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Code that references a device called “ComputeModule” in iOS 16.4 could be related to Mac Pro M-series components or something else entirely, possibly Apple’s AR/VR headset called Reality Pro?
The Mac Pro with Apple Silicon processors is almost inevitable at this point, although no one knows exactly what form it will come in. Recent rumors suggest that Apple will continue to use the old Mac Pro chassis, although it is unlikely to be upgradeable with PCI-E GPUs. But that doesn't mean Apple won't try to make its future Pro desktop expandable in some form. The code that 9to5Mac found in the developer image of iOS 16.4 in Xcode 16.4 beta discovered indicates the existence of a device called “ComputeModule”.
Does iOS 16.4 hint at the new Mac Pro or Apple's AR/VR headset?
A device class called "ComputeModule" in iOS 16.4 could be anything. The original report speculated that it was a modular CPU component for the Mac Pro, but also acknowledged that it could be Apple's mixed reality headset or even a Raspberry Pi-like device. If it's for the Mac Pro, it seems more likely to us that it's some kind of next-generation Afterburner card or a video expansion card. Code references can reveal some hidden details, especially those that could make it into a beta release. This particular discovery could be significant for the Mac Pro. But its position in iOS 16.4 raises doubts.
Brand new hardware could be unveiled during WWDC 2023
Perhaps Apple will allow developers to install certain compute modules to simulate environments on their Mac. In any case, there are at least two different devices, referred to as ComputeModule13.1 and ComputeModule13.3. Apple's push to put Apple Silicon in every Mac has stalled with the Mac Pro, causing the company to miss its two-year deadline. Interest in the potential Mac Pro is higher than ever, despite it being intended for a niche market. Apple is expected to unveil the Mac Pro sometime in 2023. It may be unveiled alongside the Apple headset at WWDC in June, but that's pure speculation at this point. (Photo by Konstantin Savusia / Bigstockphoto)
