For years, the iMac has been Apple’s simplest answer to a powerful desktop. One screen, one machine, minimal cables, and enough performance for everything from video editing and design work to everyday productivity. It is the kind of computer that appeals to creators who want a clean setup, offices that value reliability, and users who do not want to build a desk around multiple boxes. What Apple has not offered in a long time, however, is new iMac Pro. Now, according to a report by MacRumors, Apple could finally be preparing to bring back the iMac Pro, this time powered by its upcoming M5 Max chip.
SurveyAlso read: Apple is launching two very different MacBooks next year and it could shakeup the entire lineup
Leaked internal files hint at an M5 Max-powered iMac Pro
A MacRumors report said that they have spotted references to an unreleased iMac inside kernel debug kit files. These files are typically used by Apple engineers for internal testing and have a long history of surfacing future hardware ahead of official announcements. In this case, the software mentions an iMac with the identifier “J833c” running on a platform labelled “H17C”.
That platform name is the interesting part. H17C is reportedly tied to “Sotra C”, a codename believed to correspond to Apple’s M5 Max chip. Taken together, the references strongly suggest that Apple is actively testing an iMac Pro-class machine powered by its next-generation high-end silicon.
As is always the case with leaks of this nature, there are important caveats. Apple frequently tests hardware configurations that never see the light of day, and internal references alone do not guarantee a commercial release. However, this particular leak carries more weight than usual. The J833c codename has appeared in earlier reports, and analysts have often said that Apple has been working on a higher-end iMac for years.
What to expect
If Apple does bring back the iMac Pro with an M5 Max chip, it would sit clearly above the current M4 iMac, which is already a strong all-in-one for everyday users.
The leaked debug files also reference a wide range of other Macs in development, painting a broader picture of Apple’s roadmap. These include MacBook Air models with the M5 chip, Mac mini variants with M5 and M5 Pro processors, and new Mac Studio configurations that could scale all the way up to an M5 Ultra. There are also mentions of future MacBook Pro models running everything from M5 Pro and M5 Max chips to even M6-class silicon.
Interestingly, the files also include references to a lower-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone-class chip, likely the A18 Pro. That rumour has been circulating for months and suggests Apple may be exploring a more affordable entry point into the Mac ecosystem.
For iMac fans specifically, an M5 Max iMac Pro would finally restore a form factor that many professionals still prefer. An all-in-one desktop with a large, colour-accurate display and workstation-level performance remains appealing for creators, developers, and studios that value a clean setup. After years of silence, the iMac Pro name appearing again in Apple’s internal files feels significant, even if an official announcement hasn’t been made yet.
Also read: Apple MacBook Air M4 can be yours for under Rs 85,000: How to grab the deal
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Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
