We’ve already seen plenty of reports about Apple’s plans to equip its next-gen MacBook Pro models with OLED displays. The rumored MacBook Pro OLED is also expected to be the first laptop from the company to feature a touchscreen panel, along with a hole-punch cutout for the webcam. Now, it looks like Apple’s OLED ambitions could extend beyond laptops, with early signs pointing to a future iMac model with an OLED screen.
According to a fresh report from The Elec, Apple has taken the first step in the development cycle by sending a request for information (RFI) to major panel makers, including Samsung Display and LG Display. The move suggests Apple is evaluating available technologies, production capabilities, and long-term feasibility for bringing OLED screens to its all-in-one desktop lineup.
The RFI sheds light on the potential display specifications, revealing that the OLED iMac could feature a 24-inch panel with around 600 nits of brightness and a pixel density of approximately 218ppi. While the display size and pixel density aligns closely with the existing 24-inch iMac lineup, the brightness represents a 20% boost over current models, which top out at 500 nits.
Samsung and LG are expected to pitch different OLED technologies for the iMac
The report adds that Samsung and LG are pursuing different large-size OLED technologies, with the former relying on its QD-OLED tech and the latter on W-OLED. Samsung Display is expected to target the iMac with its 5-stack (BBGBG) QD-OLED displays, which entered production this year and offer better brightness than its existing 4-stack (BBGB) panels by adding an extra green layer.
Similarly, LG Display is likely to pitch its 5-stack (BGBRG) W-OLED panels, which are currently under development and could deliver improved brightness compared to its 4-stack (BGBR) W-OLED displays. For now, there’s no confirmation on which OLED technology Apple may choose.
Apple reportedly plans to complete development for the iMac OLED panel by 2027 or 2028, meaning the finished product is still a long way off. Nonetheless, it’s great to see Apple laying the groundwork to bring OLED to large-screen devices beyond the MacBook Pro.