References to a new device called ComputeModule have been discovered in iOS 16.4 code. But what exactly is this mysterious device? 
Benjamin Kuijten | iCulture.nl – 23 February 2023, 10:52 whatsappfacebooktwittertelegramlinkedinmailprint
Every now and then something new is discovered in the code of an iOS beta or public version. Developers often dive deep into the code as soon as the first beta comes out to find clues to new features or perhaps new hardware. This time, 9to5Mac found references to a new device in the so-called disk image of iOS 16.4 in the beta of Xcode 16.4. The name ComputeModule suggests that it has something to do with the Mac Pro and that is the most logical guess.
ComputeModule: something for the Mac Pro?
Two variants were discovered in the code of the betas: ComputeModule13.1 and ComputeModule13.3. Apple always uses such numbers as model designations for its devices, so there is nothing crazy in that regard. But the name ComputeModule does not immediately ring a bell. The Module part suggests that it is part of a larger whole. The most logical scenario is therefore that this is part of a new (partly modular) Mac Pro. It has been rumored for months that Apple will soon announce the new Mac Pro. The Mac Pro is known for its easy replacement of parts. Although the Apple Silicon version may be less modular than previous Intel versions, this ComputeModule might give some hope for more.
For example, this could be an expansion of the GPU, so that you can upgrade the graphics performance of the Mac Pro afterwards. The GPU is integrated into the chip with Apple Silicon, and Apple Silicon Macs don't support external third-party GPUs like the Intel version does. The Compute Module could therefore be Apple's own external GPU, it is speculated. Another option is that this is a complete chipset. For example, you could replace the M2 Ultra chip in the Mac Pro after a year with a completely new M3 Ultra variant, without having to buy a new Mac Pro. However, the question is whether this is realistic. The chip is such an important part of the Mac, so it would be special if Apple let you replace it in its entirety with a newer one.
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Or is it something else?
Because the name is so common, it could also be something completely different. Think part of Apple's mixed reality headset. After all, the references were found in the code of an iOS version. Or Apple has an entirely new device in development that is separate from any other product currently available. Whatever it is, we hope to get some clarity on this mysterious component soon.
The name ComputeModule is probably an internal codename that Apple only uses in software code. It is unlikely that this will become the final name of a product, if it becomes a stand-alone product at all.
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