Don’t expect to try out OS X Mountain Lion at some Apple retail stores on launch day

We’re getting word that Apple has had some last-minute issues with the equipment needed to image OS X Mountain Lion on Mac demo computers inside some of its retail stores. This will delay the ability for those interested in trying out OS X Mountain Lion in some Apple Stores before purchasing it via the Mac App Store on launch day.

To be clear: there is no OS X Mountain Lion launch delay whatsoever, some physical retail stores will simply be unable to demo it on launch day, as previously planned. It is possible, though, that Apple may fix the issue by the time stores – in certain time zones – open on Mountain Lion launch day.

Also: we’re told that Apple will be placing iPhones next to MacBook Airs in its retail stores in order to allow customers to see how iCloud integration works. For example, customers will be instructed to jot down a new reminder or note on the iPhone running iOS 5, and they will watch it automatically sync to the respective apps on the MacBook Air running OS X Mountain Lion.

New in-store easels promoting the new Mac operating system will also be present. Apple won’t be putting up banners touting the new OS in all stores (yet).

Apple announced during its earnings call today that OS X Mountain Lion will be available on the Mac App Store tomorrow. It will be priced at $19.99.

On another Mountain Lion related note, Apple will release minor updates to iPhoto and iMovie: iPhoto 9.3.2 and iMovie 9.0.7. Safari 6 as well for OS X Lion will be released.

Update: We just got this tip from a reader:

After the store closed I stayed outside to watch the employees prepare for Mountain Lion.  One of the geniuses walked out of the store and made a call. He described the situation as a “clusterf***”, and he didn’t know “how we are going to get it done” (“we” referring to the Apple Store employees).