Apple’s iMac Roadmap: M5 Refresh, Pro Model, and Future OLED Display Revealed

Apple is planning significant updates for its iMac lineup. The next model is expected to feature an M5 chip. A higher-end iMac Pro may also be in development. These updates are anticipated for the coming year.

Recent leaks from internal software and industry analysts point to a multi-year upgrade path. The plans include performance boosts and a major display technology shift. This ends a period of relative quiet for the all-in-one desktop.

From M4 to M5: The Next Performance Leap

The current 24-inch iMac was last updated in October 2024. It received the M4 chip. The design, however, has remained unchanged since 2021.

The next update will likely be a processor refresh. According to the software code, an M5 chip is slated for the iMac. This follows Apple’s typical silicon upgrade cycle. Performance and storage speeds are expected to see notable improvements.

This update would mirror gains seen in recent MacBook Pro models. Users could get faster SSD performance. Maximum storage options may also increase.

A New iMac Pro and the Dream of a Larger Screen

Beyond a simple spec bump, bigger changes are brewing. Leaked kernel debug kits hint at a more powerful model. This model appears to be an iMac with an M5 Max chip.

It is unclear if this will be a configuration of the standard iMac. Apple may instead revive the standalone iMac Pro name. The Intel-based iMac Pro was discontinued in early 2021.

There is also long-standing speculation about a larger screen. Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac years ago. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo once predicted a 32-inch model, but it never materialized. Apple has previously stated it has no plans for a new 27-inch iMac.

The OLED Future: A Display Revolution by 2027

The most dramatic change is still a few years away. A report from The Elec indicates a major display overhaul. Apple is reportedly planning a 24-inch iMac with an OLED screen.

This shift is targeted for 2027 or 2028. OLED technology offers superior contrast and deeper blacks. It represents a significant leap from current LCD and even mini-LED backlighting.

This transition would follow a path similar to the iPad Pro. The iMac’s visual fidelity would reach new heights. It would cement the desktop as a premium creative and entertainment hub.

The coming years will redefine the iMac, transforming it from a familiar design into a more powerful and visually stunning centerpiece for the modern desktop. The journey begins with the anticipated M5 iMac and could culminate in a stunning OLED display.

Thought you’d like to know

When will the next iMac be released?

The next iMac with an M5 chip is widely expected to be released in 2025. This follows Apple’s typical annual-to-biannual update pattern for its Mac lineup.

What is the difference between an iMac and an iMac Pro?

The iMac Pro would feature a more powerful Max-series Apple silicon chip, like the M5 Max. This provides greater performance for professional workloads, such as video editing and 3D rendering, compared to the standard iMac’s chip.

Is Apple making a 32-inch iMac?

There are no credible current rumors confirming a 32-inch iMac. Previous predictions have not come to fruition, and Apple currently directs users seeking a larger all-in-one experience to pair a Mac mini or Mac Studio with a Studio Display.

Why is an OLED display better for the iMac?

OLED technology allows for perfect blacks and a vastly higher contrast ratio because each pixel emits its own light. This results in a more vibrant, dynamic, and realistic image compared to traditional LCD screens.

Where do these iMac rumors come from?

This information is aggregated from trusted industry sources. These include supply chain analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo, reputable publications such as The Elec, and findings from Apple’s own leaked internal software development kits.