New evidence suggests Mac Pro updates next week [U]
updated 10:05 am EDT, Wed June 6, 2012
Stock pulled from stores, new part numbers appear
(Updated with MacNN store checks) Two different reports suggest that Apple may in fact be planning to update the Mac Pro next week. MacRumors says it has learned that Apple began pulling Mac Pro stock from retail stores several weeks ago, although staff were told to inform customers they could still buy the computer online. Many stores are said to be out of stock available for in-store pickup; some stores cite availability on June 8 or 9, while others mention the 12 or the 13. Apple Stores are also allegedly holding secret "overnight" meetings on the 12, though whether that might be connected to the Mac Pro is unknown.
Meanwhile, sources for 9to5Mac say they have obtained US part numbers for the new Mac Pros. Pricing is said to be similar to the current Mac Pro lineup, but likely with just three configurations instead of four: two general-purpose models and a server option.
Apple last updated the Mac Pro in July 2010, making it one of the company's most neglected products. Some earlier rumors suggested that it might in fact be discontinued, since it earns less profit for Apple than most other Macs, much less the iPhone or the iPad. At the same time, the Pro serves some specific needs for professionals and businesses, particularly in the wake of the Xserve's demise.
Update: Calls to by MacNN to several Apple Stores found that all but one had stock of all Mac Pro models, which may contradict MacRumors' claim.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Gosh I was wrong!
"MacRumors says it has learned that Apple began pulling Mac Pro stock from retail stores several weeks ago, although staff were told to inform customers they could still buy the computer online"
"sources for 9to5Mac say they have obtained US part numbers for the new Mac Pros"
Hmmm... Nowhere is Apple clearly stating their intentions in these "reliable sources"
Bah, it's Apple; rumors are more than enough to make purchasing decisions on critical studio tools!
I'll just sell the dual Xeon 16 core anchor I bought from Dell last November (for close to the same price of a current 12 core Mac Pro) on eBay along that Premiere c***, and re-educate my staff on the hidden goodness of Final Cut Pro X and the very wise demise of "Save As"