Apple last updated the MacBook Pros almost one year ago with Intel's Core i5 and i7 processors. Apple has been due to refresh the MacBook Pros with the latest Intel Sandy Bridge processors which are said to be a significant improvement over last year's processors.

MacBook Pro stock has been dwindling internationally and this morning two Italian sites listed give new MacBook Pro part numbers (MC720, MC721, MC723, MC724, and MC725) that are said to represent the new updates. The new machines are said to be making their way to Italian resellers towards the end of the month with a released date of Thursday or Friday.

We've since heard reliable confirmation that this information is accurate and that the expected release date is next Thursday, February 24th. The move would be a bit unusual for Apple to launch new machines on a Thursday. So, if you are about to buy a new MacBook Pro, wait until next week.