We’ve already seen numerous reports about Apple’s plans to add OLED displays to its next-generation MacBook Pro models. The MacBook Pro OLED is also rumored to be the company’s first laptop to feature a touchscreen panel and a hole-punch cutout for the webcam. Now it looks like Apple’s OLED ambitions could extend beyond laptops, as early signs point to a future iMac model with an OLED screen.
According to a new report from The Elec, Apple has taken the first step in the development cycle by sending a request for information (RFI) to major panel manufacturers including Samsung Display and LG Display. The move suggests that Apple is assessing available technologies, production capacity and the long-term feasibility of adding OLED screens to its all-in-one desktop range.
The RFI sheds light on the possible display specifications, showing that the OLED iMac could feature a 24-inch panel with around 600 nits of brightness and a pixel density of around 218 ppi. While the display size and pixel density closely match the existing 24-inch iMac lineup, the brightness represents a 20 percent increase over current models, which max out at 500 nits.
Samsung and LG are expected to offer different OLED technologies for the iMac
The report adds that Samsung and LG are pursuing different large-format OLED technologies, with the former relying on its QD-OLED technology and the latter on W-OLED. Samsung Display is expected to target the iMac with its 5-stack (BBGBG) QD-OLED displays that went into production this year, offering better brightness than the existing 4-stack (BBGB) panels by adding an additional green layer.
Similarly, LG Display is likely to unveil its 5-stack (BGBRG) W-OLED panels, which are currently in development and could offer improved brightness compared to its 4-stack (BGBR) W-OLED displays. There is currently no confirmation as to which OLED technology Apple might choose.
Apple reportedly plans to complete development of the iMac OLED panel by 2027 or 2028, meaning the finished product is still a ways off. Still, it’s great to see Apple laying the groundwork to bring OLED to large-screen devices beyond the MacBook Pro.
