Apple's 21.5-inch Intel iMac is officially retired

A change that seemed inevitable with the introduction of the 24-inch iMac, Apple has quietly pulled from sale the 21.5-inch iMac. Customers visiting the online Apple Store will be able to choose from just two sizes of iMac, with the 24-inch iMac now the smallest available option in the catalog.

Apple reduced the number of storage options for the 21.5-inch iMac in March, limiting the choices to 256GB SSD and a 1TB Fusion Drive. By April, there were reports of short supplies of the 21.5-inch model, ahead of the eventual launch of the 24-inch model.

With the first Apple Silicon model's launch, it became only a matter of time before Apple ceased sales of the 21.5-inch iMac, as part of its shift away from Intel processors. The takedown now leaves the 27-inch iMac as the last remaining Intel-based model on Apple's virtual shelves.

It's possible that even that larger model could disappear from the store within months. Rumors claim Apple is working on a large-screen iMac similar in concept to the 24-inch iMac, one that could replace the 27-inch Intel model entirely.

Consumers keen to acquire the 21.5-inch model can still get the iMac from third-party retailers with residual stock.