More Claims of October Launch for Updated iMac Models

With Apple opting not to release updated iMac models at its Worldwide Developers Conference last month, there has been considerable debate over the timing of the next update. Several of the hardware pieces such as Ivy Bridge processors are already available to support an update, and with the last update having occurred 427 days ago the time seems ripe for new models.

imacs 2011 lion
But one wild card has been the issue of Retina displays and whether they will be included in the next round of updates to the iMac. ABC News reported in mid-May that Retina displays would indeed becoming to the next iMac, but more recent claims have suggested that Apple will need to wait until next year to roll out the technology, especially given the horsepower needed to support massive numbers of pixels on the 27-inch iMac.

That latter report from Marco Arment suggested that the interim non-Retina iMac refresh would happen some time in the latter part of this year, perhaps in the September-October timeframe. Alternatively, we've speculated that Apple could release updated iMacs without Retina displays at any time given the availability of components and an apparently-legitimate benchmark, with the launch of OS X Mountain Lion later this month being one opportunity for such a launch. But with essentially no sign of Apple ramping up production on new iMacs, the company's plans remain unclear.

Now, a new report from DigiTimes claims that Apple's supply chain is indeed preparing to provide components for an updated iMac, with an eye toward a launch in October of this year.

Apple's supply chain reportedly will start supplying components for the mass production of Apple's upcoming new iMac all-in-one PC in July with the device's official launch possibly around October, according to sources from upstream supply chain.

Unlike Arment's sources, however, DigiTimes believes that Apple will include Retina displays in the new models.

DigiTimes has come under increasing criticism for a number of claims that have not been borne out, but the publication does occasionally offer correct information and weighing its information with other rumors can still help fill out a picture of Apple's roadmap. In this case, the new report offers a second data point claiming that new iMacs will arrive in the September-October timeframe rather coming sooner as many have hoped.

Related Roundup: iMac
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Neutral)
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Top Rated Comments

antster94 Avatar
170 months ago
Please no retina display on these; I'ld much rather have better GPU performance.
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mad Mac Maniac Avatar
170 months ago
If there isn't a retina diplay and/or redesign for this hypothetical october refresh, then you have to wonder why they weren't updated last month...
Score: 41 Votes (Like | Disagree)
slrandall Avatar
170 months ago
Damn, people still buy desktops these days? I went straight laptops the past 4 years and haven't missed a desktop yet.

Not everyone has the same needs as you.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Itpirate Avatar
170 months ago
If they offer Retina display it will probably be only in one version and it will be astronomical in price.

I don't see the point in a Retina display iMac. The resolution on the current model is darn near perfect. After seeing a retina macbook, I don't see what all the fuss is about.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tann Avatar
170 months ago
I would have hoped that they'd be out the same time as Mountain Lion!
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
G5isAlive Avatar
170 months ago
what a loser LOL, does your wife work 8 to 5 instead of you while you stay home all day? WTF

I am not married but when I do so, if I want a ****ing $3000 iMac and it is with my ahard earned money, I would buy it without consulting anybody!
spoken like someone in no danger of marrying soon.... its called working together and sharing. but you go head and keep thinking your wants are the only ones that matter...
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)