Despite being one of the first computer makers to adopt the fledging USB 1.0 technology with the original iMac, Apple has fallen a bit behind the curve now that USB 3.0 is here. But that may change later this summer, with rumors pointing to both Mac Pro and iMac refreshes that will bring faster connectivty.
AppleInsider is reporting that Apple is aiming to refresh both the aging Mac Pro as well as its latest iMac models just prior to back to school season. According to the French Mac website Hardmac, those updates will bring with them faster connectivity for peripherals, including the latest and greatest USB 3.0.
"On this occasion, Apple should inaugurate two great innovations, the arrival of USB 3.0 and a faster FireWire interface, 1600 or 3200," the Hardmac report claims. "Thus, FireWire will not be forgotten. Note that Apple is also interested in LightPeak technology, but they do not expect to use it or set it up before one year."
Just because the peripheral connections are getting a speed bump, don’t expect Apple to adopt other new technology, such as the Blu-ray optical disc which CEO Steve Jobs has famously referred to as “a bag of hurt.” More recently, the Apple boss has gone on record claiming that Internet streaming and downloads essentially make Blu-ray a lose-lose situation, meaning full Mac support for the disc format may never come.
There have been ongoing rumors about a Mac Pro refresh, which professionals in the media creation space have been longing for. Apple is expected to adopt Intel’s Gulftown processor, specifically the 32nm Core i7-980X with six cores, and given Cupertino’s penchant for doubling up the processors on their high-end workstations, it’s entirely possible that we’ll see a Mac Pro with a total of 12 cores and 24 threads.
Apple last updated the iMac line in October, 2009 with a hardware redesign and LED-backlit displays with screen sizes of 21.5 inches or 27 inches.
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