Apple iMacs only in normal household quantities, according to many dealers. One model in particular is currently being bought like crazy on Amazon and Co. The reason is a secret contract.
The Apple iMacs from 2020 with an Intel chip are currently in great demand. (Source: netzwelt)
- Apple now only equips its iMacs with its own M1 chip.
- Windows does not run on these devices.
- This ensures that the last iMac generation with an Intel chip is becoming scarce and expensive in retail.
Apple’s iMacs are popular – not just among fans of the Cupertino-based manufacturer. The slim all-in-one computers are also a welcome work tool in offices around the world. Because on the one hand they don’t take up much space, on the other hand they work almost as fast as on the first day, even after years.
But if you currently want to equip your office with several iMacs, you will be in for a nasty surprise. At dealers like Saturn, Amazon and Co., the devices are scarce and the sales quantities are limited to one to three pieces.
Particularly popular with the latest Intel generation Saturn limits the maximum amount of iMacs sold (Source: Screenshot Saturn.de)
The 2020 models are particularly popular, especially the inexpensive version with an Intel Core i5 chip, and there’s a reason for that: it’s the last generation with an Intel chip. In the newer generations, Apple relies on the self-developed M1 chip. Although this is powerful, it has a disadvantage, especially for companies: Windows cannot be easily installed on an iMac with an M1 chip.
While Windows 11 and 10 can be brought to the older iMacs relatively easily via Boot Camp, this does not work for devices with an M1 chip. The only way to run Windows on computers with an M1 chip is currently the Parallels virtualization software, which, however, entails a loss of speed in many applications.
Secret treaty prevents Windows on M1 Macs
It is unclear why Apple does not offer Bootcamp for computers with an M1 chip. According to information from XDA Developers, a secret agreement between Qualcomm and Microsoft is said to be the reason. Qualcomm manufactures ARM-based processors and, together with Microsoft, has converted the Windows system, which was actually based on x86, to ARM.
In return, Microsoft is said to have assured the chip manufacturer that Windows on ARM will initially only run on computers with Qualcomm chips. Other ARM chips like Apple’s M1 are therefore not officially supported. Only after the contract expires could Microsoft officially support Windows on Apple M1 devices. The Intel chips, on the other hand, are x86 processors for which Apple and Microsoft can offer a corresponding solution.
iMac with i5 chip experiences price increase of 300 euros
So if you want to place a larger iMac order, the only thing left to do at the moment is to search several retailers for available models and sometimes dig deep into your pockets. According to information from the price comparison portal Geizhals.de, the price for a 2020 iMac with an i5 processor has increased significantly in recent months. While the calculator cost around 1,500 euros in December 2021, it is now being traded for 1,800 euros.
Added to this are long delivery times. At Cyberport, for example, the version with a 256 gigabyte SSD will only be available again at the end of April. Alternate states the delivery time as 14 days. At Böttcher you will not receive the goods before May. The variants with i7 and i9 processors, on the other hand, have stable prices and are usually still available. With prices of around 2,300 or 8,600 euros, but also significantly more expensive.
Current iMac offers at a glance
Don’t want to spend a long time searching for available iMacs with i5 chips? Below we list current offers from various retailers.
” Tip: The best VPN providers for more security and privacy
Don’t miss anything with the NETWORK-Newsletter
Every Friday: The most informative and entertaining summary from the world of technology!