Refresh likely around the corner, Ivy Bridge being the main suspect

Aug 31, 2012 16:11 GMT  ·  By

It was previously reported that resellers were experiencing shortages of Apple’s all-in-one desktop solutions, but now Apple’s own retail stores are low on iMac stock, particularly the 27-inch model.

Apple will reportedly fulfill existing orders within about a week, though base Mac configurations and many accessories remain available for immediate pickup.

A survey conducted by MacRumors shows that more than half of all U.S. Apple retail stores are currently out of stock of the base 27-inch iMac configuration. 135 stores are out of stock of the high-end version with a faster processor and more RAM and storage.

Apple is widely expected to refresh the iMac line with Intel’s new Ivy Bridge processors. The iMac is due for a refresh in the CPU department, and perhaps in the display department too, though analysts say it will take at least another year before production of such big screens can achieve good yield rates.