AppleInsider reports that the next version of Apple’s productivity suite, iWork ’11, is ready for launch but will likely debut alongside the company’s Mac App Store very early in 2011.

People familiar with the matter say development of iWork ’11 wrapped up this fall and the software was initially slated for an introduction alongside iLife ’11 last month, but was held back at the last minute for undisclosed reasons.

Apple’s revised plans currently call for the company to launch the new productivity suite alongside the forthcoming Mac App Store, these same people say. The applications included in the bundle — Pages, Numbers and Keynote — will be available for purchase individually when the Mac App Store debuts.

According to the report, Apple is still deciding whether to offer a retail box version of iWork ’11 or if it will be available exclusively through the Mac App Store.

Source : Apple Insider