A couple of weeks back we heard a rumor that claimed Apple is going to unveil new hardware at WWDC 2014. The annual developers conference kicks off next week and Apple is expected to make major software announcements. While the company hasn’t said if new hardware is on the agenda this year a new report points towards signs which may indicate that the 2014 iMac release may very well take place at WWDC.
It has been noted by AppleInsider that shipping times for Apple’s all-in-one computer have increased to 3-5 business days. Apple typically ships these computers within 24 hours and there’s nothing to suggest that the company is facing any production issues which may cause a shortage. Moreover shipping times for CTO or made to order iMacs are even longer hinting that there is either very limited inventory or none at all.
Stocks seem to be tight at various Apple resellers as well including but not limited to Amazon and MacMall. A few resellers like B&H and Best Buy appear to have some models in stock.
Low inventory levels corroborate a predict from well known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities who said that the company is going to release a cheaper iMac in the second quarter of 2014. This will allow Apple to better compete against relatively affordable all-in-one computers from the likes of HP and Lenovo particularly in emerging markets.
It is not known at this point in time what exactly will the specifications be of the 2014 iMac. Apple slashed the prices of the 2014 MacBook Air a few weeks back so its not entirely absurd to consider that it might take a similar step for the iMac as well.