For years, the standard iPhone models have stuck with displays that are limited to 60Hz whereas the Pro models have adaptive refresh rates (ProMotion) technology that can go up to 120Hz. This has been the main differentiation between the non-Pro and Pro models ever since the iPhone 13 models.
That may be about to change next year because it has been rumored again that Apple may finally boost the refresh rates on the displays for the upcoming base iPhone 17 models, including the anticipated, ultra-thin iPhone 17 “Air,” according to Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station.
We expect Apple to standardize the low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) panels across the entire iPhone 17 lineup. Currently, the regular iPhone 16 models use low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) panels that top out at 60Hz, but LTPO panels are far more advanced and efficient as they can range from 1Hz to 120Hz, enabling always-on mode (1Hz) and super smooth motion when scrolling through webpages, swiping through screens, and so on (120Hz).
Currently, the MacBook Pro, the iPad Pro, and the iPhone Pro models feature ProMotion technology that enables this dynamic refresh rate. There’s also another report that Apple may be developing 90Hz displays for future iPad Air, iMac, and Studio Display models. So given that rumor, it may be possible that Apple may instead limit the refresh rate to 90Hz max. for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 “Air.” And it’s also possible that Apple may continue to reserve the Always On mode for the Pro models as well. That way, it would still differentiate those models from the iPhone 17 Pro models, but the difference would still be less drastic and a major improvement overall, especially for a non-Pro iPhone model.
Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025.
