Apple Launches $1099 21.5-Inch iMac With 3.3 GHz Dual-Core i3 Processor for Educational Institutions

Apple appears to have quietly introduced an updated version of its low-end 21.5-inch iMac for educational institutions, taking advantage of a cheaper dual-core Intel Core i3 processor and integrated graphics to offer pricing of $1099, $200 cheaper than the entry-level pricing for consumer models. The education-only iMac, which carries a model number of ME699LL/A, also includes just 4GB of RAM and a 500 GB hard drive, while the low-end consumer model doubles both of those figures.

iMac 21.5-inch: 3.3GHz Dual-core Intel Core i3 (Education only model)
Product Number : ME699LL/A

- 3.3GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i3
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 4GB (two 2GB) memory
- 500GB hard drive
- Intel HD Graphics 4000

imac_education_i3
It is unclear exactly when Apple began offering the new iMac for educational institutions, but it appears to be a very recent addition to Apple's lineup. The machine replaces the previous $999 iMac for educational institutions introduced over 18 months ago and is positioned to appeal to budget-conscious schools.

Potential customers should note that the $1099 iMac is only available for purchase by educational institutions and is not available to individuals making purchases through Apple's educational discount program. Orders are currently quoted as shipping in 5-7 business days, slightly longer than the 3-5 day estimates for other models through the Apple Store for Educational Institutions.

Consumer models of the iMac ordered through the regular online store in North America just saw their shipping estimates improve to "within 24 hours" earlier today. Apple has also lowered pricing on the 768 GB flash storage upgrade on the 27-inch Mac, dropping the upgrade charge from $1300 to $900.

Related Roundup: iMac
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iMac

Popular Stories

wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...

Top Rated Comments

macnerd93 Avatar
169 months ago
Don't know why budget-conscious schools don't buy PCs. PCs are far better than Mac even though I'm a Mac, iPhone, and iPad user. :confused:
Umm my old college had Macs in the design, Art and Media department. I did media at college and used the iMacs. You may think PCS are cheaper, but in the long run they are far more expensive to maintain and keep working properly. I don't recall ever seeing an IT tech doing anything to any of the Macs and we had over 500 in the one building. It was a daily occurrence them going round fixing crashed PCS though in other parts of the college LOL. They also have to run constant updates on the PCS and make sure all anti virus stuff is working correctly.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
komodrone Avatar
169 months ago
yay. true reason why we needed a thin edge? anti-obesity.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
brand Avatar
169 months ago
Macs are easier to use and harder to screw up. That's why they're used in schools. Kids know even less about computers now than they did in the 80s.

You really don't have a clue do you?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WestonHarvey1 Avatar
169 months ago
Don't know why budget-conscious schools don't buy PCs. PCs are far better than Mac even though I'm a Mac, iPhone, and iPad user. :confused:

Why do you use a Mac when PCs are far better?

Macs are easier to use and harder to screw up. That's why they're used in schools. Kids know even less about computers now than they did in the 80s.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Xikum Avatar
169 months ago
Actually, it's "Mac", not MAC. Back to school for you friend. :)

And $1099 for a powerful computer is a good price. Back when I was in school, Macs cost upwards of $5000.

This computer is not "powerful", especially considering it costs $1099. It's a desktop computer that doesnt even feature a dedicated GPU! That is astounding terrible, given the price of the thing.

Educational facilities are normally run on highly monitored, shoestring budgets. I simply dont see any normal institution spending this kind of money on something so weak, considering what $1099 will get you when it comes to buying Windows-based machines, subtracting bulk-buy discount.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
realeric Avatar
169 months ago
Don't know why budget-conscious schools don't buy PCs. PCs are far better than Mac even though I'm a Mac, iPhone, and iPad user. :confused:
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)