In a surprising update for some, Apple is now offering a cheaper 21.5-inch iMac. The new iMac 2014 release was on June 18, dubbed by Apple as "the perfect entry-level Mac desktop," with low-end specs, priced at $1,099.

It is a strategy for the Cupertino-based company to go for the lower-end market, with some significant changes in device internals.

The $200-cheaper iMac is stripped of some of the regular iMac specs. The architecture of the cheaper iMac is 40 percent slower performance-wise compared to Apple's previously lowest-end desktop computer.

The cheaper iMac 2014 specs are powered by an Intel Core i5 chip that is 1.4 GHz dual-core, instead of 2.7 GHz quad-core; Intel HD 5000 graphics instead of Iris Pro Integrated; and a 500GB storage instead of the 1TB of the $1,299 iMac.

Other than these, the computer's internals have no significant difference compared to the regular iMac.

While others see it as a wise move for the iMac-maker to drive sales without sacrificing margins, the offered iMac 2014 specs are neither perfect for graphic design work, nor for gaming.

However, it is good enough for casual home computing operations and a great option for those who want the Apple build quality, design and software but at a lower price. After all, Apple intends to make its all-in-one desktop more affordable.

With the introduction of Mac OS X Yosemite during the recent WWDC 2014 earlier in June, which suggested a high-end Retina and 4K supported iMac 2014 release date this year, Apple's decision to offer a lower-end iMac comes as a surprising update to some.

The new iMac 2014 can be purchased via Apple Online Store, select Apple Authorized Resellers as well as Apple retail stores.