For years, rumors of a professional-grade iMac revival have swirled in the Apple community, only to be met with silence. Now, a significant software leak has provided the most concrete evidence yet that an Apple Silicon-powered iMac Pro is in active development. However, the details suggest it may not be the ultimate powerhouse some were hoping for, instead positioning itself as a high-end all-in-one with notable limitations compared to Apple's modular workstations.
Evidence of a New iMac Pro Emerges from iOS 26 Leak
The discovery stems from an internal build of iOS 26 that was accidentally sold, containing a kernel debug kit used by Apple engineers. Within this code, references were found to an iMac with the unique identifier "J833c" running on a platform labeled "H17C." This platform identifier, "H17C," is reportedly linked to the codename "Sotra C," which is believed to correspond to Apple's upcoming M5 Max system-on-a-chip (SoC). This data point strongly indicates that Apple is currently testing a new iMac model equipped with the M5 Max, aligning with earlier, separate leaks from July 2025 that mentioned an iMac with a "J833" codename.
Key Product Details from the Leak:
- Device: iMac (Pro model suggested)
- Internal Codename: J833c
- Platform/SoC Reference: H17C ("Sotra C"), associated with the M5 Max chip.
- Source: References found in an internal iOS 26 kernel debug kit.
The M5 Max Chip: Power with a Portability Caveat
The M5 Max is expected to be a formidable chip, offering significant CPU and GPU performance gains for demanding professional workflows like video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. Its inclusion would mark a major leap from the last Intel-based iMac Pro, released over eight years ago. However, the leak notably makes no mention of the even more powerful M5 Ultra chip. According to reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the M5 Ultra is likely reserved for a refreshed Mac Studio, maintaining Apple's product segmentation. This creates a curious scenario: the rumored iMac Pro would share its top-tier chip with the upcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops, potentially undermining its "Pro" designation for users who prioritize raw computational power above all else.
Context & Related Rumors:
- Previous iMac Pro: Last updated in 2017 with Intel processors, starting price USD 4,999.
- M5 Ultra Chip: Reported by Bloomberg to be destined for a Mac Studio refresh, not the iMac Pro.
- Expected Launch Window: M5 Pro, Max, and Ultra chips are scheduled for the first half of 2026.
- Display Rumor: Apple has reportedly been working on an iMac with a larger screen featuring mini-LED technology.
Market Position and Potential Consumer Dilemma
This chip strategy places the potential iMac Pro in a challenging market position. Its primary advantage would be its integrated, high-quality display—rumored to potentially feature mini-LED technology—offering a sleek, all-in-one desktop experience. Yet, for a similar price or less, a professional could purchase an M5 Max MacBook Pro for unmatched portability and connect it to one or more external monitors for a expansive workspace. The iMac Pro, therefore, seems tailored for a specific user: someone who desires a powerful, fixed desktop setup with a premium built-in display and values a clean, cable-free desk, but does not require the absolute peak performance of the Ultra-class silicon found in the Mac Studio or Mac Pro.
A Crowded 2026 Apple Silicon Roadmap
The iOS 26 leak also corroborated a wider slate of Macs expected in 2026, painting a picture of a comprehensive refresh. Beyond the iMac Pro, the data points to 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and Max chips, MacBook Airs in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes with the standard M5, updated Mac minis with M5 and M5 Pro options, and the aforementioned Mac Studio with M5 Ultra. This suggests Apple is preparing a synchronized rollout of its M5 family across its desktop and portable lineups, with the iMac Pro serving as the all-in-one flagship rather than the performance flagship.
Conclusion: A Niche Revival Awaiting Official Confirmation
While the evidence for a new iMac Pro is more substantial than ever, it's crucial to remember that internal testing does not guarantee a commercial release. Apple has been known to cancel products late in development. If it does launch, the model appears to be a powerful but strategically limited device. It promises to bring professional-level Apple Silicon performance to the iconic iMac form factor, finally retiring its Intel legacy. However, by not featuring the top-tier M5 Ultra, it consciously avoids cannibalizing sales of the Mac Studio, instead carving out a niche for design-focused professionals and power users who prefer an integrated, high-end desktop solution. All eyes will now be on Apple's 2026 launch events to see if this long-rumored machine finally becomes a reality.