According to a report from MacRumors, references to new M5 chips have surfaced in the iOS 26.3 release candidate. Specifically, the code mentions two unreleased SoCs, identified as T6051 and T6052, alongside platform names H17C and H17D. Based on Apple's naming conventions, these likely correspond to M5 Max and M5 Ultra variants.

Historically, the "C" designation has been used for Max chips, while "D" denotes Ultra chips. The absence of an M5 Pro identifier, which would typically be denoted as H17S, is a bit curious. This discovery comes as consumers anticipate new MacBook Pro models, fueling speculation about Apple's future chip strategy and product configurations.

Rumors suggest new MacBook Pro models with higher-end M5 chips are imminent. However, it's also possible that Apple is changing its naming scheme, or that the M5 Pro will be released later. The discovery of only Max and Ultra variants raises questions about the product line's configuration.

The industry anticipates a potential Mac Studio refresh using an M5 Ultra chip. The appearance of the M5 Max and Ultra in the iOS beta signals a shift in Apple's silicon strategy. The company is likely preparing to debut the new chips in upcoming Mac models, potentially in the next few weeks.