The first wave of larger computing products from Apple to feature an OLED will launch next year, when the company announces the M6 MacBook Pro series, followed by the iPad mini 8. The 24-inch iMac, which has shipped with an IPS LCD panel for years, could receive a much-needed upgrade to OLED as the technology giant has reportedly started development of the new display. The improved panel is said to feature a higher brightness level than the standard LCD variant, but the pixel density is said to remain the same.
Display specifications of the iMac OLED have apparently been finalized because Apple sent both LG and Samsung a Request for Information (RFI)
Samsung and LG are seasoned manufacturers of OLED technology, and according to The Elec, Apple has sent both manufacturers a Request for Information (RFI). An RFI is a document sent from a manufacturer, which, in this case, is Apple, to a component supplier after that part’s specifications have been finalized. After this stage, the Cupertino firm can send another document called Request for Quotation (RFQ).
The RFI stage is used to inquire about technical information necessary for product development, but The Elec reports that the iMac OLED specifications are yet to be finalized. Based on the latest information, Apple has requested a 24-inch display with 600 nits of brightness and 281 PPI (Pixels Per Inch). These specifications are only slightly improved compared to the LCD iMac, which sports a 500 nits brightness level and the same PPI count.
Both Samsung and LG are reportedly planning to respond to the iMac OLED’s development with larger panels that do not use FMMs, or Fine Metal Masks. Apple is said to be leaning more towards RGB OLED since this technology implements light and color at the RGB sub-pixel level. The only problem is that RGB OLEDs in the 20-30-inch display sizes have yet to be developed, as these are mainly reserved for smaller products.
So far, the largest OLED product from Apple’s side that is yet to launch is the M6 MacBook Pro family, so it should be unsurprising that it’ll take the company a few years to introduce an iMac with a display upgrade. According to the report, development of the OLED panel is slated to finish by 2027 or 2028, with a release scheduled to happen much later. In between this time, we should expect an iMac Pro to materialize, possibly with a mini-LED screen, as the powerful ‘All In One’ workstation is said to be tested with an M5 Max.
News Source: The Elec
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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