Apple recently introduced the iPhone 16 series, which, while packed with improvements, largely retains the design language of its predecessor. One of the most noticeable changes is the increase in size, allowing for a larger display. Now, as we look ahead to next year’s iPhone 17 series, rumors suggest that both the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Air will come equipped with 120Hz ProMotion displays, a significant upgrade aimed at closing the gap between the standard and Pro models.
iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air to Bring 120Hz ProMotion Displays
Currently, the iPhone 16 starts at $799, and in this price range, many Android competitors offer a 120Hz refresh rate display. Unfortunately, the iPhone 16 still features a 60Hz display, which feels outdated in comparison. However, Apple has traditionally been slow in introducing its premium features to the standard models, as it wants to maintain a distinct difference from its Pro versions. Now, it looks like the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will finally offer a smoother display experience, thanks to the addition of ProMotion.
The report comes from renowned display analyst Ross Young of DSCC, who shared the information with MacRumors. According to Young, both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will be equipped with Apple’s 120Hz ProMotion technology, providing smoother scrolling, enhanced video playback, and more responsive performance across the board.
ProMotion to Improve Battery Life with Always-On Display
Aside from offering a much smoother user experience, the ProMotion technology on the iPhone 17 lineup could also allow for the introduction of Always-On Display. With this feature, the refresh rate can dynamically drop as low as 1Hz when the phone is idle, helping to conserve battery life by only drawing higher power when needed. However, it remains to be seen whether Apple will introduce a fully variable refresh rate that dips to 1Hz, as previous Pro models were limited to a 10Hz minimum.
Standard iPhone Models Still Lag Behind in Display Features
Currently, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models are limited to 60Hz panels, a shortcoming that has impacted their appeal. The introduction of ProMotion on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air models could significantly reduce the gap between the standard and Pro lines. However, the big question now is whether Apple plans to push the Pro models even further by increasing their refresh rate from 120Hz to a rumored 240Hz in next year’s lineup.
With the iPhone 17 expected to debut in September next year, we’ll have to wait to see what other advancements Apple has in store. Do you think Apple will make the leap to a 240Hz display for its Pro models? Let us know your thoughts.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 2nd October 2024