Apple’s new 15″ MacBook Pro: Thinner, Retina Display, USB 3

The upcoming, but yet unreleased versions of Apple’s MacBook Pro and iMac computers are the subject of intense online buzz in recent days. Compelling evidence of upcoming upgrades for the both models is continuously cited by a number of high-tech commentators.

MacBook Pro 9,1 and an iMac 13,2 are mostly discussed, although it is possible the model numbers to be inaccurate.

The new MacBook Pro will be a significant departure from the current design, with a retina display and an ultra-thin profile, according to sources from Apple‘s supply chain. It will be so thin, that it won’t have room for an optical drive, just like its lightweight  MacBook Air.

The next-generation MacBookPro 9,1 is rumored will be running Max OS X 10.8 (Build 12A211) Apple’s next-generation operating system, a build that has yet to be released to developers. The machine reportedly will feature quad-core 2.70 GHz Core i7-3820QM processor.  The current MacBook Pro  uses Core i7-2860QM processor.

The iMac13,2 also will also feature number of upgrades, similar to the  MacBook Pro. The desktop is said to be powered by a quad-core i7 chip and the clock speed may be 3.40 GHz. The operating system for the iMac is described online as Mac OS X 10.8 (Build 12A2040).

Technology-focused websites also note that the motherboard identifiers for both machines is expected to match up with Mac models discovered in the first developer preview of OS X 10.8.

Apple enthusiasts  suggest the company will release new iMacs and MacBook Pro in June or July.

Earlier, Apple announced that it would hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) June 11 through June 15 at San Francisco’s Moscone West.

Industry insiders expect Apple will see year-over-year growth of as much as 50 percent in MacBook shipments in 2012. That would easily best the average 8 to 10 percent growth seen by the rest of the notebook PC market.