Sources say work on the new Mac OS X 10.5 operating system, code-name 'Leopard', is quickly coming to an end. Looks like development was faster than expected, even faster than Apple anticipations. Apple officially announced the release for this spring, but Leopard may be out as early as March.

New versions of Apple's consumer software suites are also expected, most probably at the same time as Leopard OS. Apple initially planned the release of iLife and iWork 2007 for the Macworld Expo, in January, like in previous years.

However, their release was postponed due to quality discontent over some of the new additional features on the software. On the other hand, Apple is now probably including new Leopard features in the iLife and iWork suites, to boost sales for the three products.

Truth being said, these are all speculations. The thing is we're all looking forward for Leopard, Apple's sixth major operating system release. This could mean March as well as late May, since Apple only confirmed 'this spring'.

Last year, Apple announced major improvements and additions, such as Time Machine, an automated backup tool that will allow the user to restore any file that has been deleted, misplaced or replaced, Spaces, an implementation of "virtual desktops" and Core Animation, a new technology designed to assist developers in creating live-like, complex animations with very little code. It wouldn't be bold to say that iLife and iWorld may benefit from the Core Animation technology, for instance.

While we're at Apple launches, I can't help but wonder whether we'll hear any news of the iPhone this spring. Perhaps some great applications, perhaps some additional features. We'll keep you posted, as soon as we hear anything.