As Apple wraps up its M4 chip rollout, the attention is slowly shifting toward the next big release: the iMac M5. With leaks pointing to active development, many Apple fans are wondering—when will the M5 iMac launch, and will it finally bring any real changes? Let’s break down everything we know so far. This information is also featured on 9to9trends YouTube, so don’t forget to check it out.
iMac M5 Release Date: When Will It Arrive?
If Apple sticks to its usual update cycle, the new iMac M5 could arrive in October or November 2025. That lines up with the company’s regular fall hardware events, and by then, Apple should be ready to push the M5 chip into more products. So far, leaks suggest that Apple is actively working on the M5, and development seems to be moving fast.
The M1 Era: A Big Redesign
In 2021, Apple launched the iMac with the M1 chip, and it came with a major design overhaul. It was super slim, had white bezels (which sparked mixed reactions), and came in several bright colors. Apple also introduced a clever feature—Ethernet, which is built into the power brick, which means there are fewer cables on your desk. The base model had two Thunderbolt 4 ports and two USB-C ports, while the higher-end configuration gave you four Thunderbolt 4 ports. It also came with wireless accessories like the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Magic Mouse.
Skipping M2, Then Moving to M3
Interestingly, the iMac skipped the M2 chip entirely. It wasn’t until late 2023 that Apple added the M3 chip. However, the update was focused only on performance—no design or feature changes.
M4 iMac: Just a Color Refresh
In late 2024, the iMac got the M4 chip, along with a few new color options. But again, Apple didn’t touch the design or features. It was a quiet refresh, more about keeping the lineup up to date than making real improvements.
Will the iMac M5 Bring Any Big Changes?
Now, with the iMac M5 on the horizon, the big question is: What’s actually going to be different?
Design: Probably No Changes
Apple just updated the iMac’s colors with the M4 model, and the design still looks fresh. So don’t expect a new look with the M5. The slim build, white bezels, and color choices will likely stay the same for now.
Ports: Possible Upgrade to Thunderbolt 5
Here’s where things might get interesting. The current M4 iMac base model comes with two Thunderbolt 4 ports and two USB 3 ports. With the M5 chip, it’s very likely that all four ports will support Thunderbolt 5. That’s because the M5 is expected to support Thunderbolt 5 by default—unlike the M4, where only the Pro and Max versions did. This change could mean faster data transfer, better support for high-res displays, and more future-proofing overall.
Base Specs Will Likely Stay Basic
The base M4 iMac starts at $1,299 and comes with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. Honestly, that’s weaker than what you get in some iPads or the MacBook Air. To get better performance, you need to move to the higher-end version with a 10-core CPU and GPU, extra Thunderbolt ports, and a Touch ID keyboard. Apple will likely follow this same approach for the M5 entry-level model with limited specs and a better deal in the higher configuration.
RAM and Storage: No Major Changes Expected
Don’t expect any big jumps here. Apple recently bumped up the base RAM to 16GB and storage to 256GB, so they’ll likely keep those numbers steady for another generation. For most users, these specs are good enough for regular tasks like web browsing, document work, streaming, and light editing.
Who Is the iMac M5 For?
The iMac has always been a great all-in-one desktop for home users, students, and casual creatives. It’s not designed for hardcore gaming or heavy 3D editing, but it shines in day-to-day use. With the M5 chip and Thunderbolt 5 support, it might even attract semi-pro users who want a sleek desktop without moving to the expensive Mac Studio or Mac Pro.
Should You Wait for the iMac M5?
If you already have the M1 or M3 iMac, you might not see a huge difference unless Thunderbolt 5 or chip upgrades are important for your work. But if you’re using an older Intel iMac or haven’t upgraded in years, the M5 could be the right time to make the move—especially if Apple adds better ports and keeps the same price.
What We’re Still Waiting to Know
As always, there are a few unknowns:
- Will Apple surprise us with a design tweak?
- Could we see new colors again?
- Might they finally add Face ID or better cameras?
So far, there’s no strong leak suggesting these changes, but Apple sometimes keeps a few surprises for launch day.
Final Thoughts
The iMac M5 isn’t going to be revolutionary, but it might be the solid, well-rounded desktop update that iMac fans have been waiting for. With Thunderbolt 5, the M5 chip, and Apple’s polished all-in-one design, it could be the best version of the modern iMac yet.
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Last update on 2025-06-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
