Apple introduces new 21.5-inch iMac starting at $1099

Apple has released a new model of their iMac desktop computer at a lower price point. The new model is part of the 21.5-inch lineup and starts at $1,099. For that price, customers get a 1.4 GHz Intel Core i5 processor with an Intel HD Graphics 5000 graphics chip, 8GB of memory, and a 500GB hard drive. The storage can be swapped for either a 1TB hard drive, 1TB Fusion Drive, or a 256GB solid state drive.

This new iMac has similar specs to the base models of the MacBook Air The i5 processor in this new, low-end iMac is similar to if not the same as the processor found in the base models of both the 11 and 13-inch Airs, with the same graphics chip. The iMac however, has more base storage, even if that storage is slower. It does have twice the memory of the Air. If you need a computer with the Air's power, but you don't need portability and do need a much larger screen, the new iMac is something to take a look at.

Will you be picking up this new iMac? Let us know below in the comments.

Press release:

Apple Introduces New Entry Level 21.5-inch iMac

World's Leading All-In-One Desktop Now Starts at $1,099

CUPERTINO, California—June 18, 2014—Apple® today introduced a new 21.5-inch iMac® starting at just $1,099, making the world's leading all-in-one desktop even more affordable. Featuring a stunning ultra-thin design, brilliant display, Core i5 processors and the world's most advanced operating system, the new iMac is the perfect entry-level Mac® desktop.

The new 21.5-inch iMac features a 1.4 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost Speeds up to 2.7 GHz, Intel HD 5000 graphics, 8GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive. All iMac models include next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and two Thunderbolt ports and four USB 3.0 ports for excellent expandability and support for high-performance peripherals.

iLife® and iWork® come free with every new Mac. iLife lets you edit your favorite videos with iMovie®, create new music or learn to play piano or guitar with GarageBand®, and organize, edit and share your best shots with iPhoto®. iWork productivity apps, Pages®, Numbers® and Keynote®, make it easy to create, edit and share stunning documents, spreadsheets and presentations. iWork for iCloud® beta lets you create your document on iPad®, edit it on your Mac and collaborate with friends, even if they're on a PC.

Every Mac comes with OS X®, the world's most advanced operating system, designed for ease of use while taking full advantage of the powerful technologies built into every Mac. Earlier this month, Apple announced OS X Yosemite, a powerful new version of OS X redesigned and refined with a fresh, modern look, powerful new apps and amazing new continuity features that make working across your Mac and iOS devices more fluid than ever. The final version of OS X Yosemite will be available for free from the Mac App Store℠ this fall.

Pricing & Availability The new 21.5-inch iMac is available today through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. Starting at $1,099 (US), the new iMac features a 1.4 GHz processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.7 GHz, 8GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive. Configure-to-order options include a 1TB hard drive, a 1TB Fusion Drive, and up to 256GB flash storage. Additional technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/imac.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.

Joseph Keller

Joseph Keller is the former Editor in Chief of iMore. An Apple user for almost 20 years, he spends his time learning the ins and outs of iOS and macOS, always finding ways of getting the most out of his iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.