For years, Apple's professional desktop users have watched as the MacBook Pro and Mac Studio received the lion's share of attention and cutting-edge silicon. The all-in-one iMac, particularly in a larger, more powerful form, has languished. Now, a significant leak of internal Apple software suggests the company is seriously considering a dramatic comeback for the iMac Pro, potentially packing its most powerful desktop chip into a sleek, integrated design. This move could redefine the high-end all-in-one market, but it also raises questions about performance, display technology, and, crucially, cost.
The Leak That Points to a Pro Comeback
The rumor originates from a kernel debug kit leak that circulated on Chinese platforms Weibo and Bilibili. Data miners at MacRumors discovered references within this software to an iMac model with the internal codename "J833c" running on the "H17C" platform. This platform designation is reportedly linked to Apple's yet-unannounced M5 Max system-on-a-chip (SoC). This discovery is significant because it provides a concrete, albeit unconfirmed, data point suggesting active development. It aligns with longstanding analyst reports from trusted sources like Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who has for years suggested Apple was exploring a larger-screen iMac aimed at professionals. The leak positions this potential iMac Pro as the flagship all-in-one, marking the first time this category would transition to Apple's own silicon, a migration completed for every other Mac line.
Key Specifications from Rumors & Current Context:
- Chip: Apple M5 Max (unannounced, referenced in leak as platform H17C)
- Model Codename: J833c
- Display: Expected to be based on a "Studio Display 2" with 120Hz ProMotion technology (rumored).
- Historical Price Context: The 2017 iMac Pro started at USD 5,000. A comparable 2026 setup (M4 Max Mac Studio + Studio Display) costs ~USD 3,600.
- Current iMac (24-inch): Starts at USD 1,300 with 8-core M4.
- Status: Would be the first Apple Silicon iMac Pro, filling a category left dormant since 2021.
Specifications: M5 Max and a Modernized Display
The core of the new iMac Pro's appeal would be its expected performance. The referenced M5 Max chip would represent the pinnacle of Apple's 2026 silicon lineup, promising significant leaps in CPU and GPU power over the current M4 series found in the Mac Studio. While exact core counts are unknown, it would likely build upon the architecture of the M4 Max, which features up to a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, delivering workstation-class performance for video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific computing. Perhaps just as important as the internal specs is the anticipated display. The current 27-inch Studio Display, while sharp, lacks ProMotion technology. Rumors suggest the new iMac Pro would integrate a successor to this display—a "Studio Display 2"—featuring a 120Hz refresh rate. This ProMotion support would deliver smoother scrolling, more responsive UI interactions, and superior motion clarity for creative professionals, finally bringing the iMac's screen in line with the premium panels on the MacBook Pro.
Other Apple Products Mentioned in the Same 2026 Leak:
- Macs: M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro, M5 MacBook Air, M5 Mac mini, M5 Mac Studio, M6 MacBook Pro (early ref).
- Displays: Studio Display 2 (120Hz).
- iPhone: Foldable iPhone, iPhone 17e, 18 Pro/Pro Max.
- iPad: iPad 12, M4 iPad Air.
- Other: Entry-level MacBook with A18 chip, cheaper AR headsets, smart glasses, tabletop home robot.
The Pricing Paradox and Market Position
The most significant hurdle for a revived iMac Pro will undoubtedly be its price. History offers a cautionary tale: the 2017 Intel-based iMac Pro started at a staggering USD 5,000, a price point that limited its market appeal. A potential 2026 model faces a similar calculus. As one source article notes, combining the current USD 1,600 Studio Display with a USD 2,000 M4 Max Mac Studio results in a USD 3,600 setup. An all-in-one iMac Pro with an M5 Max and a superior 120Hz display would logically command a premium over that sum, potentially pushing it back into that USD 5,000 territory. Apple's challenge will be to justify this cost through seamless integration, a stunning design, and performance that truly obviates the need for a separate display and computer. Its success would fill a gap in Apple's lineup for users who want maximum power without the clutter of a tower and separate monitor, while its failure could once again relegate the professional iMac to the sidelines.
A Crowded 2026 Apple Roadmap
The potential iMac Pro is just one piece of a massive product rollout anticipated from Apple in 2026. The same software leak that hinted at the iMac also references a plethora of other devices, including MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, M5-powered Mac mini and Mac Studio desktops, and even early signs of M6 development. Beyond computers, the list includes new iPads, multiple iPhone 17 and 18 models, more affordable AR headsets, and the long-rumored tabletop home robot. The most anticipated of all might be Apple's first foldable iPhone, also hinted at in the leak for a late 2026 release. This crowded schedule means the iMac Pro will need to carve out a distinct and compelling niche to capture attention amidst a wave of new Apple hardware, making its final specifications, design, and marketing message more critical than ever.