Apple Begins Preparing First 27-Inch iMac Orders for Shipment [Update: Shipping]

As noted by a number of MacRumors forum members, customers who placed early orders for the new 27-inch iMac are beginning to see their credit cards charged and order statuses changing to "Preparing for Shipment". The new status indicates that the orders can no longer be changed or canceled and is the final stage before the machines are passed off to delivery companies.

imac 27 2012 preparing
Customers who have received updated order statuses are reporting that they are still seeing their originally quoted delivery times, which are typically in the range of December 21-31, but it seems that their orders may arrive slightly ahead of that window if they ship out in a timely fashion.

So far it appears that only U.S. customers have reported seeing their orders being prepared for shipment, but there are still only a few data points available. A number of those seeing their orders being readied for delivery have also included built-to-order configurations, indicating that custom orders will be arriving essentially alongside stock models.

Update: Apple has now begun shipping these early orders, with many customers seeing delivery dates of December 18 while a few are seeing dates as early as December 13. We're also hearing from customers outside of the United States that their orders are similarly progressing toward shipment.

Related Roundup: iMac
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Top Rated Comments

Mr. Gates Avatar
167 months ago
This iMac is going to be the centerpiece of our office. Perfect size for using Adobe InDesign and iBooks Author side-by-side as we convert our print books into ebooks.

That sounds really high tech and totally awesome , tell me more

Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
adildacoolset Avatar
167 months ago
Great to hear, although sadly my BTO is not in this stage yet with an estimated delivery of 21st - 27th.

Bad luck Brian. iMac 27" finally ships, but world ends :p
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xgman Avatar
167 months ago
I have 2 separate BTo's that both say preparing to ship but estimates haven't changed. 12/21-28. Credit cards were charged on 12/7.

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So items being prepared for shipment is news these days?
It is good to hear. I am happy for the people who bought 27 iMacs. But news?
When we have waited this long for "Macs", yes it is news. Good news.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CoreyLahey Avatar
167 months ago
That sounds really high tech and totally awesome , tell me more

Image (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mCpyHq7Afzs/R8BHrkK7lfI/AAAAAAAAAAo/m5uwENYyvUo/S220/neanderthal.jpg)

That made me laugh and should be the standard reply to 90% of Internet posts, including this one.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
olegandbuster25 Avatar
167 months ago
sweet:)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rockondevil Avatar
167 months ago
Great to hear, although sadly my BTO is not in this stage yet with an estimated delivery of 21st - 27th.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)