iMac 2016 release date, specs rumors: Intel docs, Best Buy leaks point to a Kaby Lake-powered iMac

Jessica Ferrera Monday, November 14, 2016

A sales assistant shows features of iOS 9 on an Apple iMac at an Apple reseller shop in Bangkok, September 18, 2015. | Reuters/Chaiwat Subprasom

There has been little to no clue about what to expect from the iMac refresh that Apple is expected to release in the coming months. Recently, Intel documents and leaks are suggesting that the next line of Apple desktop could really be powered by Intel's Kaby Lake processors.

As it is their tradition, the Cupertino-based tech giant has already made huge announcements for their iPhone 7, Apple Watch 2, and MacBook Pro 2016 refreshes. However, fans are still hoping for an iMac refresh this year. Apparently, the release date of iMac is highly affected by the availability of the specs that Apple might want to incorporate in their new set of desktops.

Despite Apple's silence about the iMac, there are several clues from other companies such as Intel and Best Buy that will give iMac fans a hint of what to expect. Just recently, Anandtech reported that Intel issued a Product Change Notification aimed to inform their customers that they have set up a new assembly site in Vietnam and it will appear on the label of the new processors that started shipping last Nov. 4.

Macworld noted that in the same Product Change Notification, Intel mentioned 11 new processors including seven Core i5 and three Core i7 processors and one that is intended for a workstation, which is believed to be the iMac.

Meanwhile, a little rewind to early last month will complement this report. In early October, Techno Buffalo reported of a Best Buy leak that points to a "new" iMac powered by an Intel Core i7 processor with 5K Retina display and 2 TB Fusion Drive.

Many Apple fans are hoping for a Kaby Lake-powered iMac, which is understandable since Intel's Kaby Lake will provide support for Thunderbolt 3 that promise to deliver 40 GB/s data transfer speed, USB 3.1 with a standard 10 GB/s speed, and Display Port 1.2 that can provide support for 4K screen display or 3,840 x 2,160 resolution at 60 frames per second.

As for the release date, if Apple would really equip the new iMac with Kaby Lake processors, then it looks like iMac fans will have to wait until next year.