Apple has reportedly initiated the research and development phase for a 24-inch iMac equipped with an OLED display. According to supply chain sources dated December 18, 2025, this move represents Apple’s next major step in gradually phasing out LCD technology across its desktop lineup.
The project is still in its early stages, but it signals Apple’s long-term commitment to OLED as the future of high-end desktop displays.
🛠️ From RFI to RFQ: Early Supplier Engagement #
Apple’s display development process has officially begun with its two primary OLED partners:
- RFI (Request for Information):
Apple has issued RFIs to Samsung Display and LG Display to assess technical feasibility, panel structures, brightness targets, and production scalability. - RFQ (Request for Quotation):
Once technical proposals are validated, Apple is expected to proceed to the RFQ phase, where pricing, yield targets, and long-term supply volumes will be negotiated.
This structured approach mirrors Apple’s previous OLED transitions on iPhone and iPad, emphasizing risk reduction before mass production.
📺 Preliminary Display Targets #
While specifications are not yet finalized, current development goals point to a meaningful upgrade over the existing 4.5K LCD iMac display.
| Feature | Current iMac (LCD) | Future iMac (OLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 24-inch | 24-inch |
| Peak Brightness | 500 nits | 600 nits |
| Pixel Density | 218 PPI | 218 PPI |
| Contrast Ratio | Typical LCD | Near-infinite (OLED) |
Key Design Choice:
Apple intends to maintain the same 218 PPI pixel density to preserve macOS scaling behavior, while increasing brightness to match the Apple Studio Display.
🔬 Competing Technical Approaches #
Scaling traditional RGB OLED (as used in iPhones) to a 24-inch desktop panel remains challenging. As a result, suppliers are proposing alternative large-format OLED architectures.
Samsung Display: 5-Stack QD-OLED #
- Technology: Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED)
- Structure: 5-stack OLED design
- Brightness Strategy: Adds an extra green emission layer to reach the 600-nit target
- Strengths:
- Naturally top-emission
- Higher aperture ratio
- Improved pixel efficiency and brightness uniformity
LG Display: 5-Stack W-OLED #
- Technology: White OLED (W-OLED)
- Structure: 5-stack luminance-enhanced design
- R&D Direction:
LG is reportedly exploring a transition from its traditional bottom-emission approach to a top-emission structure for this project. - Goal:
Improve brightness, efficiency, and color performance to meet Apple’s desktop requirements.
📅 Timeline and Long-Term Strategy #
- Projected Launch Window:
Development is expected to continue through 2027–2028, indicating that an OLED iMac is still several years away from commercialization. - Preferred End State:
Apple is believed to favor true RGB OLED, where each subpixel emits its own light, for maximum color accuracy and control. - Near-Term Reality:
Initial OLED iMac models are more likely to rely on QD-OLED or W-OLED, with a future transition to RGB OLED once manufacturing yields and cost structures improve at larger panel sizes.
🏁 Summary #
Apple’s OLED iMac project is still in its infancy, but the direction is clear:
- LCD is gradually being phased out
- OLED is the long-term display strategy for Macs
- Samsung and LG are competing with advanced 5-stack OLED solutions
- A commercial product is unlikely before 2027
If successful, an OLED iMac would deliver dramatically improved contrast, better HDR performance, and a more future-proof display foundation for Apple’s desktop ecosystem.