Several reports now claim that shipping has begun for two new Apple devices – the 2012 iMac refresh and the 13-inch version of the MacBook Pro with Retina Display (aka Retina MacBook). Apparently, Apple’s Asian suppliers are now shipping both the smaller Retina MacBook and the next-generation iMac to retail stores around the world, which could signal a release for both devices in October.
As these reports had mostly emerged ahead of Apple’s iPhone 5 and iPod launch event this Wednesday, some had anticipated that the devices would also be announced. As that didn’t happen, there’s a chance Apple would be unveiling them instead early next month, perhaps at the same time as the rumored iPad mini tablet. The iMac had originally been expected to start shipping to suppliers last month, but the rumors of this haven’t been validated. The possible October iMac launch and release would be the first time Apple’s all-in-one desktop would receive an update since 2010; according to one report from DigiTimes, it would only be the lower-end and mid-range 2012 iMacs dropping next month. The high-end version, unfortunately, may be delayed due to Retina Display supply issues. Unlike the low-end and mid-range iMacs, the high-end iMac is expected to come with Apple’s proprietary high-definition display technology among its specs.
