In the easiest to guess surprise ever, Shimano is due to release a 12 speed XTR groupset:
Exclusive: Shimano XTR gets 12-speed for 1x / single chainring with two cassette options and more… good for gravel?
12 speed 10 to 45 and 10 to 51 cassettes using a new freehub body design. Interestingly they also seem to be releasing a 11 speed 10 to 45 cassette, also using the new freehub body design.
They also say that “other details include direct mount chainrings” which I see as good news. I wonder when the release date will be.