Well, here's some not-so-good news: the recently announced, incredibly thin iMac line may not be available until 2013. According to one source, the redesigned computers are facing manufacturing challenges that threaten the previously stated November and December 2012 launch windows.
French site MacBidouille (via AppleInsider) is reporting a "commercial" source has stated the new iMac models may not ship by the end of this year. Allegedly, the new "friction-stir" welding process is to blame.
The new welding system mixes two aluminum components at a molecular level, creating a seamless joining of plates on the iMac body.
The welding machine requires an awful lot of pressure, and as you might imagine, some small error in the process could have major ramifications for creating that sleek case.
Apple's quarterly conference call was held just days after the company announced the slimmer 24-inch and 27-inch iMac models. During the call, Cook mentioned the new units may suffer a shortage in initial availability.
Of course, this is all speculation, and maybe our brand-new iMacs will still show up by the end of the year.
Getting the new desktops out to consumers has to be a major priority for Apple. Missing November and December deliveries also means missing the highly profitable holiday shopping season.
As of this writing, Apple's retail site is still showing both models as available on the previously announced months.
Follow this article's author, Matt Clark on Twitter.
