Apple is reportedly collaborating with LG Display to develop a five-layer OLED panel for future iMac models. This advanced design aims to enhance screen brightness and mitigate the risk of burn-in, a common issue with OLED technology.
Traditional OLED panels typically consist of four layers arranged in a blue-green-blue-red sequence. The proposed five-layer structure introduces an additional blue layer, resulting in a blue-green-blue-red-blue configuration. This extra layer helps distribute the electrical load more evenly across the panel, which is particularly beneficial for high-resolution displays where individual pixels are smaller and emit less light. By reducing the current required per pixel, this design not only extends the panel’s lifespan but also decreases the likelihood of image retention.
In 2025, Apple requested information from both Samsung Display and LG Display regarding the development of 24-inch OLED panels for the iMac. The specifications discussed included a brightness of 600 nits and a pixel density of 218 pixels per inch (PPI). For context, the current 24-inch iMac features an LCD display with a brightness of 500 nits and the same PPI.
LG Display has already showcased a 27-inch 5K panel with a 220 PPI and an RGB stripe subpixel layout. While this panel utilizes a four-layer structure and may not be intended for the iMac, it serves as an indicator of LG’s capabilities in producing high-density RGB stripe OLED panels at scale.
However, incorporating a five-layer design presents challenges, particularly in terms of cost. Additional emitting layers require more organic materials and a more complex deposition process, potentially affecting production yields. LG Display is tasked with meeting Apple’s stringent requirements for brightness and panel longevity without compromising manufacturing efficiency.
Both LG Display and Samsung Display are targeting 2028 for the completion of iMac OLED panel development, with a potential product launch anticipated in 2029. In the interim, Apple is expected to refresh its current 24-inch LCD-based iMac with a new processor later this year.
Integrating a five-layer OLED panel into the iMac signifies a significant advancement in display technology, addressing longstanding concerns about OLED durability and performance. If successful, this innovation could set a new standard for desktop displays, offering users enhanced visual quality and reliability.
