Display analyst Ross Young indicated last September that all models of the iPhone 17 series would feature ProMotion displays, a capability currently exclusive to the Pro variants. This assertion has now been supported by a recent supply-chain report over the weekend.
The newest report is somewhat vague, mentioning only a “high refresh rate,” but it suggests that non-Pro variants will benefit from ProMotion for the first time.
The refresh rate measures how many times per second the display updates, denoted in Hertz (Hz). Current non-Pro iPhone models have displays that refresh at 60Hz, equating to 60 updates per second.
While many modern displays feature higher refresh rates, the more advanced option involves variable refresh-rate (VRR) displays, which can adjust the refresh frequency based on the displayed content. This is achievable through a type of OLED technology called LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide).
Apple brands its variable refresh-rate technology as ProMotion, allowing rates to range from 1Hz to as high as 120Hz. This provides three key advantages:
- 120Hz effectively doubles the frame rate for games and similar applications, enhancing responsiveness.
- Intermediate refresh rates help conserve battery when fewer updates are required.
- The 1Hz setting supports the always-on display feature, consuming minimal power.
Expected to be available across all iPhone 17 models
Ross Young reported that LTPO displays are set to be incorporated into every iPhone 17 model next year, which means both the standard and iPhone 17 Air versions will enjoy this new feature.
Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station—known for accurately predicting features like the telephoto lens for the iPhone 16 Pro and the larger sensor in this year’s main camera—has also confirmed this through their supply-chain contacts.
Analysis of supply chain materials suggests that the standard model of the iPhone 17 series is expected to have a high refresh rate.
This upgrade would be timely, as variable refresh rates are already prevalent on Android smartphones priced lower than the base iPhone models.
Image: Apple
: . More details.
