14 DAY TRIAL // In what is a rather surprising event, Apple has taken down its web store for updates, suggesting that new price cuts are in order for the company’s line of software and / or hardware products. With no major events scheduled, and an already introduced new iPod line, the Mac maker is likely upgrading the capabilities of its existing products and / or dropping their prices.
While we wait for these changes to occur, it can’t hurt to speculate a bit on at least one rumor saying Apple has redesigned iMacs on the launch pad. Yes, it’s highly unlikely that Apple would reveal a radically changed line of desktop Macs without a proper unveiling ceremony. But who says the changes have to be so radical, anyway?
Well, there is one research firm going by the name of Wedge Partners that strongly believes Apple is working hard to deliver an updated line of Macs in the following weeks. Barron’s reports that, in a note to clients issued on Tuesday, the firm believes Apple will release both new iMacs and new MacBooks “in the next several weeks.”
According to the Barron’s report in question, Wedge Partners sees a redesigned iMac with a “thinner, organic design, likely with smoothed or rounded edges.” The redesign “is likely to be limited,” as far as the MacBook is concerned, according to Wedge Partners, which also projects “‘new, lower price points to drive demand and create a meaningful competitive threat’ to coming PCs based on Windows 7 as well as to the booming netbook segment,” Barron’s reports. “We believe these new designs and price points will help Apple achieve a 3 million unit quarter for Macs in [calendar] Q4,” Wedge says.
Think Apple is ready to introduce totally redesigned Macs via a simple web-store update? We’ll just have to wait and see.
A more recent report by AppleInsider says that people close to Apple have learned of the Mac maker’s plans to phase out current iMac models in favor of introducing upgraded units at attractive prices. However, these new iMacs shouldn't arrive until October, according to the sources in question. Tipsters talking to the website also say the desktop computers are about to launch with a thinner design and new enclosures, in addition to other enhancements.
Well, Apple, what’s it going to be?
Update
The Apple store is back up. At first glance, nothing appears to have changed. So much for new iMacs...
However, the Special Deals section seems to be featuring somewhat lower prices for iPod nanos (fourth generation), as well as a slight price drop for the refurbished MacBook Air units still available in stock. Cinema Displays may have seen a reduction in price as well (we haven't been too focused on Apple's refurbs lately, so we cannot be not sure).
Have you spotted any changes?