In something of a surprise move, Apple today announced the launch of updated iMacs based on Intel's Haswell processors, faster PCI Express-based flash storage options, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

“iMac continues to be the example that proves how beautiful, fast and fun a desktop computer can be,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Inside its ultra-thin aluminum enclosure, the new iMac has the latest Intel processors, faster graphics, next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage.”

New models include:

21.5-inch

- $1299: 2.7 GHz quad-core i5 and Intel Iris Pro graphics

- $1499: 2.9 GHz quad-core Intel i5 and NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 1 GB video memory

27-inch

- $1799: 3.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 and NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M with 1 GB video memory

- $1999: 3.4 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M with 2 GB video memory

All standard configurations come with 8 GB of RAM and a 1 TB traditional hard drive.



Build-to-order options include a 3.1 GHz Core i7 processor and 16 GB of RAM on the 21.5-inch model and a 3.5 GHz Core i7 processor and up to 32 GB of RAM on the 27-inch model. Storage options of up to 3 TB traditional hard drive, 3 TB Fusion Drive, and 1 TB flash storage are also available depending on model. The high-end 27-inch model also has an available graphics upgrade to NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 780M with 4GB of GDDR5 memory.

The new iMac is available today through Apple's online store with all standard configurations with the exception of the high-end 21.5-inch model showing availability of "within 24 hours". The high-end 21.5-inch model is currently showing a shipping estimate of 2-3 weeks.