Absolutely RIDICULOUS iMac M1 Shipping Delays

[Doug Lass]

Strange discussion. It's not about what decision you made with your old iMac. The issue is that long backorders are unusual. My iMac just crapped out (logic board failure), so don't argue with me about any decision I made. Now, I fortunately have a second OLD iMac that can fill in, but I really want a new one.

What I find kinda ugly is that many vendors brag about how fast their shipping is, and don't tell you that you're seriously backordered until you actually place the order. So when you press the BUY button, you have expectations that were not justified. That's a vendor problem, and not an Apple problem.

Of course, Apple already told us about this.

Apple's Tim Cook confirms iMac and iPad production will be delayed due to the crushing global chip shortage

While many speculated Apple would be one of few companies to dodge the chip shortage, Cook said the supply issues would impact iPad and iMac production.

www.businessinsider.com

See also

Apple's 24in iMac sold out almost everywhere

With long waits at Apple and other resellers listing the new M1 iMac as out of stock getting hold of a model is tricky, but not impossible.

www.macworld.co.uk

As of a month ago, it seems that a couple of vendors had a few lying around.

 

[4743913]

The whole world is facing shortages of everything and here you are complaining about a delay on your fancy new computer.
Gotta love internet.

lol. did this post make you feel like a better person?

 

[chrono1081]

As I said in my earlier post, I don't care what the excuse is.. They need to quit giving imginary shipping dates. They are being dishonest with their creeping delays of two weeks at a time. Apple knows exactly how long its going to take. They are just stringing buyers along..

The way these things work Apple actually likely doesn't have a date. Generally a supplier tells them when to expect a shipment of parts, Apple bases your ship time off of that, and then if those parts don't get delivered it gets bumped back. All computer companies (and other industries) are experiencing this exact same thing right now with regards to supplier dates.

 

[poked]

Strange discussion. It's not about what decision you made with your old iMac. The issue is that long backorders are unusual. My iMac just crapped out (logic board failure), so don't argue with me about any decision I made. Now, I fortunately have a second OLD iMac that can fill in, but I really want a new one.

What I find kinda ugly is that many vendors brag about how fast their shipping is, and don't tell you that you're seriously backordered until you actually place the order. So when you press the BUY button, you have expectations that were not justified. That's a vendor problem, and not an Apple problem.

Of course, Apple already told us about this.

Apple's Tim Cook confirms iMac and iPad production will be delayed due to the crushing global chip shortage

While many speculated Apple would be one of few companies to dodge the chip shortage, Cook said the supply issues would impact iPad and iMac production.

www.businessinsider.com

See also

Apple's 24in iMac sold out almost everywhere

With long waits at Apple and other resellers listing the new M1 iMac as out of stock getting hold of a model is tricky, but not impossible.

www.macworld.co.uk

As of a month ago, it seems that a couple of vendors had a few lying around.

The Mac store I went to had a few of the base model lying around, but it was the wrong color and the wrong options. Vendors having specific products around besides the base model is generally a rarity because there’s a chance the more expensive version simply doesn’t sell.

 

[wilberforce]

Apple should start dynamic pricing, like the airline industry. The more you bid, the higher you are in the shipping queue. Like priority boarding.
And you could get invited every few weeks to bid another $100 to keep your spot in line.
Cheapskates: back of the line, buddy.

 

[4743913]

The way these things work Apple actually likely doesn't have a date. Generally a supplier tells them when to expect a shipment of parts, Apple bases your ship time off of that, and then if those parts don't get delivered it gets bumped back. All computer companies (and other industries) are experiencing this exact same thing right now with regards to supplier dates.

yes I know how it used to work. different times now. Apple needs to adapt.

 

[4743913]

Apple should start dynamic pricing, like the airline industry. The more you bid, the higher you are in the shipping queue. Like priority boarding.
And you could get invited every few weeks to bid another $100 to keep your spot in line.
Cheapskates: back of the line, buddy.

View attachment 1805999

This mirrors my feelings on where all Apple computers should be built. Can't afford a Mac built in the USA? buy a chromebook.

 

[poked]

This mirrors my feelings on where all Apple computers should be built. Can't afford a Mac built in the USA? buy a chromebook.

I feel like that’s counterproductive, though. Macs should be an achievable goal: what does gatekeeping do on the price besides make it impossible to afford one? (As someone who can buy my computer twice over brand new). If we decide people aren’t “rich” enough, then doesnt that just play into the hands of class divides more so anyway?

 

[4743913]

I feel like that’s counterproductive, though. Macs should be an achievable goal: what does gatekeeping do on the price besides make it impossible to afford one? (As someone who can buy my computer twice over brand new). If we decide people aren’t “rich” enough, then doesnt that just play into the hands of class divides more so anyway?

so you think slave labor is ok as long as it brings you cheap computers? because that is what you are saying.

and before you say "we should push for reforms".. no, live in the real world. nothing will change there. ever.

