iWork '09 low on stock as iWork '11 likely near
updated 09:35 pm EST, Fri December 17, 2010
iWork 09 stock runs low ahead of '11 online launch
Multiple Apple retail store workers have commented that iWork '09 is running low in stock in what may be a more definite sign of an upcoming iWork '11 debut. The productivity suite is reportedly not only out of stock at the stores but isn't being replaced with future shipments, often a sign of an imminent replacement. Checks by 9to5 show Apple's online store and Ingram Micro still having supplies.
Evidence that this would be a replacement and not just a temporary interruption was backed by searches on Apple's site automatically mentioning "iWork 11" as a suggested item.
The lack of physical stock just before the Mac App Store debut on January 6 suggests Apple may be drawing down existing iWork supplies and using the Internet store's arrival to kick off the new version. Apple has already shown iWork apps available separately in its Mac App Store mockups and thus made it clear that some changes would take place by the time the store went public.
