More specifically, people familiar with the matter say Apple plans to introduce the new models on Tuesday, May 3, swapping out the systems' first-gen Core i processors and miniDisplay ports for second-generation Core i chips and the company's new high-speed Thunderbolt port. However, rumors that 2011 would see changes to the iMacs' display panel size (1, 2) and the inclusion of 6000-series AMD Radeon HD chips, could not be confirmed with any degree of certainty.
In the days leading up to major product launches, Apple routinely makes certain requests of its various operating segments to assure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible. This week saw several of those measures put into place, according to those same people, who've continually provided accurate information when it comes the Mac maker's future plans.
In addition, people familiar with the Cupertino-based company's retail operations confirmed to AppleInsider that a "visual night" is similarly slated for the early morning hours of May 3rd. "So it is highly likely that whatever new product that is going to be refreshed or introduced will be done on [that day]," one of those people said.
These visual nights see several Apple retail employees in each location work throughout the evening and early a.m. hours, making significant modifications to the product layouts on the showroom floors, often removing previous generation products in favor of newly introduced models.
For Apple, next week's launch will mark the first time the company has refreshed its flagship desktop line in over 9 months. It also comes at a crucial time for the iMac — and Mac desktops in general — which are rapidly approaching an all-time low when it comes to their share of the Mac's product mix.
As Apple slowly transitions into a full-fledge mobile company, desktops have seen their share of Mac shipments slip into a slow but inevitable decline, falling from more than 50% of the company's Mac product shipments in the first quarter of 2006 to just 26% of the total units Mac units shipped during the second fiscal quarter of 2011 (see graph below).
As consumers increasingly grow accustomed to mobile computers, Apple faces a tall order in attempting to keep the desktop relevant in today's climate. As such, the company is said to be exploring designs that could shed as much as 50% off the footprint of future models by 2012, mirroring a pattern that's become evident in the big-screen TV market.
Thunderbolt iMacs are just the first of several Mac product refreshes Apple has planned for the months leading into and through this year's educational buying season. Versions of the company's hot-selling MacBook Airs are next to receive the Thunderbolt while adopting Intel's latest low-voltage Core i chips.
Those notebooks, which are slated to go into production near the tail end of May, should hit the market sometime in June.
122 Comments
I am definitely in the market. I need to find a good home for this perfectly fine core duo 20". I would keep using it except it is EOL since it can't run Lion.
In the last earnings conference call, Tim Cook said he saw a future for both the iMac and Macbook Pro form factors. I personally buy iMacs because I don't like the cramped keyboard, lack of ports and slower graphics of laptops. Also the price on the iMac is more attractive. If the computer will just sit on your desk anyway, you can save a lot by getting an iMac instead of MBP + Cinema Display.
Definitely getting one of these. Thunderbolt is a fabulous I/O port and I can't wait until Lacie puts out their new drives with it. Sandy Bridge is the speed update I've been waiting for to make the base end model good enough for my needs. Money's strapped as a college student, so I've been waiting to make the most out of my purchase.
As Apple slowly transitions into a full-fledge mobile company, desktops have seen their share of Mac shipments slip into a slow but inevitable decline, falling from more than 50% of the company's Mac product shipments in the first quarter of 2006 to just 26% of the total units Mac units shipped during the second fiscal quarter of 2011
Will it eventually end up being that most purchases will be from iOS developers??
In the last earnings conference call, Tim Cook said he saw a future for both the iMac and Macbook Pro form factors. I personally buy iMacs because I don't like the cramped keyboard, lack of ports and slower graphics of laptops. Also the price on the iMac is more attractive. If the computer will just sit on your desk anyway, you can save a lot by getting an iMac instead of MBP + Cinema Display.
1) I think the iPad will bring a surge back to iMac, which seems to be holding its ground against other vendors? desktops sales in comparison to notebooks.
2) What is cramped about the keyboard or are you not comparing it to Apple?s BT keyboard but some 3rd-party keyboard?
3) Do you use the Magic Trackpad?