Apple is planning to upgrade its iMac line with a brighter, more vibrant OLED display. According to reports from The Elec, the tech giant has approached both Samsung Display and LG Display to bid on supplying 24-inch OLED panels for future iMac models. The goal? A screen that hits 600 nits of brightness – a 20% jump from the 500 nits found in today’s iMacs.
Why This Matters: OLED vs. LCD
This move signals Apple’s continued shift toward OLED technology, already present in devices like the Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad. OLED (organic light-emitting diode) offers superior image quality compared to LCD, with deeper blacks and more accurate colors. A “nit” measures screen brightness, where one nit equals one candela per square meter. The upgrade would mean richer visuals for everyday users and professionals alike.
Long Development Timeline
However, the wait for this brighter iMac will be considerable. The Elec estimates that development of the OLED panels won’t be finalized until 2027 or 2028, meaning a product launch will follow sometime after that. Apple has already committed to bringing OLED to the MacBook Pro by 2026, suggesting a wider company-wide push.
Industry and Creator Response
Tech YouTuber Austin Evans, with over 5.7 million subscribers, expressed enthusiasm for the upgrade. He sees the OLED screen as a significant improvement, arguing that the iMac remains a viable option even for demanding users.
“Going OLED would absolutely be an improvement to image quality,” Evans said. “There’s an interesting thread, especially among creators, that the iMac isn’t powerful enough for pro uses, but I have to disagree.”
The iMac, while not the most budget-friendly option, could become an incredibly well-rounded package with the addition of OLED.
In essence, Apple’s OLED iMac is coming, but patience will be key. This upgrade underscores the industry’s drive toward premium display technology, even if it means a prolonged wait for consumers.
