iMac 2021 release date, specs: Here’s when pre-order and delivery will begin

The all-new 24-inch iMac was undeniably one of the highlights of Apple’s recently concluded Spring Loaded event. While details about the highly anticipated all-in-one PC refresh are now out in the wild, Apple fans will still have to be a little patient before they can start to order it. There is also an even longer wait for the new iMac to arrive at their doorsteps.

iMac 2021 pre-order, release date

Aside from the leaks, there have been several indications that Apple was going to refresh the iMac line this spring. That became a reality during Apple’s event on Tuesday. However, unlike the usual retail launch schedule of Apple devices, there will be a slight delay before the new iMac is available for pre-orders.

Tech fans will be able to order the new iMac starting Friday, April 30 through the Apple online store. However, the tech giant left a huge question mark on when the product will be shipped or arrive in physical stores. For the retail launch, Apple has only said the 2021 iMac will be available in the second half of May, so specifically anytime between May 16-31.

iMac 2021 specs, features, pricing: What Apple fans need to know before April 30

For now, Apple fans can review all the iMac announcements made on Tuesday. As mentioned in earlier leaks, Apple has brought back a wider array of color options just like the earliest lineups of iMac. Depending on the configuration customers will purchase, they can choose from four to seven colorways, including Blue, Green, Pink, Silver, Yellow, Orange, and Purple.

Also not surprising is the new iMac’s adoption of the M1 processor. While there is only one screen size announced, the configurations now include the number of CPU and GPU cores, along with the storage options.

The 2021 iMac with 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU will only ship with 256GB storage ($1,299) and will be sold in the first four colors mentioned. Meanwhile, all seven colorways will be available for the iMac model with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. The latter will also be sold with 256GB ($1,499) and 512GB ($1,699) storage options.

All configurations will sport the all-new design, which mainly features smaller bezels and an overall thinner form factor that measures 11.5mm only. Apple also mentioned that the 2021 iMac weighs below 10 pounds. Meanwhile, the 24-inch Retina display supports 4.5K or 4480 x 2520 resolution at 218 ppi.

Apple also introduced a new Magic Keyboard that has a built-in Touch ID button on the top right corner. While it is compatible with all configurations, it only comes off-the-box on orders of the iMac 8-core CPU/8-core GPU model.