Edible Apple

Citing sources from component makers, DigiTimes reports that Apple is on track to launch upgraded MacBook Pro and iMac models during the first half of 2011.

The sources noted that Apple plans to launch at least four upgraded MacBook Pros as well as an iMac that features a new panel size and a price point for the mainstream market.

The sources believe that Apple should have no trouble achieving notebook shipments of 10 million units in 2010. The upgraded MacBook Pro notebooks will feature a slight change in chassis design and an upgrade to the new Lion operating system, which should help Apple’s notebook shipments grow 30-40% on year in 2011.

Back in November, we reported that Apple’s next generation of MacBook Pros will feature LightPeak, a transfer technology capable of moving data at speeds of 10 Gbps up and down. While this information is purely speculative at this point, it makes sense for Apple to deliver significant upgrades to its MacBook Pro line as the regular MacBook line has evolved to such an extent as to blur the lines between Apple’s pro and consumer notebooks.

As for the iMac, it’ll be interesting to see what new panel size Apple has in store. The current iMac screen sizes are 21.5 and 27-inches, so might we see Apple introduce a lower end model at perhaps 17 or 20 inches?