New super-thin Apple iMac delayed until 2013?
Insider reveals construction issues
When Apple launched its new iMac desktops last month, the tech world asked in unison: 'How do they make them so thin?' The answer, it appears, is with great difficulty.
A report from Macbidouille (translation) brings word from 'insiders' suggesting that construction difficulties could delay the release of the unique, 5mm-thin, all-in-one desktops until early 2013.
According to the commercial source, it is the 'friction-stir welding' technique, which gives the aesthetically pleasing iMac its seamless edges, that may be causing delays in the manufacturing process.
The insider says that Apple had pencilled in a November 27 launch for the new 21-inch model, but has now been forced to look beyond 2012.
Heat and pressure
The friction-stir welding technique uses heat and thousands of pounds of pressure in order to fuse two pieces of aluminium together, but this is the first time it has been used in computer manufacturing.
It has previously been used to assemble airplane wings.
Officially, Apple has not adjusted the released schedule. Its online store still lists the 21.5-inch iMac for a November debut, while the 27-inch model is still slated for December.
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TechRadar has reached out to Apple for clarification and will update this story if and when a response is forthcoming.
Via Slashgear
A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.
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