrum of colors are offer on upgraded $1,499 and $1,699 configurations of the desktop with an eight-core processor and integrated eight-core GPU.

iMac keyboard touch id
Apple

The newly redesigned iMac launched at Apple’s Spring Loaded event. Unlike Apple’s transition to its ARM-based M1 processor away from Intel’s silicon on the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini — all of which maintained their preceding generation’s design — the iMac’s launch is far splashier, coming in a new design. Aside from the change to the M1 processor, the most notable change is Apple’s use of bright colors for the housing, which has been significantly slimmed down and modernized with slimmer bezels surrounding the 4.5K Retina display. Apple also debuted color coordinated keyboard, trackpad, and mouse accessories with the desktop. Apple executives claimed that the new iMac comes with the best camera, speakers, and microphone that the company has ever used on the line.

Recommended Videos

It’s unclear at this time if Apple will display all seven colors in its stores for customers to see prior to purchasing. The company did not give any explanation as to why certain colors would be available to purchase at retail stores, while others will be exclusively available online. With seven new desktop colors and even more configuration options for each model, the company likely may not want to dedicate what little stockroom space it has at its retail stores to making all colors of its 24-inch desktop available. Shipping orders for less popular colors from warehouses may be a more cost-effective solution, and the move could help control lines and crowds ahead of a new product release at its stores during the global health pandemic.

Chuong Nguyen
Silicon Valley-based technology reporter and Giants baseball fan who splits his time between Northern California and Southern…
Apple’s next-gen M4 Macs look set to embrace serious gaming
The Mac mini on a wooden table.

Apple’s Mac machines and gaming don’t quite fit in the same equation, even though the recent trajectory of its Metal architecture has pulled off a few surprises. But it looks like the upcoming M4-tier machines won’t pull any punches, including the Mac mini.

In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman writes that for the first time, Apple’s entry-level desktop computer will offer ray tracing support. For the unaware, it’s a lighting system that adds a whole new level of visual realism to games.

Read more
Apple’s smart display might aesthetically revive the iconic iMac G4
Apple iMac G4 desktop computer.

Apple’s foray into the smart display segment is eagerly anticipated, and if Bloomberg’s numerous reports are anything go by, we could see the first entry hit the shelves as early as 2025. Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in the latest edition of his PowerOn newsletter, reports that the upcoming machine could borrow some inspiration from the legendary iMac G4.

“The screen is positioned at an angle on a small base, making it reminiscent of the circular bottom ... from a couple of decades ago,” Gurman writes.

Read more
The iMac Pro may not be completely dead, and that thrills me
The back of a blue iMac on a white desk.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Apple is working on bringing back either the iMac Pro or the 27-inch iMac with a new Apple Silicon chip to help it charge headlong into the modern era. We’ve been hearing variations of this rumor almost since the day the iMac Pro was discontinued in 2021.

A larger and more powerful iMac has been the primary hole in the Mac lineup, so I'm thrilled to hear that it isn't being forgotten about. And this time, the persistence of these whispers makes me think there’s really something there -- and the latest report on the subject hasn’t tempered my curiosity.
It's still alive

Read more