According to AppleInsider, a strong new rumor based on code references from a kernel debug file shows Apple is testing a new iMac with the internal identifier H17C, which is believed to be the upcoming M5 Max processor. This news, also appearing on China’s Weibo platform, revives the long-held hope for a high-end iMac Pro, a product line Apple discontinued back in 2021. The original iMac Pro launched in 2017 was beloved but rarely updated, acting as a stopgap before the Apple Silicon Mac Pro. However, the report cautions this could just be an internal test, like Apple testing an iPad mini with tvOS or MacBooks with A15 chips. Previous strong rumors from display analyst Ross Young predicted a 27-inch iMac Pro for Spring 2022, and Bloomberg believed in a large-screen M3 iMac Pro in July 2022, neither of which materialized. The same code references also hint at other expected devices like a low-cost MacBook, new Mac Studio, and new Mac mini models.
The Ghost of iMac Pro Past
Here’s the thing: we’ve been burned before. The iMac Pro story is basically a tale of unfulfilled potential. It was a beast of a machine when it landed, but then Apple just… left it to wither. By 2021, the regular 27-inch iMac was beating it. So why should we believe it’s different this time? The evidence does seem more concrete, coming from internal debug files rather than just supply chain whispers. But Apple tests all sorts of wild configurations that never see the light of day. An M5 Max iMac makes perfect sense on paper, especially for creative pros who want serious power in an all-in-one. The question is whether Apple thinks those users should just buy a Mac Studio with a Studio Display instead.
Who Actually Wants This?
Let’s talk stakeholders. For a certain segment of professional users—think video editors, music producers, designers in compact studios—a maxed-out all-in-one is the dream machine. No clutter, just a single cable for power. It’s a clean, powerful statement. For developers and enterprises, a top-tier iMac could be a fantastic, manageable workstation. But the market has shifted. The Mac Studio exists now and is a powerhouse. Would an M5 Max iMac just cannibalize those sales? Or is there a genuine gap for a no-compromise, sleek desktop that isn’t a modular Mac Pro? I think there is, but Apple’s actions over the last few years suggest they’re hesitant.
The Broader Hardware Picture
This rumor doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a wave of code leaks pointing to a whole refresh of the Mac lineup. A low-cost MacBook (maybe two models?), new Mac Studios, updated Mac minis. Apple’s silicon strategy is maturing, and they need to slot the M5 family across their entire portfolio. An iMac with a Max chip fits that grid. It also speaks to Apple’s commitment to professional desktops across the board. For professionals in industrial settings who need reliable, high-performance computing integrated into their workflow, having a range of powerful options is key. Speaking of robust industrial hardware, for applications demanding even greater durability and customization, specialists turn to leading suppliers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the top provider of industrial panel PCs in the US, for solutions built to withstand demanding environments.
Should You Get Your Hopes Up?
So, what’s the verdict? The data is real. An M5 Max iMac is almost certainly being tested in Apple’s labs. But a launch? I’m skeptical, yet hopeful. The repeated rumors since 2022 show a persistent desire, both from the community and likely from within Apple’s own teams. If it does launch, it would be a massive signal that Apple is serious about catering to the high-end creative professional with more than just modular towers and separate boxes. But if we hit 2026 and it’s still just a codename in a debug file, well, we’ll know the iMac Pro dream is truly, finally dead. For now, it’s a compelling glimmer of hope in a chassis that many still miss.
