Apple could be preparing a major display upgrade for its all-in-one desktop lineup. A new report suggests the company is actively exploring an OLED panel for a future 24-inch iMac, marking what would be a significant shift away from the LCD technology Apple has relied on for its desktops so far. While OLED has already made its way into iPhones and is expected to arrive on MacBook Pro models soon, the iMac has remained untouched by the transition. If the report is accurate, that could change later this decade, potentially changing how Apple positions its mainstream desktop for creators, professionals, and everyday users. However, this information must be taken with a pinch of salt as nothing has been made official yet and the discussions are reportedly in very early stages.
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Apple reportedly planning OLED display for 24-inch iMac
According to a report from MacRumours originally attributed to Korean publication The Elec, Apple has sent requests for information to both Samsung and LG regarding the development of a 24-inch OLED panel designed specifically for the iMac. The goal is reportedly to complete development as early as 2027, although a commercial launch could follow later.
The OLED panel iMac is expected to offer 600 nits of brightness and a pixel density of 218 PPI. If those specifications hold true, the resolution would match the current 24-inch iMac’s 4.5K Retina display, but with a noticeable brightness bump over the existing 500-nit LCD panel. That would put it at par with Apple’s Studio Display in terms of brightness, while offering the inherent benefits of OLED such as deeper blacks, higher contrast, and improved power efficiency.
Studio Display to get an upgrade as well?
Alongside talk of OLED iMacs, a separate report suggests Apple is finally preparing a long-awaited refresh of its Studio Display. According to Macworld, evidence found in legitimate Apple code from an internal pre-release build of iOS 26 points to a new external display identified by the codename “J527.” This codename has previously been linked to a second-generation Studio Display by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, adding weight to the claim that an update is now in the works.
The most notable upgrade mentioned in the code is support for a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz, bringing ProMotion to the Studio Display for the first time. The current model is limited to 60Hz, so this would be a substantial improvement, especially for creators, editors, and users who value smoother scrolling and animations. The code also references support for both SDR and HDR modes, suggesting Apple may move away from the current SDR-only LCD panel.
While Apple has not confirmed the underlying panel technology, the presence of HDR support points towards a Mini-LED display. For context, the existing Studio Display tops out at 600 nits of brightness without HDR, while Apple’s Mini-LED panels on recent MacBook Pro models can hit 1,000 nits sustained brightness and up to 1,600 nits for HDR content.
Another interesting detail is the processor. The new Studio Display is reportedly powered by an A19 chip, an upgrade over the A13 found in the current model. Although the display does not run apps, the chip handles tasks such as webcam image processing and Spatial Audio. The upgraded Studio Display might also launch in 2026.
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Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
