“Multiple authorized resellers this week are reflecting stock outs of 15-inch MacBook Pros, suggesting that Apple is ramping down production of existing models before introducing redesigned offerings that will largely resemble the company’s increasingly popular line of ultra-slim MacBook Airs,” Neil Hughes reports for AppleInsider.

“Among those resellers reflecting backorder status on some of the current 15-inch MacBook Pros is J&R, which is now sold out of both the 2.2GHz model, which is listed as ‘out of stock,’ and the 2.4GHz variety, which is currently advertised as ‘on order,’” Hughes reports. “In addition, Best Buy has also stopped accepting online orders for the 2.4GHz model for home delivery.”

Hughes reports, “This week’s stock-outs come as Intel is gearing up to launch its Ivy Bridge chips, which have been rumored to begin finding their way into Apple’s Mac product line as early as this month or next… Apple appears to be planning a staggered overhaul of the MacBook Pro lineup, beginning with an updated 15-inch model, followed by the 13-inch, and ultimately the 17-inch by the end of the year.”

Much more in the full article here.