Apple Retires Another Intel Mac: 2019 21.5-Inch iMac Enters Vintage List

The Last 21.5-Inch Intel iMac Has Entered Apple’s Vintage List

Apple has officially classified its 2019 21.5-inch iMac with Retina 4K display as a vintage product, bringing the final 21.5-inch Intel-based iMac into the company's aging-hardware program. The move comes as Apple continues to leave the Intel era further behind following its transition to Apple silicon. The 2019 model was among the last iMacs using Intel processors before Apple introduced the redesigned M1 iMac in 2021.

What Does “Vintage” Mean for the iMac?

Being listed as vintage does not mean the iMac has suddenly stopped working or that owners must replace it. Apple generally classifies products as vintage after more than five but fewer than seven years have passed since they were last distributed for sale. Apple Stores and authorized service providers may still repair vintage products, but repairs and replacement parts depend on availability. Once a product reaches the separate obsolete category, Apple generally stops providing hardware service and parts.

A Look Back at the 2019 iMac

The 2019 21.5-inch iMac featured a Retina 4K display and Apple's familiar silver all-in-one design. The base configuration came with an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, with the starting price set at $1,299 in the United States. It was eventually replaced by the much more modern 24-inch M1 iMac, which introduced Apple's colorful redesign and custom silicon to the desktop lineup.

Interestingly, the larger 27-inch 2019 iMac reached vintage status earlier, in July 2025. The 21.5-inch version remained on the market longer, which is why it has only now crossed Apple's vintage threshold.

Another Sign That the Intel Mac Era Is Ending

The addition of the 2019 21.5-inch iMac is another reminder of how quickly Apple's Mac lineup has moved from Intel processors to its own chips. The transition began with the M1 Macs in 2020, and Apple's current Mac lineup is now centered on Apple silicon. For owners of older Intel Macs, the vintage designation is mainly important when considering future repairs and replacement parts rather than immediate usability.

For now, a 2019 21.5-inch iMac can continue to be used like any other functioning Mac. However, owners who rely on the machine for work and have been postponing hardware repairs may want to consider Apple's remaining service availability before the product eventually moves into the obsolete category.