Rumor: Apple Readying 2.6GHz G5 for Macworld?


AppleInsider reports that IBM has entered volume production of 90nm G5 chips this week, running at 2, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.6GHz.

The processors will reportedly be ready to ship to Apple during January. AppleInsider sources suggest that Apple is likely to announce the faster G5s at Macworld and ship the revved units in February-March.

In his June introduction of the Power Mac G5, Jobs promised that the machines would be running at 3GHz within 12 months. A speed bump to around 2.6GHz would suggest the road map is running on schedule.

Analysis: Sounds credible, although the question, again, remains one of delivery. We're sure IBM - with a reputation for punctuality - will hit every deadline on the head. Getting these Macs to market quickly will be the challenge.

The down side is announcing these so early would lead to dead inventory on the current G5s, unless there are blow out prices. If this report is accurate, then Apple must be preparing to clear the channel of current-model G5s fairly quickly