Unreleased iMacs referenced in macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta 5
After Apple’s fifth developer beta of iOS 14.5 outed a new “A14X” chip, expected to be used in Apple’s rumored new iPad Pro, on Tuesday, it’s now been discovered that macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta 5 also has some hidden secrets, revealing references to two unreleased iMacs.
First spotted by 9to5Mac, macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta 5 references Mac codenames J456 and J457, which were first reported by Bloomberg at the beginning of the year. Bloomberg at the time said that the two codenames were iMacs that would replace the current 21.5-inch and 27-inch models, likely featuring smaller bezels and no metal “chin area” at the front, with a flat backed rear, similar to the high-end Pro Display XDR.
Last week, Xcode’s Crash Reporter feature seemingly pointed out a new, unreleased ARM-based iMac, showing what appeared to be an Apple M-series Mac running macOS 11.2.1.
It’s not known when Apple will officially announce its new iMacs, which will bring the first major redesign to the product line since 2012. Recently, the company discontinued the iMac Pro and two 21.4-inch iMacs, suggesting the iMac line is being organized ahead of the expected launch.
Rumors claim Apple’s Silicon iMac will be the biggest design refresh to any Apple product this year. Leaker Jon Prosser shared renders last month which he claimed to show what the new iMac would look like, suggesting we could see the machine launch in Silver, Space Gray, Green, Sky Blue, and Rose Gold color options.
Image: Jon Prosser