Rumors suggest new iMac and MacBook Pro in 2011

After a year focused on tablets and smartphones, Apple is supposedly bringing us some upgraded desktops and notebooks for 2011.

It’s only fitting that the day Apple officially announces something, a new rumor begins. This time, we’re hearing the newMacBook Pros and iMacs will be heading to shelves in early 2011, alongside the soon-to-be launched Mac App Store.

DigiTimes is reporting that “sources from upstream component makers” say the Apple computers will be refreshed in the coming year and also project that OS X Lion will be included in the upgraded models. It’s still too early to pin down exact specs, but there are a few details leaking.

The iMac is purported to have a new panel size and a lower price. The source also claims that there will be “at least four upgraded macBook Pros” with very subtle changes in the chassis design. More significant will be an upgraded Lion OS, and DigiTimes predicts this would increase the notebooks’ shipments.

Apparently, Taiwan-based Foxconn and Quanta (which has traditionally produced iMacs) will partner with Apple to manufacture the machines.

Electronista also reports that Apple has also dabbled in testing Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors for the MacBook. The site says that “contacts close to Apple” revealed the company has been looking at the Core iX processors, which are projected to be unveiled at CES.