Sources are reporting that Apple is close to issuing the first pre-release build of the next maintenance update to Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard). Mac OS X 10.5.5 is said to include support for new Mac notebooks due out later this year (autumn).

"People familiar with the matter say Apple Developer Connection members and other high-profile software makers could receive the first test builds of the software prior to the start of the weekend," AppleInsider reveals. "The first seedings will almost certainly arrive by the middle of next week," the site notes, citing the same sources.

Apple's latest maintenance update for Leopard, Mac OS X 10.5.4 was released on June 30, just a month after the first beta build had been seeded to the Apple developer community. The update included a major patch that fixed some issues with Adobe's Creative Suite 3.0, but also contained references to the MobileMe service replacing .Mac. The MobileMe requirements list revealed that users would need to run Mac OS X 10.5.4 with iTunes 7.7 in order to benefit from the new features. The same requirements list also noted that 10.4.11 users would be able to use the service too, but not to the extent of Leopard users.

Recent rumors about an upcoming, touch-based Apple portable have given rise to speculation on the MacBook-hardware-upgrade front. Apple's plans for an overhaul are said to include Intel Centrino 2 chips, 16:9 screens, which come in slightly bigger sizes: 14 inch and 15. 6 inch with different resolutions, and a 45nm processor to extend battery life. However, this is the first time that speculation surfaces on OS updates occurring in parallel with hardware upgrades.

While Apple is almost certainly revamping its MacBook line, a new Leopard update is most likely in order as well. As soon as the first seed notes for Mac OS X 10.5.5 emerge, clues to a possible release date are likely to be spotted as well. Just as the AppleInsider post reveals, next week would be a good time to keep an eye out for said documentation.