Recently leaked internal software code has revealed that Apple is actively testing an iMac equipped with its upcoming M5 Max chip, a version of its next generation Apple silicon, MacRumors is reporting.
The current 24-inch iMac that Apple sells uses an M4 chip, which was introduced in 2024. That machine has received positive reviews for delivering strong performance in a sleek all-in-one package, but the move to a much more powerful chip like the M5 Max could help Apple appeal more directly to creative professionals.
The internal software references also show that Apple is testing other Mac models at the same time, including notebooks and desktops with various versions of the M5 family, such as M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in newer MacBook Pro models, plus refreshed Mac mini and Mac Studio desktops.
The M5 series represents Apple’s next generation of silicon built on a refined 3-nanometer process and delivers notable gains in performance and energy efficiency. Early reports describe the standard M5 chip as having a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU with advanced AI-focused accelerators in every core, and greatly increased memory bandwidth compared with earlier generations.
The Max variant is expected to push those capabilities even further with more GPU cores and higher sustained performance, making it attractive for creative pros working with high resolution video, 3D graphics and large datasets. Apple typically uses its Max chips in machines where cooling and power delivery can support greater sustained performance, which is why desktops and larger laptops like the Mac Studio and high end MacBook Pro models are often the first to adopt these variants.
There are also longstanding rumors from analysts and insiders that Apple wants to bring back a more powerful iMac option for creative professionals after the original iMac Pro lineup was discontinued.
At this stage Apple has not confirmed any product names, pricing or release timing, so it is not clear when an iMac with an M5 Max chip might become available. Based on how Apple has rolled out previous generations of Mac silicon, many industry observers expect new devices with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips to arrive in early 2026.
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