14 DAY TRIAL // A report by HardMac (the English version of French tech-site Macbidouille) reveals that Apple may be on track to revamping its range of Mac Pro workstations, while the announcement could come as soon as June 7 (at WWDC 2010). It names Intel as the source of the rumor, citing the company’s warning that distribution networks will only get limited quantities of 6-core Xeon CPUs.
The report in question specifically claims that, “Intel informed its distribution networks that the 6 core Xeon will only be available in limited quantity until at the end of the second quarter.” HardMac deducted that Apple could announce new Mac Pro machines at its Worldwide Developers Conference, signaling that limited CPU shipments might be what prevented Apple from renewing its Mac Pro range earlier. It adds that, “History has shown that they do not forget that the Mac is, after all, still essential to develop software for the iPhone and iPad.”
In December 2009, Softpedia reported that Apple had again widened the gap between its all-in-one iMac and the powerful Mac Pro, adding a new 3.33GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon upgrade option (for an extra $1,200). The company also announced back then that additional 2TB hard drives could be included with the Mac Pro, as well as Apple’s Xserves. The world was still hoping Apple would add more substantial upgrades to the powerful Mac Pro.
Later, in March 2010, new reports emerged with information on Apple’s alleged plans to update its desktop range of computers, particularly the high-end Mac Pro line. ZDNet reported at the time that new Mac Pros were set to launch on March 16 with ‘hexacore’ Core i7-980x processors clocked at 3.33GHz, TurboBoosting at 3.6GHz. These claims fell in line with older Mac Pro upgrade rumors kicked off by the same HardMac, which had claimed in February (2010) that Apple was on the verge of introducing new, high-end configurations of its powerful Mac Pro systems, mentioning a possible launch date – March 16th.
Sadly, for those eager to see the rumor materialize, Apple’s press room features four major announcement during the month of March.
March 29 - iPad Arrives This Saturday; March 18 - Apple Director Jerome B. York Passes Away; March 5 - iPad Available in US on April 3; March 2 - Apple Sues HTC for Patent Infringement.
April was a tad more exciting, but still no Mac Pro announcement. This rather far-fetched assumption that limited Xeon shipments indicate an upgrade of the Mac Pro line may also not materialize, or at least not by June. However, there is reason to believe Apple is gearing up to release new Mac Pros simply because it’s high time it did.