While many rumors have been circulating regarding the release of new MacBook Pros, there has so far been no actual evidence to suggest new models are on their way – until now, that is. AppleInsider reports that 15-inch MacBook Pros are sold out at a number of authorized resellers, suggesting that new models will be released in the near future.
Multiple authorized resellers this week are reflecting stock outs of 15-inch MacBook Pros […] Among those resellers reflecting backorder status on some of the current 15-inch MacBook Pros is J&R […] In addition, Best Buy has also stopped accepting online orders for the 2.4GHz model for home delivery. The 15-inch notebook is still available on a store-by-store basis, however…between 40 and 60 percent of those shops are similarly reflecting stock outs.
In addition, MacMall is running blowout sales on many 15-inch MacBook Pro models, suggesting that they may be clearing their inventory to prepare for new models.
Supply constraints are a common sign that Apple is preparing to refresh a product, winding down production of current models in order to sell their existing inventory while building up supplies and preparing to launch new models.
The supply constraints line up with Intel’s plans to release new Ivy Bridge processors later this month. Updated MacBook Pro models are rumored to include these faster Ivy Bridge processors, as well as a new ultra-thin design similar to the MacBook Air.