iMac Shipping Times Slip to 3 -5 Days, Fueling Rumors of 'Low-Priced' Model at WWDC

Ahead of WWDC 2014, shipping estimates for Apple's iMac models have slipped to 3 to 5 business days, fueling speculation of a possible announcement of new iMac hardware next week. As noted by AppleInsider, dwindling inventory is also evident at authorized Apple resellers, with some retailers selling the latest iMac models with steep discounts.

As we have seen with Apple may be clearing out inventory Amazon is completely sold out of the base-line 21.5-inch and 27-inch models, relying on third-party resellers who only have a handful of units left in stock. MacMall is also down to its last units on the 2.9-gigahertz 21.5-inch model, and the 3.4-gigahertz 27-inch model.

While movement in product shipping estimates is historically a hit-or-miss indicator of imminent updates, the slip to 3-5 days over the weekend is not the only factor contributing to speculation of iMac updates. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has been predicting for some time that Apple will launch a "low-priced" version of the iMac, and his extensive product roadmap published last month showed the new iMac debuting at the end of the second quarter, which would be next month. Kuo argues that this new iMac with cost-efficient hardware to keep the base price low would offer Apple a way to increase its market share in Asia and other critical foreign markets.

Mac updates have generally been somewhat in flux as Intel has experienced delays with its next-generation Broadwell chips. While the company has been releasing interim "Haswell refresh" chips in recent months, these chips offer minimal improvements over their predecessors. Just last month, Apple released a minor MacBook Air update using one of these new chips, but more importantly reduced pricing by $100. The company could make a similar move with the iMac in the coming weeks.

Exact timing for iMac updates remains uncertain, as it is still a bit early for a launch based on historical update cycles. The iMac has also not played a role in recent WWDC product launches, perhaps due to its consumer focus compared to the professional/developer emphasis for the conference. Consequently, an iMac price drop with minor spec bumps could come in the weeks after WWDC, similar to the quiet MacBook Air update last month.

imac-shipping
Apple last refreshed the iMac in September 2013, following a major redesign in 2012. The current iMac model features Intel Haswell processors, faster PCI Express-based flash storage and 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity. Prices start at $1299 for the entry-level 21.5-inch iMac and climb to $1799 for the base 27-inch model.

Related Roundup: iMac
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Neutral)
Related Forum: iMac

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Top Rated Comments

Lapidus Avatar
145 months ago
Just give me that cinema display with USB3 ports!
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
camnchar Avatar
145 months ago
Of course, Amazon being out of inventory may just be a negotiating tactic.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Parasprite Avatar
145 months ago
Right. I cast a heavy shadow of doubt over the belief we'll get a cheaper iMac. Obviously Apple doesn't care about developing cheaper products.

*cough*

Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Thermonuclear Avatar
145 months ago
I'd like to see a new iMac design that for once in a very long time put function ahead of form.

* User upgradable RAM in all models.
* User replaceable disk drives including SSD upgrades and substitutions
* User replaceable graphics processors.
* USB ports and a power button in the front where my eyes and hands are.
* Forward facing speakers aimed at my ears instead of at my desk.
* Return of optical storage; perhaps including Blu-ray this time.
* Return of FireWire, perhaps with 3200 Mbps support this time.
* Forward facing speakers aimed at my ears instead of my desk.
* Quiet and efficient thermal control unobtainable in a needlessly thin case.
* HDMI output to allow an inexpensive third party second monitor.
* An indicator LED in the front to give on/off/snooze status.
* Lithium cell replacement that doesn't require a return for servicing.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DavidG328 Avatar
145 months ago
How does apple handle situations like this: I just got a new one 1 week ago and if they introduce something brand new and improved I'll one that one?... I know this is what happens with electronics but com one on, one week?

When you buy one 6-9 months after they come out, you have to expect that soon you won't have the latest model.

Unless you buy a Mac Mini. Then you're set with the latest for years.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kemal Avatar
145 months ago
Raise the price. I don't care. Just add a RAM slot cover.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)