M5 iMac Release Date & Features Leaks – Here’s What to Expect!

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Why Everyone’s Talking About M5 iMac

Apple surprised everyone this month by quietly introducing the first devices with its new M5 silicon: a 14 -inch MacBook Pro, refreshed iPad Pro and an upgraded Apple Vision Pro headset.

The M5 is built on a third‑generation 3‑nm process and packs a 10‑core CPU (six efficiency cores and four performance cores), a 10‑core GPU with Neural Accelerators in each core and a faster 16‑core Neural Engine.

Apple says this delivers over four times the peak GPU compute performance for AI compared to the M4 and up to 3.5× faster AI performance in the new MacBook Pro.

That kind of leap is why iMac fans are buzzing. After all, the last iMac refresh stuck with the M4 chip and a 24‑inch design. So, when can we expect an iMac built around this potent new silicon?

What Apple Just Launched

The first M5‑powered machines landed on 15 October 2025. The new 14‑inch MacBook Pro features the M5 chip and boasts up to 3.5× the AI performance and up to 1.6× faster graphics than the previous generation, with up to 24 hours of battery life.

Same Day, via Press Release, Apple unveiled updated iPad Pro models with M5, which deliver up to 3.5× faster AI performance than the M4 versions and support advanced AI‑driven workflows, along with a refreshed Apple Vision Pro headset that gains improved display rendering, battery life and a comfier head strap.

If you’re curious about how the new M5 MacBook compares to Apple’s other laptops, check out our MacBook vs. MacBook Air/Pro buying guide. And for a deeper dive into what’s new in the M5 MacBook Pro and iPad Pro, you can read our M5 MacBook Pro & iPad Pro overview.

Where the iMac Stands Right Now

Apple’s current all‑in‑one is the colourful 24‑inch iMac with the M4 chip. It’s a capable machine for everyday computing, but power users have been itching for a bigger screen and more horsepower.

Rumours before Apple’s October launch suggested the company might skip any M5‑powered desktops in 2025 altogether, with some reports in July saying high‑end M5 Macs were pushed back to 2026.

That clearly didn’t pan out for portable Macs – Apple released an M5 MacBook Pro this month – but it does hint that desktop Macs, including the iMac, could come later in the rollout.

Rumors About a M5 iMac Release Date

So, will there be an M5 iMac this year?

Industry sources are divided. Some analysts think Apple could slip an iMac refresh into a November update cycle alongside other Mac announcements, now that the base M5 chip is shipping in a laptop.

Others believe Apple will wait until early 2026 to bring M5 to its desktop line so that Pro, Max and Ultra variants are ready. Given that the current iMac received a significant update only last year, my guess is that we won’t see an M5 iMac until late 2025 at the earliest, with a spring 2026 launch more likely.

What to Expect If/When It Arrives

Whenever the M5 iMac shows up, expect a familiar design with serious internal upgrades. The new all‑in‑one could sport a 10‑core CPU with six efficiency cores and four performance cores, a 10‑ or 12‑core GPU with Neural Accelerators and a 16‑core Neural Engine, plus unified memory bandwidth of up to 153 GB/s.

Storage will likely start at 512 GB (finally) and scale up to 2 TB or more.

There’s also chatter about Apple testing larger iMac panels, perhaps a 27‑inch or 30‑inch option, though nothing concrete has leaked yet.

Those upgrades would make the next iMac a compelling option for creators, especially when paired with a quality display – see our roundup of the best 4K monitors for Macs if you’re considering an external monitor.

If you’re trying to decide between a laptop and a desktop, our comparison of MacBook vs. Mac mini might help you weigh the pros and cons while you wait.

Should You Wait for It?

If you need a new desktop right now, the M4 iMac remains a solid choice for everyday work, light creative tasks and general home use.

But if your workflow leans on AI‑driven apps, video editing or 3D rendering, and you’re not in a rush, waiting for the M5‑powered model could pay off. The next‑gen silicon will bring substantial gains in machine‑learning tasks, graphics and memory bandwidth, as well as the ability to run Apple Intelligence features locally.

For MacBook fans who prefer portability, the new M5 MacBook Pro already delivers these benefits in a compact package – and might be easier to get in India given that product availability and pricing can lag for iMacs here in Tamil Nadu.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s unexpected M5 launches this October prove that the company isn’t afraid to shuffle its roadmap when the silicon is ready. The arrival of the M5 MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and Vision Pro sets the stage for a broader Mac lineup refresh, but the all‑in‑one iMac may still have to wait its turn. I’m keeping my eyes on November for any surprise announcements, but if nothing materialises, early 2026 feels like the safe bet.

Either way, the next iMac is shaping up to be a colourful powerhouse that will pair beautifully with a 4K display and a desk full of USB‑C accessories.

Official source: Apple Newsroom – 14‑inch MacBook Pro powered by M5