Apple may cut iMac offering

Apple may be preparing to shut down production of its original flat-panel iMac computer in October, as it grapples with high inventory levels and prepares to ramp up production of the higher-end 17-inch models.

Shipments of the 15-inch model will end in October, according to a report in Taiwanese high-tech industry journal DigiTimes, which cited PC makers in the area.

The news could end the roller coaster saga of the flat-panel iMac, whose fortunes have closely tracked those of the volatile flat-panel display market. Apple was first forced to raise prices on the machine when high demand for LCD displays and slow production boosted the components' prices, but later found itself with inventory on its hands as demand trailed off. The iMac's price was recently cut back to its original levels.

An Apple representative said the company would not comment on its future plans.

Matthew Broersma writes for ZDNet.co.uk