Apple’s latest iMac Pro launch took place in 2017, three years prior to the company introducing its own silicon in its devices. The Intel Xeon-equipped iMac was phased out in 2021, leaving enthusiasts speculating whether Apple would unveil another model. Rumors suggest that this is precisely what Apple has in store.

According to MacRumors, the speculation stems from kernel debug kit files utilized by Apple engineers. These files, which are appearing on Chinese platforms like Weibo and BiliBili, occasionally make mention of unreleased Apple items. The debug files indicate that a new iMac Pro is under development, featuring an M5 Max chip.

The software makes reference to an iMac with the “J833c” identifier on the “H17C” platform, associated with the “Sotra C” codename tied to the Apple M5 Max chip.

There are limitations, as internal testing documentation does not ensure a public launch. Apple frequently experiments with setups that never come to market. Nevertheless, this rumor appears to carry more weight. Longtime observers of Apple, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, believe that Apple has been developing a new iMac utilizing its own silicon.

The debug files additionally point to MacBook Pros equipped with M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, MacBook Airs featuring the M5 chip, Mac Mini variants with the M5 and M5 Pro chips, along with a new Mac Studio boasting the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. There was also a mention of a budget-friendly MacBook driven by an iPhone chip, a rumor that gained traction over the summer.

Should the M5 iMac Pro be unveiled, it would hold a position above the current M4 iMac in Apple’s product hierarchy. While the M4 is competent, it does not offer professional-grade configurations. An iMac Pro with the M5 Max would elevate the professional desktop experience that Apple currently lacks, and fans of the design would welcome a revamped model after all these years.