By AppleInsider Staff
Published: 05:00 PM EST
Breaking News - Apple computer today confirmed rumors that it has stopped taking orders for its current line of iMac G4 computers as it begins to transition to all new iMac which will be announced and available for shipping this September.
"We planned to have our next-generation iMac ready by the time the inventory of current iMacs runs out in the next few weeks, but our planning was obviously less than perfect," Apple said today in a note to Apple Store customers.
This statement from Apple finally lends credence to numerous reports that an
overhaul to the iMac product-line was originally due around this time. Obviously, as Apple states, things did not work out.
The statement also does its part to debunk rumors that Apple has been "laughing" at recent reports and analyst's statements that positioned an iMac G5 introduction around the time of its World Wide Developers Conference. In fact, it appears that Apple had hoped to unveil its next-generation iMac early this Summer, and is now expressing concerns that the delay may put a noticeable dent in its fiscal fourth quarter revenue stream.
According recent reports from
AppleInsider sources, Apple's new iMac is currently undergoing pilot production runs at a Quanta facility, and has been for some time.
AppleInsider has obtained a rough sketch of the new consumer desktop, but is still seeking confirmation of its accuracy.
Speaking to
AppleInsider anonymously this week, several resellers expressed their own concern over the current iMac supply and demand situation. "I really wish they would introduce an iMac G5. I thought they were going to do so this week for sure," one reseller said. "Customers want an iMac with a G5, and sales of [the iMac G4] have slowed considerably."
It also appears that Apple has run out of its 15-inch iMac completely. Last week Apple began phoning customers who had placed orders for 15-inch iMacs, offering them a free upgrade to the mid-range 17-inch model.
This temporary setback means that Apple will miss the crucial back-to-school season for the new iMac.
