New Leaks Reveal Apple Tested Early iOS 18 Codes and M3 Ultra MacBook Pro
Fresh leaks have surfaced, revealing Apple’s internal tests of a MacBook Pro powered by the M3 Ultra chip, as discovered in early iOS 18 code found on an iPhone 16 prototype.
Summary
- Early iOS 18 code hints at unreleased MacBook Pro models with the M3 Ultra chip.
- The M3 Ultra is Apple’s most powerful chip, currently limited to the Mac Studio.
- Thermal and battery concerns likely prevented Apple from launching an Ultra-powered MacBook Pro.
What Did the Leak Reveal?
The leak, shared on Chinese social media site BiliBili, details references to MacBook Pro models with codenames J514d and J516d found within an internal iOS 18 build running on an iPhone 16 prototype. These codes align with the naming pattern used for Apple’s Ultra chip variants, suggesting Apple at least tested an M3 Ultra MacBook Pro configuration internally.
Why Didn’t It Launch?
Although the M3 Ultra chip offers up to 32 CPU cores, 80 GPU cores, and 512GB of unified memory, its massive power demands and heat generation make it better suited for desktop systems like the Mac Studio. Integrating it into a laptop like the MacBook Pro could have led to battery and thermal performance issues, likely prompting Apple to abandon the idea.
Leak Credibility
While the leaker lacks an established track record, they cited accurate references to known internal-use Apple software and scrapped devices, adding some credibility. Still, as with all leaks, caution is warranted until further evidence surfaces.
What’s Next for MacBook Pro?
For now, the MacBook Pro lineup remains centered on the M4 series, with top-end configurations offering the M4 Max chip. While an M3 Ultra MacBook Pro may have been tested, it’s unlikely to become a consumer product anytime soon. Apple’s focus seems to remain on balancing high performance with the practical needs of laptop design.
FAQs
Q: What is the M3 Ultra chip?
A: The M3 Ultra is Apple’s most advanced Mac chip, offering up to 32 CPU cores, 80 GPU cores, and support for up to 512GB of unified memory.
Q: Why wasn’t an M3 Ultra MacBook Pro released?
A: Likely due to thermal and battery life limitations, as the M3 Ultra’s performance demands suit desktop systems better than laptops.
Q: Where were the M3 Ultra MacBook Pro references found?
A: In internal iOS 18 code discovered on an iPhone 16 engineering prototype, under the /AppleInternal/Diags/Tests/ directory.
