Apple has just released a new beta version for OS X El Capitan, the upcoming operating system for its desktop lineup, and the developer preview of the platform hints at what may be the next course of action for the Cupertino-based company: a new 4K version of the 21.5-inch iMac.
In the current iMac lineup, only the larger, more expensive 27-inch iMac offers the high-spec displays at 5K resolution, since Apple has already made changes to the lineup's chipsets and specs to support high-end displays. Meanwhile, the 21.5-inch iMac has remained untouched as far as upgrades are concerned, and aside from two Broadwell-chip desktops, Apple has to wait on appropriate chips in order to upgrade the devices in the 21.5-inch lineup.
However, in light of the beta version of the upcoming iMac platform, it seems that Apple is intending to roll out a newer product specs for its desktops. The new El Capitan beta references iMac support for a new 4096 x 2304 pixel resolution Apple-made display panel. This means that a future 21.5-inch iMac would have an upgraded 4k resolution.
Aside from the hidden code for a higher resolution display, the beta preview for El Capitan also mentions Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200, which is the chipset used in Intel's newest Broadwell processors. This could also indicate that a Broadwell and Skylake processor would be partnered with a 4K 21.5-inch Retina iMac. In addition, there is also a mention of AMD Radeon M380 - M395X graphics, which could be used in high-end iMac models.
Aside from an upgrade in its graphics and display for the 21.5-inch iMac, the beta preview of El Capitan also hints at a redesigned Remote feature that integrates multi-touch trackpad support, scrolling, a dedicated Bluetooth chip for seamless connectivity, and new audio support that could make the Remote an extension of Siri commands.
