Apple may be working on new display technology that could bring smoother visuals to several of its popular devices. According to recent rumors, the tech giant is developing 90Hz displays for future versions of the iPad Air, Studio Display, and 24-inch iMac.
An anonymous source shared this information with the hosts of the Upgrade podcast, sparking excitement among Apple enthusiasts. The source claims that Apple is creating "a higher refresh rate LCD display with a new liquid motion panel fixed at around 90Hz."
If true, this would mark a significant improvement over the current 60Hz refresh rates found in these devices. A higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling, more responsive touch input, and an overall more fluid user experience.
The rumor suggests that the new display technology will debut in the next-generation M3 iPad Air, expected to launch in early 2025. Following this, Apple plans to expand the technology to other products, including the 24-inch iMac and Studio Display.
For the Studio Display, this potential upgrade is particularly noteworthy. The monitor has not received any hardware updates since its release in March 2022, and many users have been hoping for improvements. While previous speculation about mini-LED technology and ProMotion support for the Studio Display hasn't materialized, this 90Hz upgrade could breathe new life into the product.
The 24-inch iMac, which recently received an M4 chip update, might not see this display improvement until late 2025 at the earliest. This timeline suggests a gradual rollout of the new technology across Apple's product lineup.
It's worth noting that while a 90Hz refresh rate would be an improvement, it falls short of the 120Hz ProMotion displays found in high-end devices like the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro. However, it could represent a middle ground that balances performance and cost for these mid-range products.
As with all rumors, it's important to approach this information with caution. Apple has not officially confirmed any plans for 90Hz displays in these products. However, given the company's history of display innovations, such an upgrade wouldn't be surprising.
For now, Apple fans will have to wait and see if these rumors come to fruition. If they do, users of the iPad Air, Studio Display, and iMac could be in for a smoother, more responsive visual experience in the coming years.