Apple's all-in-one desktop might be getting a serious power boost, according to newly surfaced code that suggests a high-end iMac with M5 Max chip is in development. The leak, reported by MacRumors reveals references to an M5 Max iMac model within Apple's internal kernel debug kit files - the same kind of engineering resources that have previously tipped upcoming hardware.
What makes this particularly interesting is the current state of Apple's desktop lineup. The existing 24-inch iMac, which got its M4 refresh in October 2024, tops out at the standard M4 chip without any Pro or Max configurations. That leaves a noticeable gap for users who want serious desktop power in Apple's signature all-in-one form factor. The last time Apple offered a truly pro-level iMac was the Intel-based iMac Pro, discontinued back in 2021.
The code leak doesn't specify display size, but it aligns with persistent rumors about Apple developing a larger iMac aimed at professionals. For years, reports have suggested Apple might revive the iMac Pro concept with Apple Silicon, and as recently as February 2025, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman indicated that a larger iMac remained on Apple's roadmap. AppleInsider's analysis points to a potential 30-inch or larger display that would essentially serve as a scaled-up version of the current 24-inch design, complete with thinner bezels and a reduced chin.
Here's the curious part: the leaked code only mentions an M5 Max configuration, not an M5 Pro. If Apple were planning a full iMac Pro revival, you'd expect both options to be in the works. This could mean Apple is testing the waters with just the top-tier chip, or perhaps the Pro variant references simply haven't surfaced yet. Either way, an M5 Max iMac would represent a significant leap over the current M4 model, offering the kind of graphics and processing muscle that creative professionals have been requesting since Apple transitioned to its own silicon.
Design-wise, a pro-focused iMac would likely follow Apple's recent aesthetic direction while accommodating more powerful internals. According to AppleInsider's speculation, a larger model would probably be slightly thicker than the current 24-inch version to handle the thermal demands of an M5 Max chip. Color options would likely shift from the vibrant palette of consumer iMacs to more professional tones, think space gray or silver with matching black bezels, similar to the Mac Studio and Mac Pro aesthetic.
Pricing would tell its own story. The current 24-inch iMac starts at $1,299, while the old Intel-based 27-inch model began at $1,799. A pro-grade iMac with M5 Max could easily start around $1,999 or higher, with some analysts speculating about configurations approaching $3,000 if Apple incorporates Pro Display XDR-level screen technology. That would position it squarely between the consumer iMac and the modular Mac Studio/Mac Pro setups.
Timing remains speculative, but the broader M5 rollout provides some clues. Apple introduced the M5 chip with MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models in October 2025, with M5 Pro and Max variants reportedly delayed until early 2026 due to design changes. If those higher-end chips arrive in spring 2026 as expected, a new iMac could follow shortly after, potentially around June 2026, which would align with Apple's typical update cadence.
The bigger question might be whether there's still a market for a high-end all-in-one in an era where Apple offers the modular Mac Studio. Some reports suggest Apple has "largely written off" the Mac Pro tower, believing professionals are adequately served by the Studio. A pro iMac could fill a different niche: users who want maximum power in a clean, integrated package without the separate display and computer components.
For now, it's all speculation based on code references, Apple hasn't confirmed anything, and plans can always change. But the evidence suggests Apple is at least exploring what a pro-level iMac would look like in the M5 era. Whether it becomes a full product release or remains an engineering experiment, it shows Apple hasn't forgotten about users who want serious desktop power without the cable clutter.
