Many top resellers including Best Buy and J&R are running out of stock of 15-inch MacBook Pro, an indication that Apple is ramping down the manufacturing of 15-inch MacBook Pro in order to make some space for its next generation MacBook Pros, which will be powered by Intel's new Ivy Bridge processors. Even new Ivy Bridge-powered iMacs are expected to be released in June.

Apple is not a company whose products run short when it comes to production line. Low stock at major resellers is always an indication that production of specified device has been slowed down or terminated prior to the launch of its upgraded version. Hence, the latest buzz is that the Ivy Bridge-powered 15-inch model is could arrive later in April. The 13-inch model may not be released until June. The 17-inch MacBook Pro with Ivy Bridge-based architecture is expected to launch later this year.

Meanwhile, according to latest reports, Apple supplier chains, including Foxconn and Quanta Computer, have started working on Ivy Bridge-powered iMacs, which are expected to hit stores as early as June along with new line of MacBooks.

Some additional rumors about MacBook Pro are also building up momentum. It is rumored that Apple will release a slim 15-inch variant of MacBook with optical drive option.

Leaks from unnamed China-based supplier reveal that Apple will release 200,000 units of 15-inch MacBook Pro in April and 400,000 units of 13-inch MacBook Pro are scheduled for June release.

Best buy has been running out of stock for MacBook Pros, though 2.4 GHz model is still available in some cities. But the store has stopped taking home delivery online orders for it. Also at J&R, the 2.2 GHz model of MacBook Pro is all-gone while the 2.4 GHz model is still available.

Intel has not announced any official date for release of its Ivy Bridge-based chips. The new architecture supports USB version 3.0 and Intel familiar technologies like Rapid Start, Smart Connect and Smart Response. In case of iMac Thunderbolt systems, Apple made a head start last year on Intel's Sandy Bridge-based chip featuring Light Peek Interconnect technology.

The leaked dates look reliable and production of Ivy Bridge-powered iMacs and MacBook Pro could be underway.

(reported by Johnny Wills, edited by Dave Clark)