Apple Initiates OLED Display Development for 24-Inch iMac
Apple is reportedly moving forward with plans to upgrade its 24-inch iMac with an OLED display, marking a significant shift from the traditional IPS LCD panels that have been standard for years. According to recent reports, the tech giant has already started development on this new screen, which promises higher brightness levels while maintaining the same resolution and pixel density as the current model. This move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to incorporate OLED technology across its computing devices in the coming years.
Display Specifications and Manufacturer Involvement
The specifications for the iMac’s OLED panel appear to be well underway, as Apple has sent Requests for Information (RFI) to both LG and Samsung, two of the industry’s leading OLED manufacturers. An RFI typically indicates that Apple has finalised the initial requirements and is seeking technical details necessary for further development. The requested display size is 24 inches, featuring a brightness level of 600 nits, which is a noticeable improvement over the current 500 nits offered by the LCD model. Despite this increase in brightness, the pixel density is expected to remain at 281 pixels per inch, consistent with the existing iMac display.
Both Samsung and LG are reportedly preparing to respond with larger OLED panels that do not rely on Fine Metal Masks (FMMs), a manufacturing technique that can limit display quality at larger sizes. Apple is said to favour RGB OLED technology, which controls light and colour at the sub-pixel level, offering superior image quality. However, RGB OLED panels of this size—between 20 and 30 inches—are still in early stages of development, as this technology has primarily been used in smaller devices until now.
Context and Future Outlook
This development fits into Apple’s wider roadmap for OLED adoption in its computing lineup. The company is expected to launch its first OLED-equipped MacBook Pro series with the M6 chip next year, followed by an OLED iPad mini 8. The 24-inch iMac OLED, however, is projected to arrive later, with development potentially concluding around 2027 or 2028. In the interim, Apple may introduce an iMac Pro featuring a mini-LED display and powered by an M5 Max chip, aiming to cater to professional users seeking high performance and advanced display technology.
As Apple continues to refine its display technology and expand OLED usage, the iMac’s transition to OLED could represent a major enhancement in visual experience for desktop users. Enthusiasts and professionals alike will be keen to see how these improvements materialise in future releases.
Overall, while the OLED iMac remains a few years away, the groundwork being laid now signals Apple’s commitment to evolving its desktop displays. The coming years should reveal more about the company’s display innovations and how they integrate with its broader product ecosystem.