As pointed out by AppleInsider, all of the standard configurations of Apple’s iMac currently have delayed shipping from company’s online stores, which adds fuel to the rumours that Apple will offer a new lower-cost version of its desktop computer at next week’s Worldwide Developers Conference. KGI Securities’ Ming Chi Kuo also predicted last month that Apple will release a cheaper iMac to help boost its Mac shipments by 23%.
Apple stores and a number of authorized Apple resellers are seeing limited iMac inventory just ahead of WWDC 2014. The source notes that any iMacs available in stock at Apple resellers are currently selling at the steepest discounts to their price points of any current product in the Mac lineup.
“The timing aligns with claims from well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, who revealed last month that Apple was planning to launch a new low-cost iMac model in the near future. With Apple’s WWDC keynote set to be held next Monday, it would seem to be an opportune time for Apple to unveil a refresh to its all-in-one desktop lineup. Kuo said the cheaper iMac will allow Apple to better compete with other all-in-one desktop makers HP and Lenovo, giving the Mac maker a stronger position with which to compete in growing markets like China.”
Apple cut the prices on its MacBook Air models with a minor processor update last month, and if cheaper iMacs do launch next week, 2014 could well become the year of the cheaper Mac.
