Apple's OS X beta hints at new iMacs amid rumors of lower-cost models
Code discovered in the newly released OS X 10.9.4 beta references a new iMac model, further supporting indications that Apple may debut an update to its all-in-one desktops at next week's Worldwide Developers Conference.
iMacs identified as "iMac15,1" and "iMac15,n" were found by Pike's Universum in the ".plist" files for power management in the latest OS X beta. These identifiers suggest a new generation of iMac, as the 2013 desktops were identified as "14,1," "14,2," and "14.3."
In addition, AppleInsider was first to discover earlier this week that estimated shipping times at Apple's online store for new iMac purchases had slipped to between 3 and 5 business days, down from the usual turnaround of 24 hours. Authorized Apple resellers are also seeing low inventory of current iMac models, all typically good indicators that an update is forthcoming.
The timing also lines up with claims from well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, who has indicated that Apple may be planning to launch a new low-cost iMac model in the near future. With Apple's WWDC keynote set to be held next Monday, it would seem to be an opportune time for Apple to unveil a refresh to its desktop lineup.
It's believed that Apple may be preparing a cheaper model to better compete with Windows-based all-in-one desktops from HP and Lenovo. Currently, the iMac starts at $1,299 for the 21.5-inch model with a 2.7-gigahertz processor.
Kuo's report only mentioned a more affordable iMac, and did not suggest any major changes may be coming to the rest of the lineup. Therefore, it's possible that Apple may simply update the systems with faster Intel processors, and potentially sell the machines at more affordable prices.
iMacs identified as "iMac15,1" and "iMac15,n" were found by Pike's Universum in the ".plist" files for power management in the latest OS X beta. These identifiers suggest a new generation of iMac, as the 2013 desktops were identified as "14,1," "14,2," and "14.3."
In addition, AppleInsider was first to discover earlier this week that estimated shipping times at Apple's online store for new iMac purchases had slipped to between 3 and 5 business days, down from the usual turnaround of 24 hours. Authorized Apple resellers are also seeing low inventory of current iMac models, all typically good indicators that an update is forthcoming.
The timing also lines up with claims from well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, who has indicated that Apple may be planning to launch a new low-cost iMac model in the near future. With Apple's WWDC keynote set to be held next Monday, it would seem to be an opportune time for Apple to unveil a refresh to its desktop lineup.
It's believed that Apple may be preparing a cheaper model to better compete with Windows-based all-in-one desktops from HP and Lenovo. Currently, the iMac starts at $1,299 for the 21.5-inch model with a 2.7-gigahertz processor.
Kuo's report only mentioned a more affordable iMac, and did not suggest any major changes may be coming to the rest of the lineup. Therefore, it's possible that Apple may simply update the systems with faster Intel processors, and potentially sell the machines at more affordable prices.
Comments
Welcome, A8 powered iMac.
Goodbye sales.
Perhaps they will come with new crappy Beats earphones as well.
As apposed to what many consider to be crappy Apple EarPods?
I'd be game for an A8 iMac. I really don't need Windows compatibility too often, and I don't do much professional work...despite owning a Mac Pro. Odd, I know.
I'm due for an upgrade. As much as I loved my BTO 2009 iMac, it's beginning to show its age... especially with the occasional creaky fans. I've literally worn mine out, as it is my primary workhorse machine when I work from home. It's been the best desktop "PC" I've ever owned.
So with that... what I'd like (and hope) to see in the next iMac upgrade...
8-core Haswell CPU,
Thunderbolt 2
Nice to have (but not necessary)
Retina display
I use my iMac to run several instances of Windows / Windows Server for testing and deployment. My current iMac has a 16GB ram limitation which was enough at the time, but with all those VM's running, it gets short quickly.
Interesting that while I'm a die-hard Mac OSX fan, my iMac also happens to be the best Wintel machine yet.
Keeping my fingers crossed!!
You don't buy Apple products for headphones. Beats are CRAP. Both design and sound.
What do you think is the smallest computer monitor for a desktop that would sell? Ten years ago 15" monitors were commonplace. The smallest one Dell sells these days is 19".
Due for a refreshed mini as well. Hope we see that as I'm ready to buy one.
I've been "ready" for at least six months. What the hell could they be waiting for?
Perhaps they will come with new crappy Beats earphones as well.
Beats are no longer crappy. They are owned by Apple now.
Mac Mini revisions are long overdue.
In 2008 I waited six months for a new Mini. The current model was already a year old when I entered the market. Everybody on the forums kept saying that it would be any day because it had already been so long. My XP machine just flat out died and I couldn't wait for a Mini to materialize so I bought something else with newer processors than Apple was putting in their Minis. When October rolled around a new Mini became available. It wasn't impressive.
It was back then that I drew the conclusion that Apple was no longer a computer focused company but a phone focused company. Computers are second class products and still are.
I wish Apple would split into parts. They could let all of the computer people work within their own division and only work on computers. They could become Apple Computer again. This way their sole focus would be on computers and the operating system without being tugged into the iPad and iPhone world when needed. They would only promote computer products and software and would be free to create new products that would enhance computers. They could introduce updates faster than in the past.
It will probably never happen since the world of computing is changing so much these days.
Wouldn't the first PC item for an ARM CPU be the macbook air? its the closest thing you can get to an ipad (bit like an ipad with keyboard and usb plug), then say a the mac mini given its the low cost option and the lowest option on CPU anyway.
A 4-8 socket board of A8 cpu's would be fine.
Dobby.
Welcome, A8 powered iMac.
I'm thinking A10, probably in the Air first.
Beats are no longer crappy. They are owned by Apple now.
Oh yeah; forgot about that.
YO, BEATS RULEZZZZ!!! Not.