macOS Big Sur 11.3 Beta 5 Includes References to Two Unreleased iMacs

Apple is rumored to be working on new versions of the iMac desktop computer, and a launch could be coming in the near future, based on new signs found in the macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta that was released this morning.

2020 iMac Mockup Feature teal
According to 9to5Mac, there are references to two new ‌iMac‌ models in macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta 5, identified as "iMac21,1" and "iMac21,2." The new Macs use the code names J456 and J457, which were first revealed earlier this year by Bloomberg.

We don't yet know when Apple will refresh the ‌iMac‌ lineup, but there are new versions of the 21.5 and 27-inch ‌iMac‌ models in the works. Rumors suggest the new iMacs will feature a design similar to the Pro Display XDR with slimmed down bezels and no metal chin.

Rather than a curved rear design, the new ‌iMac‌ models will feature a flat back, and at least one of the new models will measure in at 23 to 24 inches. Apple silicon chips will be included, and some dubious rumors have pointed toward color options that match the iPad Air colors.

Apple recently discontinued the iMac Pro, which was a high-end ‌iMac‌ option that was first released in 2017. With signs of the new iMacs in the current Big Sur beta and the ‌iMac‌ Pro discontinued and out of stock, we could see the refreshed ‌iMac‌ models in the not too distant future.

Related Roundup: iMac
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Caution)
Related Forum: iMac

Popular Stories

Tim Cook WWDC 2018

Report: Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple CEO 'as Soon as Next Year'

Saturday November 15, 2025 2:40 pm PST by
Apple is preparing for Tim Cook to step down as CEO of the company "as soon as next year," according to the Financial Times. The company's board of directors and senior executives "recently intensified preparations for Cook to hand over the reins," the report said. While the report said that Apple is unlikely to name a new CEO before its next earnings report in late January, it went on to ...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4

Thursday November 13, 2025 11:35 am PST by
Apple today released new firmware designed for the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods 4, and the prior-generation AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 3 firmware is 8B25, while the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 firmware is 8B21, all up from the prior 8A358 firmware released in October. There's no word on what's include in the updated firmware, but the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 with ANC, and AirPods Pro 3...
iOS 26

Everything New in iOS 26.2 Beta 3

Monday November 17, 2025 3:20 pm PST by
Apple provided developers with the third beta of an upcoming iOS 26.2 update, and there are still new features that are being added with each beta that we get. We've rounded up all of the changes that Apple made in beta 3. AirDrop Apple added new AirDrop functionality, providing a way for two people to share files temporarily without having to add one another as contacts. iOS 26.2...
best early black friday deals

Best Black Friday Apple Deals Live Now - Save on AirPods, iPads, and Apple Watches

Saturday November 15, 2025 1:45 pm PST by
We're officially in the month of Black Friday, which will take place on Friday, November 28 in 2025. As always, this will be the best time of the year to shop for great deals, including popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When ...
iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket Now Available to Order, But Already Selling Out

Friday November 14, 2025 6:20 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. iPhone Pocket is available to order on Apple's online store starting today, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. However, it is already completely sold out in the United...
Apple Wallet ID Illinois

iPhone Driver's License Feature Launching in Illinois

Tuesday November 18, 2025 8:47 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Starting this Wednesday, November 19, the feature will be available to residents of Illinois. The announcement confirmed that the...
apple silicon mac lineup 2024 feature purple m5

Apple's 2026 Mac Plans

Friday November 14, 2025 3:23 pm PST by
Most of Apple's Macs are slated to get M5 chips across 2026, and there's a possibility we'll even see the first M6 chips toward the end of the year. Updates are planned for everything from the MacBook Air to the Mac Studio. MacBook Air (Early 2026) The MacBook Air will be one of the first Macs to get a 2026 refresh, with an update planned for the first few months of the year. The MacBook...
CarPlay Liquid Glass Dark

Here's When Tesla is Expected to Add Support for Apple CarPlay

Sunday November 16, 2025 6:49 am PST by
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reiterated that Tesla plans to add Apple CarPlay support to its vehicles "in the coming months." This is easily the biggest news for the regular version of CarPlay in years, should Tesla actually follow through with offering the system in its vehicles. As noted by Gurman, this would be a stunning reversal for Tesla and its CEO Elon ...
Apple Sports App Preview Feature

Apple Sports App on iPhone Now Available in More European Countries

Monday November 17, 2025 6:27 am PST by
The free Apple Sports app on the iPhone was released in additional European countries today, including Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland, Hungary, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Ukraine, and others. The app was already available in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Austria, France, Germany,...
tvOS 26 Profiles

tvOS 26.2 Adds a Useful New Feature to Your Apple TV

Friday November 14, 2025 10:02 am PST by
Starting with the upcoming tvOS 26.2 update, currently in beta, additional profiles created on the Apple TV no longer require their own Apple Account. In the Settings app on the Apple TV, under Profiles and Accounts, anyone can create a new profile by simply entering a name and indicating whether the profile is for a kid. The profile will be associated with the primary user's Apple Account,...

Top Rated Comments

Eduardo1971 Avatar
61 months ago
The wait is killing me!
Hurry up Apple!!!
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ignatius345 Avatar
61 months ago

I hope not. I’m hoping to get one that’ll look nice and sleek
I actually don't care, personally, so long as it's runs fast and cool and they don't introduce any weird new hardware issues or cost a fortune. People get all worked up about the bezels (cue pearl clutching) and "chin" but honestly it doesn't matter to me. It sits on my desk so it's not like I'm trying to keep it compact to put it in my bag or something.

My current 5K iMac is from 2014 and I use it a LOT, so this is definitely a "take my money" item for me.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BWhaler Avatar
61 months ago
I’d love a 30“ iMac that runs silent
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
qoop Avatar
61 months ago
Ideally, I'd like another iMac where the display starts to display dark imperfections — but only in the area where the processor lives. Then, upon reporting this to a certain forum, members will inform me it must be because I have a dirty house or smoke heavily. Upon taking it apart and proving to all that it's a polariser issue, they'll call me a hater. Thanks. :D
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LFC2020 Avatar
61 months ago

Press release launch or do we expect an event before WWDC?
April event ?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AlexisV Avatar
61 months ago

Does anyone know what kind of delay there usually is between a software clue like this and a hardware release?
M1 Macs appeared in the 29th October beta of Big Sur. They were announced 10th November.

I suspect second week of April for the new iMac.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)