Apple Store Off-line Ahead Of WWDC: New Updates To Be Released Today?

Apple Inc.'s Apple Store went off-line twice in 12 hours, leading some to speculate that the tech giant is gearing up to launch highly anticipated updates, including a revamped MacBook Pro and new Apple software at the WWDC conference on June 11.

Apple fans have flocked to Twitter, where they speculated that a new product could be launched today, but it's likely that the Apple Store's off-line status is a result of preparations for the WWDC conference.

What To Expect From WWDC

The main products Apple enthusiasts are expecting to be announced during the keynote speech at WWDC are an updated iMac, a new MacBook Pro, the mobile iOS 6 software update, and possibly the unveiling of the iPhone 5, which is more likely to be launched in October with an Apple event of its own, reports suggest.

MacBook Pro 2012

One of the most popular rumors about the new MacBook Pro is that it will come with a 2048 x 1536, 3.1 million-pixel Retina Display, the same as found on the new iPad.

Apple fans are eager for MacBook laptops and iMac desktops to include the feature, and the MacBook Pro and the iMac are likely candidates for the Retina Display -- as opposed to the Macbook Air, because some of the technology's features could compromise the ultra-thin and ultra-light qualities of the MacBook Air.

A laptop with Retina Display technology would also require a bigger battery than the MacBook Air possesses, which would result in a thicker, larger casing than that of the current MacBook Air.

Initially, the new MacBook Pro was rumored to look much like the Air, but a new report from 9to5Mac contradicted those rumors. While the MacBook Pro is expected to be thinner than its predecessor, it will not exhibit the tapered edges of the Air.

The report also indicated that the Pro might lose its optical drive and instead be fitted with two extra thunderbolt ports as well as USB ports, two audio in/out-sized ports, and an SD card slot.

The report, obtained by Bloomberg, also claim that the newly designed MacBook Pro computers will run on Intel's Ivy Bridge Processor. Intel has announced that Ivy Bridge has been built for Retina Display computers.

iOS 6

Last year, Apple launched iOS 5 software at WWDC, and this year, Apple fans are expecting an upgraded mobile operating system dubbed iOS 6. The new software is rumored to come with 3D maps and Siri APIs, which will allow developers to use the voice recognition technology with their own proprietary applications.

WWDC App

Apple launched the 2012 WWDC app on Tuesday, so users can track more than 100 sessions at the four-day conference. The keynote lecturewill take place on June 11 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, and while Apple has not confirmed who will be speaking, it is likely to be the company's CEO, Tim Cook.