With iOS 26.3, further clues have surfaced that go beyond mere software changes. References to previously unreleased chips from the M5 family have been found in the release candidate of this version. Such discoveries are not accidental, but have often provided early indications of new hardware in the past. This latest find primarily raises questions about Apple's future M5 strategy.
Apple typically integrates new hardware into its operating systems long before its official unveiling. Internal chip IDs and platform names end up in the code even before the devices themselves have been announced. This is precisely what happened with iOS 26.3. The beta version contains clear traces of new M5 chips, though not in the form that had been expected.
New M5 chips discovered in iOS 26.3
Two previously unknown system-on-a-chip (SoC) designations were found in the iOS 26.3 release candidate. Developer Nicolás Alvarez made this discovery and shared it with MacRumors. Specifically, the code mentions two new SoCs:
- T6051 with the platform name H17C
- T6052 with the platform name H17D
The number 17 is crucial here. It represents the M5 generation, as the standard M5 chip is internally designated H17G. This makes it clear that the new entries refer to more powerful variants of the M5.
Apple's internal chip naming logic
Apple has used a consistent system of letters and numbers to identify different chip classes for several chip generations:
- G stands for the standard chip
- S denotes the Pro version
- C is used for Max chips
- D stands for Ultra chips
Against this background, the new entries from iOS 26.3 can be interpreted. H17C very clearly indicates an M5 Max, while H17D traditionally stands for an M5 Ultra.
Which chips are missing in iOS 26.3?
It's noticeable that a third entry is missing. Based on Apple's previous scheme, an M5 Pro would have the following identifier:
- T6050 with the platform name H17S
This exact entry is missing from the iOS 26.3 beta. This is surprising, as new MacBook Pro models are currently expected, which typically come with Pro and Max chips.
A look back at previous Max and Ultra chips
A look at previous generations confirms the current classification. All previous Max chips bore the letter C:
- M1 Max: H13C
- M2 Max: H14C
- M3 Max: H15C and H15M
- M4 Max: H16C
The M3 Max also had an M variant for the 14-core chip, while the 16-core version continued to be designated C. Apple remained consistent with the naming convention for its Ultra chips as well.
- M1 Ultra: H13D
- M2 Ultra: H14D
- M3 Ultra: H15D
Apple never released an M4 Ultra, which makes the existence of a possible M5 Ultra particularly interesting.
Possible explanations for the current situation
The fact that iOS 26.3 only contains references to an M5 Max and an M5 Ultra allows for several interpretations:
- An M5 Pro already exists, but it has not yet been integrated into the iOS code.
- Apple is internally changing its numbering or platform identification.
- Apple is planning new MacBook Pro models that will exclusively feature M5 Max chips.
Which of these possibilities is correct is currently unclear. However, all three are fundamentally consistent with Apple's previous approach to new chip generations.
Hints at upcoming hardware
Alongside the findings in iOS 26.3, rumors are circulating about new MacBook Pro models with high-end M5 chips, which could be released in the coming weeks. Additionally, Apple is reportedly working on a new Mac Studio based on a chip from the M5 family. An M5 Ultra chip would be a logical choice for this device, although there is currently no concrete evidence of an imminent market launch.
iOS 26.3 provides insight into Apple's M5 planning
iOS 26.3 provides strong indications that Apple is already working internally with an M5 Max and an M5 Ultra. While the absence of an M5 Pro in the current code raises some questions, it doesn't change the fact that the next performance level of Apple's chips is drawing near. Exactly how Apple will position the M5 family and which devices will be released first should become clear in the foreseeable future. (Image: Apple)
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