OLED iMac Panel Could Include Extra Layer to Fight Screen Burn-In

LG Display is crafting a five-layer OLED panel that may find its way into an upcoming iMac model, according to The Elec. The additional layer aims to combat screen burn-in and boost brightness, reports The Elec. LG Display currently constructs four-stack OLED panels for high-resolution monitors, organizing the light-emitting layers in a blue-green-blue-red configuration.

The proposed five-stack iteration introduces a third blue layer, yielding a blue-green-blue-red-blue formation. Adding another emitting layer distributes the electrical burden, crucial at high pixel densities where each pixel shrinks, and the emitting portion becomes smaller. Overwhelming a smaller emitter with more current to sustain brightness could shorten panel lifespan and increase image retention.

In 2022, Apple reached out to Samsung Display and LG Display regarding iMac OLED panel development. The desired specifications included a 24-inch panel with 600 nits brightness and 218 pixels per inch. Presently, the 24-inch iMac's LCD panel delivers 500 nits at the same density. LG Display has previously showcased a 27-inch 5K panel at 220 PPI with an RGB stripe subpixel layout, which likely does not align with an iMac design.

However, The Elec interprets it as a benchmark for high-density RGB stripe OLED and LG Display's capacity to manufacture it in large quantities. The challenge lies in cost—more emitting layers entail more organic material and a more intricate deposition process. Despite this, LG Display must meet Apple's brightness and lifespan expectations without compromising yields.

Samsung Display is pursuing QD-OLED for the same purpose. Both companies aim to introduce the first iMac OLED panels by 2028, with a realistic launch expected around 2029. In the meantime, Apple is expected to upgrade its current 24-inch LCD-based iMac with a new processor later this year.