In a move that could shake up the smartphone market, Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to bring a major display upgrade to all models. According to recent reports, both the standard iPhone 17 and the rumored "iPhone 17 Air" are expected to feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, a technology previously reserved for the Pro models.
Industry sources cited by South Korea's ETNews suggest that all four iPhone 17 models will be equipped with low-power LTPO displays. This technology enables variable refresh rates, allowing screens to adjust dynamically between 1Hz and 120Hz, depending on the content being displayed.
The introduction of ProMotion across the entire iPhone 17 range would mark a significant shift in Apple's strategy. Since its debut on the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max in 2021, ProMotion has been a distinguishing feature of the higher-end models. Its expansion to the standard and "Air" variants could blur the lines between Pro and non-Pro iPhones.
ProMotion offers several benefits to users. The higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience. Additionally, the ability to lower the refresh rate when displaying static content can lead to improved battery efficiency.
Display industry expert Ross Young has previously hinted at the possibility of ProMotion coming to the entire iPhone 17 lineup. If these rumors prove true, it would represent a substantial upgrade for the non-Pro models, which currently feature 60Hz displays in the iPhone 16 series.
The adoption of LTPO technology across all models also suggests that the iPhone 17 and "iPhone 17 Air" might gain the always-on display feature, currently exclusive to Pro models. However, it remains unclear whether these devices will be able to reduce their refresh rates to 1Hz, which is necessary for the always-on functionality.
Samsung and LG are expected to be the primary suppliers of these advanced LTPO displays for the iPhone 17 series, according to the report.
While these rumors are exciting, it's worth noting that the iPhone 17 series is not expected to launch until September 2025. As with all early reports, details may change as the release date approaches.
In addition to the display upgrades, other rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 series might feature Apple's own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, potentially offering improved wireless connectivity and battery efficiency.
As Apple continues to push the boundaries of smartphone technology, the iPhone 17 lineup is shaping up to be a significant step forward, potentially offering Pro-level display technology across all models.