In an research note published to clients today Kaufman Brothers analyst Shaw Wu gave an update on the status of Apple’s much anticipated iMac update. Last week Wu gave some reasons according to his supply chain sources on why the iMac seems to be suffering a delay.

Referring to a report made by AppleInsider last week Wu makes the following points:

  • Timing: “In our experience, when AAPL sends an advisory to its channel partners of limited availability and inventory of existing models are drawn down, it is highly likely that a product refresh is within a few weeks.”
  • Quad-core and dual-core: “We believe this makes sense as this helps AAPL create better tiers within the iMac family, utilizing quad-core for the high-end, and dual-core for mid-range and low-end.”
  • Sales: According to Wu the iMac accounted for just 25% of Apple’s Mac sales last quarter, a refresh could push this up to 36%.
  • Mac Pro: “We think a refresh utilizing upcoming Intel ‘Nehalem’ 8-core processors (and with two enabling a 16-core) would bring it better price performance and help jump start this highly profitable segment.”

Wu finishes his report by stating that he expects an iMac refresh “within a few weeks” but quotes sources that indicate an iMac refresh is “due for a refresh in the March or June quarters.”