Apple may be preparing to bring back the iMac Pro as part of its professional desktop lineup, according to recent findings in internal Apple code and industry reporting. The potential return revolves around a new high-end version of the iMac powered by the upcoming M5 Max chip — a move that would mark Apple’s recommitment to all-in-one desktops tailored to creative and professional users.
Rumors about a new iMac Pro have gained traction after references to an internal Apple identifier associated with hardware believed to match a future M5 Max-equipped machine surfaced in kernel debug files. These references suggest Apple engineers are at least testing such a device, though no official launch timeline has been announced.
If Apple proceeds with the iMac Pro revival, it would be the first major update to the Pro line since it was discontinued in 2021, when the last model gave way to Mac Pro and Mac Studio options for high-end desktop computing. Back then, the iMac Pro was positioned as a powerful all-in-one suited to demanding workflows, but it ultimately saw limited updates before Apple shifted its professional focus.
What the M5 Max Revival Could Mean
The rumored iMac Pro is expected to leverage the forthcoming M5 Max chip, which sits above Apple’s standard M5 silicon and is designed for sustained performance in CPU-intensive and GPU-heavy tasks. The M5 Max builds on the broader M5 family that Apple has begun deploying across its Mac lineup, including notebooks and other workstations, with improvements in graphics, AI acceleration, and unified memory performance.
Apple’s most recent silicon generation introduced in late 2025 saw the base M5 chip delivering significant gains in AI performance and graphics throughput compared with its predecessor, features that carry through to the larger, more capable Max tier. While the M5 Max remains unannounced, industry expectations place its introduction alongside other high-end M5-series chips in the first half of 2026.
Reviving the iMac Pro would align with Apple’s broader strategy to maintain a cohesive desktop ecosystem alongside the Mac Studio and Mac Pro, giving customers a choice between all-in-one and modular tower form factors. For creative professionals, an iMac Pro with a large, high-resolution display and M5 Max performance could bridge the gap between portable power and desktop workhorse capability.
Industry observers note that the presence of internal hardware identifiers does not guarantee a final product launch, as Apple often tests prototypes that never reach market. However, this is not the first time an iMac Pro revival has been rumored; prior reports and analyst commentary have suggested Apple has considered larger-screened, high-performance iMacs as part of its future roadmap.
Timeline and What Might Come Next
Current expectations from the supply chain and reporting place new high-end Apple silicon devices throughout 2026, with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips appearing in laptops, workstations, and, potentially, the iMac Pro. While a formal announcement from Apple has not yet arrived, the combination of internal testing and consistent industry chatter points to the possibility of an iMac Pro debut alongside the broader rollout of M5-series chips.
Whether the iMac Pro ultimately returns as a flagship all-in-one Mac remains speculative, but the renewed signals from Apple’s internal development tools and the ongoing expansion of the M-series ecosystem have given professionals and enthusiasts reason to watch closely for official word in 2026.
