Upgrading an iMac Pro to 256GB of RAM Only Possible at Time of Purchase [Updated] - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Upgrading an iMac Pro to 256GB of RAM Only Possible at Time of Purchase [Updated]

by

Update: Despite what Apple's internal document stated, OWC has released an aftermarket 256GB memory upgrade kit for the iMac Pro for $2,499.


Last week, Apple added a 256GB RAM configure-to-order option for the iMac Pro. Unfortunately, if you already purchased an iMac Pro with 128GB of RAM or less, upgrading to 256GB does not appear to be possible.

imac pro white background
The new 256GB RAM option consists of four 64GB memory modules, and in an internal document distributed to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers, Apple states that the new configured-to-order ‌iMac‌ Pro is the only model designed to work with those 64GB memory DIMMs. No reason is provided.

This information suggests that Apple Authorized Service Providers will not be able to upgrade an ‌iMac‌ Pro to 256GB of RAM, nor will third-parties like OWC. In other words, purchasing an ‌iMac‌ Pro with 256GB of RAM will only be possible via the CTO option on Apple's online store during the checkout process.

256GB of RAM is a $5,200 upgrade option on Apple's online store, in addition to the ‌iMac‌ Pro's base $4,999 price.

The standard ‌iMac‌ is a bit more fortunate, as OWC has confirmed that the new 27-inch models released last week can be upgraded with up to 128GB of RAM, despite maxing out at 64GB on Apple's online store.

Related Forum: iMac

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple's Next Era Begins September 1

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:36 am PDT by
Apple recently announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO later this year, after 15 years of leading the company. Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company,...
Read Full Article
Instagram Feature 2

PSA: Instagram Encrypted Messaging Ends on Friday, May 8

Tuesday May 5, 2026 8:24 am PDT by
Instagram will remove end-to-end encryption for direct messages between users from May 8, 2026. When the date comes around, Meta will potentially be able to see the contents of all messages between users on the social media platform. Encrypting messages has been an optional feature in Instagram since 2023, but in March of this year the social media platform quietly updated a help page to say ...
Read Full Article • 54 comments
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
Read Full Article

Top Rated Comments

PinkyMacGodess Avatar
PinkyMacGodess
93 months ago
Should Apple retire the 'Pro' name. It's obvious they can't deliver. Sad, really... And I cling to my Macpro4,1 hoping it lasts a few more years.

EDIT: My point is that 'Pro's' need flexibility. If there is no physical way to upgrade the system, then it's either buy top of the line, or look elsewhere. The closed agenda has to be costing them some users, one would think...
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
bevel
93 months ago
Surprise! Who'd have thought Apple would pull more of this ****?!
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
falainber Avatar
falainber
93 months ago
Oh no! Limited to a plebian 128GB of RAM on the most RAM-efficient OS available! What ever will we do? /s
In desktops, RAM is mostly needed for apps not OS.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PinkyMacGodess Avatar
PinkyMacGodess
93 months ago
"Pro" stands for "proficient"
Or 'PROfit' as people have to upgrade to get more memory?
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Plutonius Avatar
Plutonius
93 months ago
I'm not sure what professionals are in the market for an iMac Pro if they need 256 Gig. Until Apple comes out with a revised Mac Pro, I would probably looking at non-Apple solution for a lot less money.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BaccaBossMC Avatar
BaccaBossMC
93 months ago
Oh no! Limited to a plebian 128GB of RAM on the most RAM-efficient OS available! What ever will we do? /s
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments