iMac 2016 release date: Apple to launch new desktop at October event?

Apple

Although Apple is expected to announce its new iPhone next month, another event is reportedly planned for October, this time for the debut of the iMac 2016.

Speculations suggest that although Apple usually holds a press event for product launches at the start of each season, other releases like an updated product may take place in October. This will also mark a one-year cycle for an update, as the Cupertino-based tech giant last rolled out new iMacs in October last year. The 2015 update brought the Retina display to the smaller iMacs, while updating the top-tier versions with the sixth-gen Skylake processor.

Meanwhile, an imminent update to the iMac lineup is also rumored to happen, as some retailers have already made price cuts to the lineup. According to Apple Insider, some third-party retailers have reduced the price tags to the iMac series by as much as $400 off. At B&H for example, the 21-inch iMac is currently available for $899 including shipping, with additional AppleCare only making a price break at $159.

Aside from new iMacs, it seems retailers are also expecting a number of new Apple products to make their appearances, as more lineups like the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro also have their original prices on discount.

As for the next-gen iMac, there are rumors that a new lineup dubbed the iMac Pro may also debut this year. While Apple has yet to come out with confirmed details, having a professional series for the desktop lineup is certainly possible. Apple has already done it with its slate series with the iPad Pro, and with its portable workstation lineups with the MacBook Pro. The iMac Pro may have specialized, premium features like a new Kaby Lake processor, an AMD Polaris-architecture graphics card, and comes outs already with the new macOS Sierra.