Intel launch could mean new MacBook Pro on 24 April

Intel's Ivy Bridge processors, which are expected to feature in new MacBook Pros, may ship on 23 April. This could mean a new MacBook Pro could launch as early as Tuesday 24 April.

Authorised Apple resellers are suffering from low 15in MacBook Pro stock, which suggests that Apple is slowing production of the current MacBook Pro line-up in preparation for a redesigned MacBook Pro launch.

Intel's Ivy Bridge processor announcement had been anticipated for the end of the month, but according to DigiTimes sources it has been brought forward to 23 April, with various notebook manufacturers planning to release ultrabooks in May. Apple is expected to be the first manufacturer to launch an Ivy Bridge-equipped laptop.
The new MacBook Pro line-up may include a new thinner and lighter 15in MacBook Pro, borrowing its styling from the MacBook Air. As a result the optical drive will be removed and the traditional hard disk drives will be scrapped in favour of SSDs. Later this year MacBook Pros with up to 800GB SSD could become available, after Intel announced new solid-state drives with storage of up to 800GB.