 

[poked]

so you think slave labor is ok as long as it brings you cheap computers? because that is what you are saying.

and before you say "we should push for reforms".. no, live in the real world. nothing will change there. ever.

Slave labor is being done at Apples price point anyway, though. The parts aren’t made here, they’re “designed” here. But you can have an inexpensive device that also does the job you want it to. $2700 Mac vs $2700 windows? Windows beats it hands down in use, but it absolutely SUCKS when it comes to aesthetics. It’s ugly. It’s boring. It’s unfinished. Macs and their products EASILY beat it in design, but not much else. So what’s stopping the average $700 Joe from buying an average Joe computer/laptop that is also a Mac? A). There’s no price point of $700 on a Mac, so average Joe is not going to look at it. Everyone in this forum is the exception to the rule because we own these products.m, we use them daily, and we defend them. We really shouldn’t, because it lets Apple know they can get away with subpar quality on their machines and that they don’t have to hold themselves accountable OR reliable to a standard that a windows computer (while boring!) does. Consumers come first, and you can’t have a product without a consumer. But missing half of your consumer base isn’t it. Why do phone devices have the “cheap” option but the computers don’t, specifically? I only got into Apple because I could afford an iPhone 5c. Before that? No way in heck. It’s just dissilousined me, and I get the hypocrisy of saying “I own this and therefore it should be cheaper”. But we should always advocate for change. That’s how lobbyists like the NRA and their ilk get things done, so where are the pro-consumer lobbyists against Apple?

 

[4743913]

so where are the pro-consumer lobbyists against Apple?

they are bought off by cheap machines built by slave labor. and the "journalists" are complicit.

lets not derail this thread.

 

[Doug Lass]

Well, I got my M1 iMac today. Shipped yesterday. Seven days after it was ordered. The vendor had told me that, gee, it might not be until the end of the month, but they pulled it off somewhat sooner. I'm not displeased, except in that they didn't tell me that it would be back ordered until AFTER I placed my order.

Windows beats the Mac hands down in use? Duh? I find the Windows operating system to be about as user-unfriendly as I can imagine. I guess if I were a gamer, I might agree, but I get my grins in doing real work.

 

[poked]

Well, I got my M1 iMac today. Shipped yesterday. Seven days after it was ordered. The vendor had told me that, gee, it might not be until the end of the month, but they pulled it off somewhat sooner. I'm not displeased, except in that they didn't tell me that it would be back ordered until AFTER I placed my order.

Windows beats the Mac hands down in use? Duh? I find the Windows operating system to be about as user-unfriendly as I can imagine. I guess if I were a gamer, I might agree, but I get my grins in doing real work.

You know the people posting are fans of the MAC, right? I’m specifically switching over from Windows to Mac because of the environment and use ability, despite the closed app system being a PITA.

 

[Kierkegaarden]

Hi all,

I’ve read about the delays to the iMac being a few weeks - but mine has slipped into the months category!!

Okay, so it’s a BTO… but still!

I ordered the 24” M1 iMac (8c) in Green with the VESA mount option. Upped the RAM to 16gb and upped the SSD to 1TB. Didn’t order at the same time as some of you as it took me a bit of time debating between whether this ’smaller’ 24 would suffice when I’m used to the 27” 5K - but after some deliberating and using one, took the plunge. (I’m in the UK btw)

So ordered on 26th May 2021 and received a ship date of 8th July!! That was then pushed back to a firm 15th July with the Apple Store chat person confirming that it would ship before that date to arrive at that time.

Then this week, I get a text (and email) from Apple… started to get excited as just assumed it would be the one to say the product has shipped. To my flipping disbelief… the date has now been pushed BACK to 15th August!!!

Are you serious!!??

A friend orders a Mac Mini just yesterday and gets a ship date of 20th July - and that’s a BTO too!

I know what some of you will say… Nice machine - and you’ll love it when you get it! But that’s not the point. (What’s not helped is that I sold my Late 2015 27” 5K iMac in preparation for the new one arriving on 8th July - got £750 for that so wanted to sell before the buyer changed his mind!! But now I’m Mac-less and suffering)

The date is stretching in the complete wrong direction… and always in the back of my mind is the real possibility of Apple dropping some 27” M1X model just as I receive this one - and then the hassle of returning, re-ordering and another lengthy wait!!?? 🤷‍♂️

Thoroughly hacked off with this situation at the mo - but stuck in limbo. Wanna cancel out of anger - but that would only put me back to square one and in a worse position!

Your disappointment is understandable. Even if you still had your previous Mac, shipping delays can be frustrating. Other than just waiting, could a nearby school have an old one sitting in storage that you could use (or buy for backup)? A local school where I used to live had old iMacs sitting in boxes with no plans for them.

