Some updated UI elements in the latest version of OS X Lion hint at the possibility of higher-resolution, Retina display-like Macs. If you’re the kind of person that notices the resolution of your mouse pointer, you will have observed that the hovering icon in OS X 10.7.3 has been upgraded to a HiDPI resolution.

What does that mean? You could be able to get your grimy hands on a Retina display Mac in the near future.

The new mouse icons in 10.7.3 can be blown up to a much higher resolution. John Gruber noted the change after spotting a tweet from developer Matt Gemmell.

It’s worth noting that Apple could have just gotten around to updating the icon resolutions for clean scaling with Lion’s Universal Access feature. Those with poor eyesight will benefit from having a mouse pointer that can remain at full resolution when zoomed in on fully. Gruber points out that some Mac Mini owners have seen their computers reboot into HiDPI mode when connected to a TV over HDMI. Apple has been implementing Retina display-like HiDPI elements into OS X for years, but more examples of hi-res UI elements are starting to surface.

A higher-res, 2880×1880 Mac is on the horizon, with a recent rumor suggesting that the product will come out in the second quarter of 2012. Based on typical product cycles, Apple’s entire Mac lineup is due for a refresh this year. We’ll see what happens.

More from Cult of Mac:Enable Retina- Like HiDPI Display Modes In OS X Lion [Video How-To] 2012 Looks Set To Be The Year Of The Retina Display Mac OS X Lion Comes With Support For Future Retina Display Macs High Resolution Artwork Found in OS X Lion Points to Retina Display Macs Reveal The Finder Dock and App Menus in Full Screen Apps In Lion [OS X Tips]

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