iMac Shipping Estimates Slip to 3-5 Business Days for Most Models

iMac shipping estimates have slipped to 3-5 business days on the Apple Online Store in the United States for all models aside from the entry-level 21.5-inch option with a 1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor. The high-end 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro is also now showing an estimated shipping date of 1-2 weeks. Both the iMac and 15" Retina MacBook Pro were previously listed as in stock.

iMac 21.5 3-5 Days
The majority of the iMac lineup, excluding the low-end 21.5-inch iMac released in June 2014 and iMac with Retina 5K Display launched in October 2014, was last updated in September 2013 with the latest Intel Haswell processors, faster PCI Express-based flash storage options and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Based on its average product cycle, the all-in-one desktop computer is long overdue for a refresh.

Nevertheless, the iMac is not expected to be updated until Intel releases desktop class Broadwell chips during the second quarter of 2015. Intel's first 14nm desktop processors, including the Core i5-5675C, i7-5775C, i5-5575R, i5-5675R and i7-5775R CPUs with Iris Pro 6200 integrated graphics, are expected to be announced during Computex Taiwan in early June, with some chips expected to launch in mid-May, and should become readily available as early as July or August.

Intel Broadwell Desktop Chart

Intel's Broadwell desktop chips based on 14nm manufacturing process (via CPU World)

Ultimately, the extended iMac shipping estimates of 3-5 business days could be nothing more than regular stock fluctuations on the Apple Online Store, although it is worth noting as the release of Broadwell desktop chips approaches. At this point, it remains more likely that refreshed iMacs will be announced at WWDC 2015 at the earliest, but Apple's plans could change based on Intel's release timeline.

Related Roundups: iMac, MacBook Pro 14 & 16"
Related Forums: iMac, MacBook Pro

Top Rated Comments

Joe Rossignol Avatar
106 months ago
OK, so why make a front-page post about it?
On March 6, I reported (https://www.macrumors.com/2015/03/06/macbook-air-pro-shipping-refresh/) that MacBook Air and 13" MacBook Pro shipping times slipped.

On March 9, Apple refreshed the MacBook Air and 13" MacBook Pro.

That seems reason enough in my opinion.

With Intel's desktop Broadwell chips and WWDC 2015 around the corner, I feel this merited an article.

An announcement could come any time between now to August or later, even if the chips aren't released yet.

I pointed out that this could be regular stock fluctuations so that readers are aware of all possibilities.

Thanks for the feedback though. I do respect your opinion :)
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JAT Avatar
106 months ago
Sometimes a temporary supply shortage is just a temporary supply shortage.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bkkcanuck Avatar
106 months ago
I'm waiting till next year when Skylake and DDR4 will make there way to the iMac. Wish the Mac Mini would get quad core back but I think that boat has sailed.

I would actually wish that they would bring back the "Mac" (as opposed to the Mac Pro) line instead.... something that would fit between the dual core mac mini and the mac pro line.... Maybe starting out with a Intel Core i5-4690 3500 MHz equivalent chip and topping out with a Intel Core i7-5820K equivalent chip..... with a discreet video adapter in a mac pro type cylinder (maybe slightly smaller) -- with all the colour options of the new Macbook :p Trying to hit the $999 -> $1,499 price range....
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacVista Avatar
106 months ago
They probably run out of soldering and glueing materials for next iMac.

Waterproof to 150 ft, thin like the WATCH band, soldered drive, soldered dual-core, soldered fans, soldered 2GB RAM, soldered batteries, soldered chassis, glued screen, glued cover, zero ports (wireless port dongles and wireless power supply not included). :D
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SchneiderMan Avatar
106 months ago
All iMacs will eventually have Retina displays. They're simply best. But what I find most ridiculous is the fact that Apple has yet to update its external Thunderbolt Display. Pathetic.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
verniesgarden Avatar
106 months ago
Seems Apple can't ship anything these days. Keyboards with delays, watches with time frames, back orders right of the gate for the new MacBooks, and now iMacs... What the hell are they manufacturing? Isn't Tim Cook supposed to be some supply chain master? Is it just me or has apple never been this crappy on delivery?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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