Apple’s Next iMac Pro: M5 Max Chip Powerhouse
▼ Summary
– Apple is developing a high-end iMac with an M5 Max chip, as revealed by leaked internal software files used by engineers.
– The leak identifies a specific iMac model (J833c) associated with the “M5 Max” chip, indicating the device is in active testing.
– While the M5 Max iMac could be for internal testing only, its existence aligns with long-standing rumors of a professional iMac revival.
– The leaked files also outline numerous future Mac configurations, including MacBook Pro, Air, mini, and Studio models with M5 and M6 series chips.
– The leak includes a reference to a MacBook with an A18 Pro chip, which is speculated to be a new, low-cost model.
New evidence from internal software files suggests Apple is actively developing a powerful new iMac, potentially a professional-grade model, powered by the next-generation M5 Max chip. This discovery originates from leaked kernel debug kits, tools used by Apple engineers to test hardware. These files contain identifiers for unreleased devices, mapping internal codenames to specific chips and marketing names. Recent discussions within Chinese tech communities on platforms like Weibo and BiliBili have further corroborated these findings with shared summaries and screenshots.
The specific reference points to an iMac identified internally as J833c on the H17C platform. This platform, codenamed “Sotra C,” is directly linked to the anticipated marketing name “M5 Max.” While the debug kits also list unusual test devices, like iPad minis running tvOS, which indicates some configurations may never reach consumers, the context here is compelling. Given longstanding industry rumors about Apple reviving a high-end iMac Pro and the expected timeline for the M5 series launch, this development strongly hints at a future consumer product. Prominent analysts, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo, have previously reported that Apple continues to work on a larger-screened iMac targeted at professional users.
The leaked data reveals a broader roadmap for Apple’s Mac lineup beyond the iMac. It outlines numerous future configurations, including 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models equipped with both M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Looking further ahead, the files mention a 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip, as well as 14- and 16-inch models with M6 Pro and M6 Max processors. For other product categories, the leak lists updated 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air models with the standard M5 chip, new Mac mini versions with M5 and M5 Pro silicon, and next-generation Mac Studio desktops featuring M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. Perhaps most intriguing is a reference to a MacBook running an A18 Pro chip, which is widely speculated to be an entirely new, budget-friendly laptop model.
(Source: Mac Rumors)
