Intel’s next-gen Ivy Bridge processors, originally set to be released late this month, have reportedly been pushed up a week, and will now be launching on April 23rd. The new processors will be more power efficient, and are expected to bring significant performance gains.
CNET reports:
Previously, CNET had been told the launch would happen between April 23 and April 29. Buy today an industry source familiar with Intel’s plans said the initial rollout will happen on April 23.
Among other things, Intel’s Ivy Bridge processors feature native support for USB 3.0, which means Macs could be getting USB 3 support for the first time since the standard was released in November of 2008. Other improvements include lower power consumption, PCI 3.0, and lower operating temperatures.
Rumors have suggested that Apple’s upcoming MacBook Pros may feature an ultra-thin design similar to the MacBook Air, while separate rumors suggest that Apple may add high resolution Retina displays to their Mac lineup in the near future.
The new Sandy Bridge processors are expected to be included in Apple’s next generation of Macs, and with MacBook Pro models already facing supply shortages, and considering that Intel has moved the Ivy Bridge release date forward, I can’t help but wonder: Is Intel rushing the new chips for Apple’s new Macs?
