According to a new industry report from Korea cited by multiple outlets, Apple has begun discussions with major display suppliers, including Samsung and LG, about developing an OLED panel for the 24-inch iMac.
As noted by MacRumors, this marks the first time Apple has been tied to OLED for its iMac lineup. The move apparently lays the groundwork for a significant upgrade to Apple’s all-in-one desktop computer by moving towards an OLED display.
The current 24-inch iMac uses a traditional LCD with LED backlighting and tops out at about 500 nits of brightness. The OLED panel under discussion could deliver roughly 600 nits or more, offering a noticeable boost in screen brightness over today’s model and approaching the level seen in Apple’s high-end Studio Display.
OLED technology also delivers deeper contrast and richer blacks compared with LCD because each pixel emits its own light rather than relying on a backlight. That difference can make colors appear more vivid and overall visuals more striking for creative work and media viewing.
In addition to better brightness and contrast, OLED displays tend to be more power efficient and have faster response times than LCD panels. These benefits have already been realized in many Apple products such as iPhones, where OLED screens have gradually replaced LCD over the past several years. Apple has also signaled its interest in expanding OLED across its Mac lineup with upcoming MacBook Pro models expected to use this technology starting in 2026.
Industry analysts and display experts say the shift to OLED for a desktop computer comes with technical hurdles. Producing large OLED panels is more complex than manufacturing smaller ones like those used in phones and tablets. Panel makers have to refine manufacturing processes so that bigger screens remain consistent in brightness and lifespan while avoiding issues such as burn in or uneven color.
This is one reason why Apple may be targeting a development completion date around 2027 or even later for a potential OLED iMac.
The move to OLED is part of a broader pattern of Apple refreshing its Mac lineup. The company already released a redesigned iMac with the M4 chip in 2024, and rumors point to further updates across Macs through 2026 and beyond.
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