Well I'm wondering since Apple has a one year lead on Thunderbolt, which is an Apple-Intel partnership, if Apple will also get the new SB Xeons early too. It looks like the new FCP will be shipping near WWDC. How far fetched would it be for new TB equipped MPs then too? I don't see the point of Apple touting TB in FCP if there isn't a pro tower with TB.
Apple is just one of the development partners working with Intel (Apple provide the software support = why they're ahead). Since the software's ready, all they need is the hardware portion done, and a TB chip isn't that much effort when included as part of a normal design cycle.
As per getting chips early, it's theoretically possible, but not probable given the quantities Apple would be forced to purchase for Intel to make such a deal. Please keep in mind, we're not talking a lot (= 1k units) here and there, but a significant portion of, if not all the initial production (only buy components now).
Another important factor, is that Intel is no longer the ODM for the boards (2006 - 2008 they were; 2009 on = Hon Hai Precision, better known as Foxconn), so they're less willing to deal than in the past (were willing to deal with Apple when they were both supplying components as well as doing the board work; I suspect quantities were higher back then as well, given the lower pricing structure in place for those systems).
You can think of this like bundling from various service providers, such as adding phone and ISP services to a Cable bill for example. They make more money this way, and are therefore more willing to deal.
