Apple Inc. (AAPL) 21.5-inch iMac Out Today, 27-inch Shipping Time Lengthens

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), much to the celebration of fanboys and holiday shoppers everywhere, has officially begun selling the 21.5-inch iMac today, both online and in its trademark stores and select retail partners. The company originally announced the sale date on its website on Tuesday, while mentioning that the “27-inch iMac will be available for order through the Apple Online Store and will begin shipping in December.”

Interestingly, the Cupertino-based tech giant’s online store did originally mention that the 27-inch iMac, which costs an average of $500 more than its smaller counterpart, would be available to ship in “2-3 weeks.” As this avid blogger pointed out earlier today, however, this time has already slipped one week later, to “3-4 weeks.” A quick check of the Apple Store confirms that this is the case, which may leave some holiday shoppers out in the cold, so to speak, for Christmas morning.

From an investing standpoint, some of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s analysts think that this these types of delays may negatively impact the company’s first quarter financials, which are regularly reported in late January.

A particularly bearish note – that was issued before news of this latest delay broke – was issued (via CRN) by Beau Skonieczny of Technology Business Research, stating that “TBR believes the delayed launch will cause Apple to miss out on a significant sales opportunity during the holiday season, with short supply forcing many potential customers to seek alternative offerings.”

On AAPL’s revenue side, consensus is expecting $54.7 billion in total sales, an 18% growth from one year earlier, while an EPS of $13.51 is the primary number to watch. Let us know in the comments section below if you think Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s reported slip in 27-inch shipping times is anything to be worried about, and if you think it will have a material effect on the company’s Q1 financials.