14 DAY TRIAL // Sources in Taiwan are reporting that Apple has given the go-ahead to have its next batch of iMacs built for an October launch this year. The Mac maker reportedly has its eye on the future, with a complete redesign of the desktop department.
Citing the usually-ambiguous sources from the upstream supply chain, Taiwanese publication DigiTimes reports that Apple's manufacturers are “supplying components for the mass production of [the] upcoming new iMac all-in-one PC in July with the device's official launch possibly around October.”
The refresh was really just a matter of time, with the iMac and the Mac mini remaining completely untouched for more than a year.
However, “the sources also noted that Apple plans to expand Retina Display into all the product lines, meaning that the new iMac will have a high chance of featuring Retina Display,” according to the report.
The Taiwanese trade publication, which has a hit-and-miss track record of Apple reporting, says “the rumors are not confirmed by Apple,” as if there was a chance Apple would disclose its future hardware plans.
The sketchy report continues with the same sources being quoted on matters relating to Apple’s competitors.
“Facing Wintel-based vendors are turning aggressive in all-in-one PC market, Apple also plans to upgrade its iMac and Mac Pro and is considering to release newly designed iMac and Mac Pro in 2013,” the same sources reportedly said.
In other words, Apple is now preparing a minor speed bump for its all-in-one Mac, but it has more serious plans on the table for the year to come.
Even though the iMac is a jewel as it stands, the next generation could employ a thinner body and, perhaps, even a thinner bezel in favor of an end-to-end display.