 

[One2Grift]

A number of Apple products have had 'out of inventory' or long ship times up until recently. Apple had a staggering increase in sales across a number of product lines(see Q2 P/L statement for reference). I waited almost 3 weeks for my S6 AW.
When any company's product is selling well above expectations, you're unlikelier than not to get a quick ship time except through persistent research for a vendor that happens to have inventory. Me? I went with the best deal and accepted the wait. Others do what they have to do.

Ship times are an ETA unless it says "guaranteed" shipping time. If you have a guarantee then expect recompense. Otherwise count on delivery the ETA day at your own risk. That's not being mean, that's being true to the reality of ETAs.

 

[Doug Lass]

When any company's product is selling well above expectations, you're unlikelier than not to get a quick ship time except through persistent research for a vendor that happens to have inventory.

That's nice if they tell you BEFORE YOU ORDER that they have the inventory.My vendor did not. If they don't tell you that, best to contact them directly before you place the order and ask. So your persistent research will need to include a phone call or an e-mail. The ship times quoted assume that they have the inventory. They may not.

 

[Smearbrick]

Ignore those who might suggest you're the one to blame for selling the old system too quickly - it must be great to have perfect hindsight in advance, but for the rest of us, there's always a risk of making a mistake when you take information you're given at face value that turns out not to be accurate.

But indeed, no point in cancelling because it's only yourself you'll hurt. And given the pace of deliveries seems to be picking up for many BTO options, it's likely the VESA mount in your case is the culprit with this order. In other circumstances I'd be inclined to suggest you see if an order for a similar model but with standard mount might ship faster, or even be available locally, because there are likely to be third-party mounting options that could be used subsequently, or you might be able to beg or borrow a Mac from family or friends to tide you over for a month.

Ultimately though you just have to console yourself that it is only a month, and that there remains a possibility, however slim, that it will ship early. I suspect that with the early rush now settling down, Apple are more likely than not by now to have a pretty clear idea of when individual BTO options will be ready for shipment, but you never know.

Well said. The OP has every right to rant.

 

[burgman]

You shouldn't have sold your 2015 iMac until you were in possession of the new iMac. Bad move on your part.

The shipping date you initially received was an estimate. It wasn't some legally binding, etched in stone and won't be changed date.

In my opinion, there is no reason to be angry at Apple. Apple hasn't done anything wrong that I can see. You are overreacting to the situation. If you want to blame someone, look in the mirror for selling too early.

Please, nobody on this forum, well maybe you, would just sit back and say thanks Apple for giving me the honor of having my delivery delayed several times for months. There are limits to credibility of Apple can do no wrong and blame the buyer.

 

[burgman]

Alienware and Lenovo are saying 4+ MONTHS out on BTO....

Telling the truth up front vs Apples approach is the point here.

 

[za9ra22]

Telling the truth up front vs Apples approach is the point here.

Well, hardly. One example of a frustrated customer with a product delivery delay doesn't constitute anything more than one frustrated customer with a product delivery delay.

Quite a few others seem to be getting their systems a bit earlier than expected.

Managing the supply chain is the point here.

 

[poked]

My system is coming in tomorrow, several days earlier than Apples projected estimation, but UPS hasn’t updated any of the tracking information at all, so who knows… I’m just happy it’s been built!

 

[usagora]

Thanks all!

I saw the first comment whilst out a little while ago, and thought blimey!! Straight talking but lacking a bit of empathy there methinks!??

Yep - some people need to work on tact. They could make the same point in a much gentler way. For example, instead of something like:

"This is all your own fault. Look in the mirror, mate. You did a dumb thing selling that Mac!"

they could write:

"I know that must be so disappointing. I guess you learned a lesson the hard way about holding onto your current Mac until the new one is in hand in case something like this happens. Hopefully it will ship earlier than they estimated!"

The former does nothing but trigger defense mechanisms and rejection of the message. The latter is actually helpful.

Now, if your thread went over the top and started consigning Apple to the lowest level of Dante's Inferno and included vows to never buy another Apple product again, etc. then the straight-talk / no empathy responses would be more warranted But it was clear you were simply reasonably frustrated by a situation that would be annoying to anyone, especially with multiple grossly inaccurate shipping estimates being given to you. Since Apple (at least in my experience) has always been on-time or earlier than their shipping estimates, I would've gotten my hopes up too!

 

[Allyance]

Ordered 7/14 received 7/28, works for me.
Got to say iMac box was a marvel of design by itself.

 

[familychoice]

Apple are a bit hit and miss with orders. Last year I pre-ordered a new Air 4. Two months later it still hadn’t arrived, and after chasing them up they couldn’t provide a delivery date. Cancelled order, and bought one via Amazon, who’d had them in stock since they were released, instead. Next day delivery, £50 cheaper.

But then I ordered a custom spec Mini from Apple a couple of months ago, and it arrived less than a fortnight later, a couple of weeks before the estimated delivery.

 

[nhimbeobeo]

Hello, have you received your iMac? I have the same problem here.