A new supply chain report indicates that Apple has requested a suitable OLED panel sample for an iMac from both Samsung and LG.

The report shows that the company is advancing its plans to launch an OLED iMac, but it seems that this should not be expected to happen anytime soon...

What Has Happened So Far

Apple first adopted OLED technology for the Apple Watch and then continued with the iPhone and iPad. The MacBook Pro is also expected to be the next device as part of a major redesign later this year. However, things are progressing more quietly on the iMac front.

A report published last year indicated that Apple had begun preparations for the launch of an OLED iMac, but the process was still in very early stages.

At this stage, Apple has only requested information from its display partners Samsung and LG on how they will meet the company's specifications.

OLED iMac Screen Samples

ZDNet Korea reports that the process is now moving forward and that Apple has requested a suitable screen sample from both Samsung and LG.

According to industry sources, it appears that Apple has recently asked Samsung Display and LG Display to produce iMac OLED samples.

Expected to Launch in 2029 or 2030

However, the report also states that the new machine or machines will not be released for several years.

Apple plans to implement OLED in the iMac for the first time around 2029-2030.

The long timeline is seen as a result of Apple seeking higher specifications than what is currently available. The company particularly wants to use QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) displays; while these displays have reached a value of 160 PPI so far, Apple is aiming for 220 PPI.

QD-OLED allows screens to be brighter and colors to be more vibrant without needing a color filter.

Samsung is said to be further along in the production of QD-OLED and is likely to be the primary or sole supplier at launch. However, since producing these displays in larger sizes is quite challenging, the first model is expected to be 24 or 27 inches instead of 30-32 inches.

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