Apple stops selling 512GB, 1TB 21.5-inch 4K iMac options online
Apple has reduced the number of storage options available for the 21.5-inch iMac, with the removal of the 512 gigabyte and 1 terabyte flash options potentially a sign changes are on the way for the product line.
On March 2, sources of AppleInsider familiar with the Apple supply chain said Apple had stopped producing the 512GB and 1TB SSD configurations for the iMac 4K. A few weeks later, Apple's website update for the 4K iMac has removed the ability to buy those two variants.
The update to the online Apple Store now only lists options for the 256GB SSD and 1TB Fusion Drive. Spotted by MacRumors, there is no option to select a 512GB SSD or a 1TB SSD on the page, customizations that were previously available.
Other options, including processor, GPU, and memory upgrades, are still available at this time.
Apple's configuration options for the 21.5-inch iMac
The removal of the storage options follow shortly after Apple pulled the iMac Pro from the website completely, officially discontinuing the model in the process. It was previously available "while supplies last."
It is rumored that Apple could be preparing to bring out an updated iMac with Apple Silicon. A report file in the Xcode Crash Reporter on March 17 included references to an Apple Silicon iMac.
Earlier reports also claimed changes were on the way to the lineup, which could include alterations in appearance ranging from the use of "iPad Pro design language" to "Pro Display-like bezels."
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.
On March 2, sources of AppleInsider familiar with the Apple supply chain said Apple had stopped producing the 512GB and 1TB SSD configurations for the iMac 4K. A few weeks later, Apple's website update for the 4K iMac has removed the ability to buy those two variants.
The update to the online Apple Store now only lists options for the 256GB SSD and 1TB Fusion Drive. Spotted by MacRumors, there is no option to select a 512GB SSD or a 1TB SSD on the page, customizations that were previously available.
Other options, including processor, GPU, and memory upgrades, are still available at this time.
Apple's configuration options for the 21.5-inch iMac
The removal of the storage options follow shortly after Apple pulled the iMac Pro from the website completely, officially discontinuing the model in the process. It was previously available "while supplies last."
It is rumored that Apple could be preparing to bring out an updated iMac with Apple Silicon. A report file in the Xcode Crash Reporter on March 17 included references to an Apple Silicon iMac.
Earlier reports also claimed changes were on the way to the lineup, which could include alterations in appearance ranging from the use of "iPad Pro design language" to "Pro Display-like bezels."
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.
Comments
I doubt it - that would make the most sense for a 12-13” MacBook style computer but Apple has been solidly against the convertible form factor in the past. There’s also the issue with the operating system...
The 27 inch iMac will be renewed later this year with more powerful Apple silicone, and replace both the normal iMac and iMac Pro models.
Applications still need to catch up with the model, but one of my primary uses for switching around between devices is Word, and Microsoft very much seems to get the gist of the Apple operating model (which is also very much in keeping with Microsoft's current cloud-driven and subscription-based model). Adobe is slowly getting there, too, but it still has a ways to go, and it probably needs a better way of sharing larger files between devices which is something Microsoft doesn't have to think about as much. Apple is of course already surprisingly seamless, with Safari, TextEdit, Notes, Reminders, Music, Documents, Desktop, passwords, copy/paste, its productivity suite, and plenty more all running about as well on multiple devices (and types of devices) as they run on just one. They probably need to think more about Logic and Final Cut (which also suffer from the file size problem), but even those applications have some nice features for utilizing both device types simultaneously with an iPad providing a virtual touch-based control surface. Further, Garage Band and iMovie work across devices pretty well (though the iPad variant of iMovie is currently pretty underwhelming), and both can serve as starting points for work that is eventually pulled in to Logic and Final Cut.
I do sometimes find myself wanting to touch the screen on my Laptop after spending a bit too long using my iPad for editing something, but the trackpad really is such a better experience for use with macOS that I don't find it that much of a bother switching back. I really don't want to see macOS itself burdened with having to have a compelling touch interface, but there are a few apps that would benefit. Those apps, though, could probably start supporting use of an iPad as a second display, perhaps even as keyword/touch-display combo.
What I want to see is seamless use of multiple devices in my house for very large files or very large collections of files, without having to transfer through the cloud as an intermediary. That is the one place where hybrids have a serious advantage. It seems entirely fixable, though. Wi-Fi exists everywhere, is fast enough (it is at this point faster than disk drives) and Apple has figured out how to establish convenient and secure connections within a home network. Come on Apple! Solve this one!
Could Apple make a convertible that supports going back and forth between a macOS-style interaction model when a keyboard and touchpad are attached and an iOS-style interaction model when detached? Yes, and their current Xcode application development model could actually make that work surprisingly well sometimes. But, there is a lot more that differentiates a touch-friendly device from a lap or desk friendly one. A big one is that a touch interface probably shouldn't be larger than around 11 inches, but a laptop probably shouldn't be less than 13 or 14 and computer on a desk really shouldn't be less than 24. So, a compromise device is going to suck at one of its use cases.
I expect the base model of the smallest will have the same 16GB M1 as the MBP. It would suck if it is an 8GB M1.
If you remember, you can already use an iPad as a second screen but I think that still needs to be wired. What may be useful is to allow an iPad to be an input device for a Mac. Connectivity via wireless would be needed for the required bandwidth.
Here's hoping that they release an silicon iMac. I really want a 16 inch MBP (actually 2) but will hold out for the new silicon versions. They are going to be great.
As far as the base storage being "a joke"...it may be inadequate for people like us, but most of Apple's customers people aren't people like us. For example, my dad hasn't used more than 80GB on the 256GB hard drive in his computer and he's had it for 12 years now. 256GB is just fine for what he does.
Why is it odd? They'll leave them up until the announcement/availability of the new models or until they're sold out.