Vanilla iPhone 17 Expected to Get High Refresh Rate Screen Upgrade

Apple’s ProMotion technology, known for its fast refresh rate displays, has long set the Pro iPhones apart from their standard counterparts. However, a recent supply chain report suggests that this gap may finally close. According to leaked documents, the upcoming iPhone 17 base model could feature ProMotion technology a significant upgrade for Apple’s standard lineup.

ProMotion on Standard iPhones: Closing the Gap

The rumor, which has been circulating for a while, gained traction recently with claims from reliable tipster Digital Chat Station. The tipster suggests that the regular iPhone 17 might support a high refresh rate, bringing the silky-smooth screen experience traditionally reserved for Pro models to the standard iPhone. However, the exact refresh rate of the anticipated iPhone 17 Air or Slim remains unknown.

Currently, Apple’s non-Pro iPhones, including the iPhone 16, cap their displays at a 60Hz refresh rate a limitation that lags behind competitors and feels dated for a premium smartphone. In contrast, Pro models boast a 120Hz LTPO OLED display, delivering superior performance in gaming, scrolling, and overall responsiveness.

Industry Buzz from Korean Sources

Earlier this year, Korean news outlet The Elec reported that Apple is likely to bring a 120Hz LTPO OLED display to the iPhone 17. This rumor was echoed by another Korean publication, ET News, which claimed in November that all iPhone 17 models including the Air and Slim variants would feature LTPO screens.

Why a High Refresh Rate on iPhone 17 Changes Everything?

• The seamless animations and transitions in iOS and the iPhone UI make navigating the interface feel more fluid than on a 60Hz display.
• For enhanced social networking and web browsing experiences, the user interface might have a more responsive feel.
• You may adjust the screen refresh rate on the fly with the LTPO panel. Therefore, the screen would use less power if the displayed material doesn’t need a high refresh rate. Therefore, it is well-known that this technique is more efficient.
• The improved efficiency and fluidity of the experience are in keeping with the high-end reputation that iPhones have. In other words, it has the potential to make the user feel more happy.

Starting with the iPhone 14 Pro and later models, the ProMotion can smoothly transition between a frequency range of 1-120 Hz. The iPhone 17 series might get an identical adaptive refresh rate. In September 2025, Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17 series.