Rumor: QuarkXPress 6.0 Ready to Roll in June?


LoopRumors, citing "sources close to Quark" claim that the OS X-native version of XPress is due for release before Apple's Worldwide Developers' Conference (WWDC).

Extrapolating this evidence from the fact that Quark's XPress 5 promotion ends May 30, the suggestion is that Quark will release the new version shortly after the promo ends. Quark are offering free upgrades to version 6.0 for purchasers who take up the offer on version 5.

Apple and Quark took to sniping at one another last year, as Quark's president was quoted as having little interest in OS X. Both Apple VP of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller and CEO Steve Jobs replied in kind, with Jobs labelling Quark a "laggard" at MacWorld San Francisco in January this year. The CEO did not name Quark, but it was crystal-clear which firm he was talking about.

Analysis: This some credibility in this rumor, as Quark must be very close to going GM. While the absence of Quark:X has been a disaster for Power Mac sales, it can't have been great for Quark's financials either. Meanwhile, Adobe's InDesign, while it won't come close to displacing Quark, has gained a valuable 10% or more of Quark's core market. There will be some who don't switch back.