Around eight years have passed since Apple introduced its Intel-based iMac Pro with an expensive $4,999 starting price, and looking at how the company’s in-house silicon outpaces desktop processors in both performance and efficiency, we shouldn’t be surprised that the ‘All In One’ workstation wasn’t getting remembered. However, the California-based giant could finally be answering the prayers of a small percentage of potential buyers who hoped to see an updated model. According to the latest internal software leak, we could be getting one, but it won’t be kitted out with the M5 Ultra.
The M5 Ultra will likely be reserved for the Mac Studio refresh, whereas the iMac Pro could only be maxed out with the M5 Max
The M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra are scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026, with no mention of the iMac Pro getting treated to Apple’s most powerful chipset. Instead, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, an updated Mac Studio could offer an M5 Ultra configuration, making it the Cupertino firm’s most powerful hardware. An internal iOS 26 build revealed that Apple is developing several chipsets and products, with references to an iMac with the unique identifier J833c running the platform H17C.
H17C is associated with the codename’ Sotra C,’ which is what the M5 Max is identified with. In short, an iMac Pro with the aforementioned SoC is in testing, but we doubt that this machine is going to be exceptionally popular with consumers. For one thing, the biggest problem here is that the M5 Max will also be found in Apple’s updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro lineup, meaning that you’ll get both portability and performance in a single package.
The only major selling point of an Apple Silicon iMac Pro is the extra screen real estate, which can also be experienced with an M5 Max MacBook Pro, assuming you wish to hook it up to a relatively inexpensive external monitor to increase your workspace. With the iMac Pro, you’re not only paying a premium for the larger display, but the total will likely be higher compared to what you end up forking over for an M5 Max MacBook Pro.
It is also surprising that the iMac Pro was just mentioned after months of radio silence, though we must mention that Apple has been reported numerous times to be working on a newer version with mini-LED technology. Then again, the company could rigorously test one product that doesn’t make it to the production line, so assuming an Apple Silicon iMac Pro ends up launching, we will update our readers accordingly, so stay tuned.
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
