Apple's Thunderbolt Display is said to be running low on stock with no sign of replenishment, which suggests that the company may launch a new model soon.
The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will kick off in San Francisco on June 13. Apple uses the event to showcase its upcoming software and technologies, but the company may also launch a refreshed Thunderbolt Display with an integrated graphics card.
Rumors suggest that the next-generation Thunderbolt Display may feature a 5K display resolution of 5,120 × 2,880 pixels. Anonymous sources familiar with the matter explained to 9to5Mac that an integrated GPU in the display is mainly used to address the graphics needs for 5K resolution.
Details regarding connection of the 5K Thunderbolt Display with a Mac is not available. However, reports suggest that it is likely that users should have a machine with Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C.
An integrated GPU in a Thunderbolt Display will be a significant leap for Apple. However, some analysts believe that the company may not take the trouble to introduce a new Thunderbolt Display with built-in graphics card. Analysts suggest that releasing a 5K display, which connects to newer Macs via Thunderbolt 3 by taking advantage of both DisplayPort 1.2 streams, seems to be a better option for Apple.
Apple launched the current-generation 27-inch Thunderbolt Display in July 2011, and an upgrade is imminent. The existing display has resolution of 2,560 × 1,440 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9. Apple is selling the Thunderbolt Display for $999, which may sound steep to many customers.
Apple has not confirmed any details regarding the next-gen Thunderbolt Display. However, given the stock availability and age of the display, it is highly likely that Apple may launch the 5K Thunderbolt Display during the 2016 WWDC. Rumors hint that although Apple will unveil a new display in June, it will not hit the shelves until this fall.
The WWDC is not far away, and we have to wait until Apple officially confirms a new Thunderbolt Display.
