Once again, it’s the beta that drops the nifty hints as to what to expect.
Apple’s newest beta of the macOS Big Sur 11.3 operating system includes references to two new iMac designations.
The beta, which was issued to developers on Tuesday, includes hardware identifiers for an “iMac21,1” and “iMac21,2,” both of which do not match existing iMac models.
According to the site, “iMac21,1” and “iMac21,2” correspond to iMacs codenamed J456 and J457. It’s thought that these could hint at next-generation replacements for the current 21.5-inch iMac and 27-inch iMac, which are due for a refresh this spring.
The discovery arrives only a week after a developer found references of an unannounced Apple Silicon Mac in Xcode’s Crash Reporter.
Apple is expected to unveil a new line of iMacs powered by a variation of its M1 processor. Other reports point to a redesigned chassis that borrows features from Apple’s angular iPhone and iPad devices as well as new color options.
It’s unknown as to when Apple plans to announce the new iMacs, even though the company officially discontinued its iMac Pro and halted production of some 21.5-inch iMac configurations earlier this month.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider, 9to5Mac, and Bloomberg