Apple has officially kicked off a project to bring OLED display technology to its iMac lineup, marking a significant shift from the current LCD-based screens in its all-in-one desktop computers.
According to industry reports, The Elec reports, Apple has sent Request for Information (RFI) documents to its key display suppliers, Samsung Display and LG Display, seeking technical details for developing OLED panels tailored for iMac monitors. The RFI process is an early stage in product development, where companies gather capabilities and feasibility data before finalizing specifications and issuing Requests for Quotation (RFQ).
The proposed specifications for the iMac OLED panels include a 24-inch size – aligning with the current entry-level iMac – with a target brightness of 600 nits and a pixel density of 218 pixels per inch (PPI). For comparison, today’s iMac models use LCD panels with 500 nits brightness while maintaining the same 218 PPI, offering a noticeable upgrade in peak luminance for better HDR performance and visibility in bright environments.
Supplier Responses and Technology Choices
Both Samsung Display and LG Display are preparing responses based on their large-area OLED technologies that avoid the use of Fine Metal Mask (FMM), a patterning method commonly used in smaller RGB OLED panels but challenging to scale for larger sizes.
• Samsung Display is likely to propose its QD-OLED (Quantum Dot-OLED) technology, which uses blue OLED emitters combined with quantum dot color conversion layers. For this project, Samsung is expected to highlight a 5-stack structure (B-B-G-B-G), adding an extra green layer to the existing 4-stack design for improved brightness efficiency.
• LG Display plans to leverage its W-OLED (White-OLED) approach, featuring white emitters paired with RGBW color filters. Similarly, LG is considering a 5-stack configuration (B-G-B-R-G) to boost brightness by incorporating an additional green layer. LG is also exploring a shift from its current bottom-emission structure to top-emission, which could enhance the aperture ratio and overall light efficiency.
Apple’s ideal preference is for true RGB OLED, where red, green, and blue subpixels are independently controlled for superior color accuracy and efficiency. However, stable mass production of RGB OLED without FMM remains underdeveloped for displays in the 20-30 inch range. Current RGB OLED with FMM is primarily limited to smartphone (6-7 inch) and smaller tablet/laptop (10-inch) screens.In the short term, both suppliers will rely on their established large-OLED platforms (QD-OLED and W-OLED), while pursuing longer-term research into viable RGB OLED solutions for mid-sized panels.
Challenges and Timeline
Developing OLED for a 24-inch monitor presents unique hurdles compared to smaller IT devices. Samsung Display, for instance, has an 8th-generation IT OLED line set to begin mass production next year, initially focused on 14-inch and 16-inch panels for MacBooks. Scaling to 24 inches requires additional advancements.
Emerging FMM-free technologies are also in play: LG Display is testing its “eLeap” process, and Samsung Display has invested in similar R&D equipment from Applied Materials.
Apple aims to finalize iMac OLED panel development between 2027 and 2028, with full product launches likely following thereafter. This timeline aligns with Apple’s broader transition to OLED across its device ecosystem, including rumored OLED MacBooks and iPads in the coming years.
MacDailyNews Take: This move underscores Apple’s push toward premium display technologies, promising deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and higher contrast ratios for which OLED is renowned – potentially transforming the iMac into an even more appealing choice for creative professionals and everyday users alike.
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