The next-generation models of Apple's iMac and Mac Pro could, for the first time in almost two decades, ship without a built-in optical drive.

According to an AppleInsider source, the internal configuration files in Apple's OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion that reference USB booting options suggest that the unreleased Macs will lack optical drives.

The anonymous source was sifting through Boot Camp files and found several references to unreleased Mac Pros and iMacs – the Mac Pro 6 and iMac 13.

As AppleInsider noted, the removal of the optical drive from the all-in-one desktop iMaccould help make room in the machine for other components. The additional space could also make it easier for designers to slim down the computer, giving it a look closer to that of an LED TV.