Apple stores upgrade Macs, stores for Lion prep

Apple is readying its retail stores for the launch of Lion and possibly a new MacBook Air next week, sources said late Thursday. The shops are readying an overnight display refresh for sometime next week and have also been tasked with upgrading RAM on some of the Macs on the floor before July 10 to help them run Lion smoothly. AppleInsider in getting the details had also heard that Apple might actively invite users to download at the store so they can get help as soon as the OS is installed.

One of the same sources for the Lion tip also had the new MacBook Air due to "follow the launch closely," though whether that was the same week wasn't certain. Some clues have pointed to a July 14 release that could coincide with Lion.

Apple is putting a lot of stock in Lion and is suspected of holding off on Mac refreshes to get the new OS preloaded on new systems, even with systems otherwise completely ready to ship. The OS was just finished last week and, as Apple's first download-only major OS upgrade, doesn't need to wait for boxed copies.

Other systems like the Mac mini and Mac Pro might also be updated just weeks later and are also believed waiting on Lion. The MacBook Air is unofficially considered the "halo" system for Lion and the most likely to be updated first, since its emphasis on the Internet and iPad-like response play directly into Apple's iCloud and iTunes Match strategies of always-accessible content.

By Electronista Staff