Skip to main content

Leaked code all but confirms that new M-series iMacs could launch soon

An unreleased Apple iMac with an M-series processor could already be in the wild somewhere on the desk of a developer. Screenshots circulating crash code from Apple’s Xcode integrated development environment were recently obtained by 9to5Mac and point to the existence of an ARM-based iMac.

This is best to be taken lightly, but a new iMac has been long-rumored for a launch sometime in 2021. Some reports have also been pointing to a redesigned model with a flat back, new colors, and thinner bezels. The fact that a developer is already in possession of the updated model could be evidence of an upcoming product launch.

The XCode crash log

The screenshot of the code in question can be seen above, and 9to5Mac says it has looked at the crash report file and confirmed that it did in fact happen on an ARM 64 device. As you can see, it mentions iMac under the device name and also has the operating system version, as well as the thread and binary information. No other information about the design or specs of the alleged iMac is available.

Xcode is typically used by developers to code new apps for Apple’s Macs. This screenshot was originally shared on Twitter by the developer Dennis Oberhoff, but 9to5Mac took a deeper dive at the code and reports that the tool is able to pick up device models before they are released, especially whenever Apple’s own engineering team tests third-party apps internally on the device. It could be that Apple was testing Dennis Oberhoff’s app on a new iMac somewhere in the world, but was not careful to mask its tracks.

Apple already stopped selling versions of the 1080p 21.5-inch iMac with 512GB and 1TB SSDs on its website and has also discontinued the iMac Pro. It is not uncommon for Apple to stop selling older products right before a refresh, and with this latest leak in Xcode, there’s definitely a chances that there is a new iMac out there.

An Apple Spring event is also reportedly on the way soon, timed for the end of March or in April. It would not be too surprising if Apple releases a new iMac at this event, though it usually holds separate events for iPad, iPhone, and Mac launches. We’ll just have to wait and see, but for now, there’s a lot of hope on the horizon.

Editors' Recommendations

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
I saw the new Space Black MacBook Pro, and it’s stunning
Two MacBooks Pro renders side by side against a black backround.

It's not often that MacBook Pros get new color options. But with this most recent update to M3 chips, the MacBook Pro will add Space Black, a color that first appeared on the iPhone, to the mix. I was shown an early preview of the new color ahead of the "Scary Fast" launch event, and I have to say: I'm smitten.

This new Space Black is not true black, of course. In truth, it's a slightly darker gray than Space Gray, which it replaces. And it's a good thing this isn't true black. Because remember, this is aluminum, and Apple isn't just slapping a coating or layer of paint on here like so many laptop manufacturers do when making true black aluminum laptops. These laptops, such as most gaming laptops or even something like the Surface Laptop, tend to scratch easily and fade over time.

Read more
Everything Apple didn’t announce at its ‘Scary Fast’ launch event
iMac Pro

There’s no doubt that Apple had plenty to unveil at its “Scary Fast” event on October 30, with new devices galore revealed over the show’s duration. For what was an unexpected show, Apple managed to pack in an awful lot.

Despite that, plenty of rumored products never made the cut. That means they could still be in the works, or perhaps were simply dropped by Apple before release. Either way, we’ve rounded up everything that was rumored for the show but never made an appearance -- read on to see what didn’t make it.
M3 MacBook Pro 13-inch

Read more
Everything announced at Apple’s ‘Scary Fast’ event: iMac, M3, and more
Apple revealing new Macs at an event.

Apple's unexpected "Scary Fast" event has wrapped, and the 30-minute presentation was packed full of announcements. Headlining the showcase was Apple's new M3 chip, which is showing up in a variety of devices in just a week from now.

We have the lowdown on everything Apple announced at its unprecedented fall event, which kicks off the third generation of Apple's silicon with two major product updates.
M3 family of chips

Read more