macstack

I could have sworn it was possible to order a new iMac with 32GB of RAM, but I was just perusing Apple's Web site and the store won't allow me to configure an iMac with more than 24GB.

Am I misremembering, and 32GB was never possible?

Or has Apple quietly eliminated the 32GB option as RAM shortages and prices have become a thing?

I think you’re right.

Apple has really been making me mad recently, because I noticed it’s not possible to order their highest-end RAM configurations without having their highest-end processors.

My current MacBook Pro is from 2021, and I’ve been thinking about upgrading, and I also noticed that it’s not possible to choose certain memory configurations unless I set it to choose the highest-end processor.

It's wild that they've just quietly eliminated the 32GB iMac and nobody in the media has even reported on this development.

FALSE ALARM, EVERYBODY!

You can still order an iMac with 32GB. What's changed is the configurator tool on the Apple Store web site. The new interface fails to make it clear that you must first select the model with four Thunderbolt ports and you must also first select at least 512GB of storage. Only after you've done those two things will 32GB of RAM be unlocked as a memory option.

obvs wrote: Tue Mar 31, 2026 2:41 pm

I think you’re right.

Apple has really been making me mad recently, because I noticed it’s not possible to order their highest-end RAM configurations without having their highest-end processors.

My current MacBook Pro is from 2021, and I’ve been thinking about upgrading, and I also noticed that it’s not possible to choose certain memory configurations unless I set it to choose the highest-end processor.

Yes it's annoying, but I understand it's all integrated. Apple themselves cannot simply add more RAM to the low end Mac. They would have to build an entirely new chipset/motherboard, and obviously they don't want to.
Accept reality, annoying as it may be. You can NOT configure a current Mac to your liking. You can NOT upgrade it later. If you can afford it, get MORE than you think you need now.
Or build your own PC and install linux?
I hope you understand I am not defending Apple. But they only make what they want. We can't change that.
I'm lucky to have this 2019 Intel MacBook Pro. As far as I know, it's still the most advanced computer in my family, I'm lucky and privileged like that, and forever grateful, this community we have is why I have it. It's showing its age, but I'm still happy with it. I can NOT afford to buy the cheapest PC. Not even used.
uhm... that was my rant

Bren wrote: Wed Apr 01, 2026 8:03 am

FALSE ALARM, EVERYBODY!

You can still order an iMac with 32GB. What's changed is the configurator tool on the Apple Store web site. The new interface fails to make it clear that you must first select the model with four Thunderbolt ports and you must also first select at least 512GB of storage. Only after you've done those two things will 32GB of RAM be unlocked as a memory option.

Yeah, that is really confusing. The other pages tend to make it clear what you need to select if an option you want isn't available on the current spec.

The Mac Studio page makes it pretty clear.