Apple is reportedly working on a premium iMac equipped with the M5 Max chip, based on details uncovered in leaked internal software, MacRumors reports.. The evidence stems from Apple’s kernel debug kit files, which are tools used by engineers and contain references to upcoming hardware via internal codenames, platform identifiers, and mappings to chip names.
These leaks have been corroborated by secondary reports and screenshots shared within China’s tech circles in recent days, appearing on platforms like Weibo and BiliBili. While the files also mention other future Macs, the high-end iMac stands out as a potential revival of a pro-oriented all-in-one desktop.
Hartley Charlton for MacRumors:
The software contains references to an iMac with the identifier J833c running platform H17C. H17C is associated with the codename “Sotra C,” which relates to the expected marketing name “M5 Max.” This suggests that an iMac with the M5 Max chip is in active testing.
The software refers to a number of devices believed to be used exclusively for internal testing, such as iPad minis running tvOS and MacBooks with the A15 chip, so there is a chance that the M5 Max iMac is used for testing only. However, since the M5 Max chip is expected to be introduced next year and there have been rumors about Apple reintroducing a high-end “Pro” iMac for several years, it may well be destined for launch. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman believed that Apple was still “working on a larger-screened iMac aimed at the professional market” following the launch of the Apple silicon iMac, a rumor supported by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
MacDailyNews Take: As we plan to move back to desktop Macs for the office and lightweight, long-lasting MacBooks for the road, the potential of an M5 Max iMac Pro is especially intriguing!
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
Why not offer a quad max chip setup? That’s a power Mac.
OMG! OMG! Please! Please, make this happen, Apple!
Those “bricks” you sell—as good as they are, I hate ’em; dead surface desk space they create, cables everywhere, third party monitors that mismatch, etc., ugh!
I will snatch at least 15 of them first day right off the loading dock for my designers and production staff.
Yea!!
Up to this point Apple silicon has not been kind to those of us who like large screen iMacs.
I see at least five iMacs for every Mac mini or Mac Studio. The loyalty to the design aspect of the iMac also seems to be much higher than for Apple’s other desktop computers. I see a lot of iMacs on business executives desks. They hate a cable mess that ruins first impressions when someone enters their office.
These people are not techies. They want a large screen computer in a compact, clean, elegant design with as few cables as possible. MacOS did not bring them to the Mac. Their iPhones did not bring them to the Mac. It was the clean design of the iMac that brought them to the Mac.
Many have expressed a desire to upgrade but back away when they see the current designs. In fact, many express shock that Apple could walk away from such a good design. A 30 inch iMac with similar power to a 16 inch Macbook Pro with a M max series chip would be perfect.
For pro customers or hobbyists being able to connect to multiple (probably non Apple displays) is an advantage. But for those who just want a powerful, elegant computer with a large screen Apple has nothing to offer.
I know several people and family members who would buy a larger iMac if it was available. Twenty four inches is just too small for a machine that is used for more than a couple hours a day. I am still using my Intel based 2019 27 iMac while holding out hope for a new large screen iMac. – Hope dies hard, what else can I say.
If this comes with a 27 inch screen (or, better, 30 in) I’ll have one please.
Yes, yes, although it would be nice if Apple could simply offer a REASONABLY PRICED stand alone 27″ – 32″ monitor. Never understood why the price of a 27″ iMac was just a little more than Apple’s 27″ monitor.
Strongly prefer the Studio versus any all-in-one, even if you slap on the now meaningless “Pro” sticker. With a proper desktop Mac, at least you can choose multiple matching displays, curved displays, or larger displays than any iMac will ever give you.
Why return to the days of stupid pointless Jony Ive thinness obsession? There is no value added to squish all the desktop guts into a skinny case, using mobile hardware when professionals use and prefer competitive hardware.
Apple should stop wasting time on a more expensive iMac and instead improve the value of the Mac Pro desktop which is dramatically overpriced and under-competitive.