Production of 13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro and Updated iMacs Reportedly Ramping Up

Late last month, NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim reported that suppliers had begun production on 2560x1600 display panels destined for a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro. The machine has been rumored to be launching in October.

macbook pro imac mountain lion
Digitimes now reports that full production on the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro is underway with shipments from Apple's supply chain beginning to ramp up ahead of a claimed September or October launch. The report also claims that production on updated iMac models is ramping up, although the company has been experiencing difficulties with its high-end models.

As for the iMac, Apple originally planned to release three new models with upgraded panels and CPUs, but due to poor yields of the panels, the mass production of the high-end model, has been postponed, without any launch schedule. The other two models – targeting the mid-range and entry-level segments – saw shipment volumes from the supply chain increase in September.

Digitimes' track record has been unreliable, but it does sometimes offer correct information and considering its claims in the context of other reports can frequently offer guidance on the reliability of any specific rumor. Many of its new claims do line up with a previous report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo pointing to mid-September readiness for updated 21.5-inch iMacs while updated 27-inch iMacs remain on hold until late October due to issues with display production.

If Apple is indeed experiencing difficulties with a new display assembly on the larger 27-inch iMac models, it is unclear how the company will handle a launch. It appears unlikely that Apple would debut updated versions of the 21.5-inch models without new 27-inch models also appearing, so it seems that Apple will announce both models at the same time. Given that assumption, Apple could either introduce the new models at an earlier timeframe with availability of the 27-inch models delayed somewhat, or simply hold the 21.5-inch models until the 27-inch models are ready and the company can announce immediate availability of an entirely-updated iMac lineup.

Related Roundups: iMac, MacBook Pro
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Neutral)
Related Forum: iMac

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Top Rated Comments

applesith Avatar
167 months ago
A new iMac design would be awesome!

Current design is fantastic, but new Apple design is ALWAYS welcome! :D
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Xenomorph Avatar
167 months ago
I was hoping for a 24" iMac.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gnrredphoenix Avatar
167 months ago
So bottom line is still nobody knows what the hell is going on. Will we see a 21'' ? a 27''? sept? oct?... I'm dying for a new imac but at this point, ill believe it when i see it.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Allenbf Avatar
167 months ago
I think I'm gonna go and buy the current model. I really don't want a retina panelled iMac, would be such a waste of resources, especially for me. It really didn't wow me the retina MBP as long as its free from dead pixels, relatively bright and colourful a current iMac display is more than adequate.

Agreed, same here. I bought my iMac about a month ago, couldn't be happier.

I do look forward to seeing the new chassis design, if the reports are correct; but this iMac is my first Mac of any kind and it will serve me well. I'll consider a retina display in a couple of years when webpages actually support the higher resolution. Not to mention apps, software, etc etc

Side note, I'm really thinking more and more that the "5" shadow on the iPhone announcement means more than just the iPhone 5. I'm really leaning toward there being 5 product announcements, the rMBP 13 and iPhone being 2 of them...
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
themcfly Avatar
167 months ago
TL;DR: the iMac we want is not ready yet. .-.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
itsamacthing Avatar
167 months ago
Apple is falling apart

1. Mac Pro is 2.5 years old
2. iMac is 1.5 years old
3. MacBook Pro Retina has image retention on LG screens and no way I'm playing lottery
4. MacBook Air is major lottery for a decent Samsung screen. I'm stuck with an LG right now

The Mac Mini is the only Mac I trust right now. Apple can't seem to make an updated computer with decent QC.

Maybe they jumped the shark?

WTF :confused::confused:
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)