iMac 2016 release date: Desktop to be unveiled this month but won't be available to buy until next year?

As Apple's highly-anticipated launch event closes in, the excitement about the iMac 2016 also intensifies as fans have high hopes on the desktop computer.

However, the latest reports are claiming that although the new iMac will be launched later this month, it will not be available until next year.

This is because Apple will reportedly wait for Kaby Lake, the seventh-generation processor from Intel, which boasts additional power and features compared to the Skylake.

The Intel Kaby Lake will be available by the end of the year although the model for desktops such as the iMac 2016 will come at a later date.

Apple reportedly chose to wait it out to be able to use the Intel Kaby Lake processor on the iMac 2016 as the chipset offers a whole host of new upgrades for the desktop.

Besides, the current iMac already has the Skylake under its hood. Releasing a new iteration with the sixth-gen Intel processor when its more powerful successor is on the way might not be a smart move for Apple.

With that said, users might have to wait a few more months before they actually get the chance to buy the iMac 2016. For this year, the Cupertino-based company's plan is to unveil it.

It appears that Apple is looking to pack some serious horsepower in the new iMac especially with the reports that it will also sport AMD graphics cards.

A tandem of the Kaby Lake and the latest AMD graphics processing units such as the Polaris 10 cards should make the iMac 2016 a gaming heavyweight.

Apple would also want to pay attention to the desktop more with Microsoft coming out with the new Surface Pro All-in-One (PC) personal computer (PC).

It will be the first desktop from Apple's rival and it is expected to make a splash when it drops later this month so the iPhone maker is expected to take things up a notch so as to not be swallowed by the competition.