Inventory channel checks are often used to determine when new hardware might be on the way from Apple, with constrained supplies often a sign that a refresh is imminent. According to a new report, both the Mac Pro and Mac mini Server now fit that bill, which could indicate new stuff a-comin’.
9to5Mac is reporting that both the Mac Pro and Mac mini Server are currently experiencing supply shortages, leading to speculation (mostly from a source named “Mr. X”) that the hardware could soon get an update. Recent rumors have also pointed to hardware refreshes for the MacBook Air (presumably to add Thunderbolt and Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors) as well as both the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule networking devices.
Needless to say, it’s not a leap of faith to assume that Thunderbolt and Sandy Bridge processors will be on deck for both the Mac Pro and Mac mini should the refresh actually come to pass. But there may be more in store for the Mac Pro, with its first dramatic redesign in years.
“Apple is currently prototyping a new Mac tower that is smaller than the Mac Pro,” claims 9to5Mac. “This could either be the next-generation Mac Pro or even Apple’s next flagship server offering. In addition, Apple discontinued the Xserve last year.”
Should these rumors pan out, it could be a busy summer for Apple pushing out lots of new hardware just in time for Mac OS X Lion’s release in July and leading up to the back to school season in September.
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(Image courtesy of 9to5Mac)
