Will All iPhone 17 Models Finally Feature 120Hz Displays?

The tech world is eagerly waiting for the iPhone 17, and everyone is sure some iPhone 17 models will have 120Hz ProMotion displays, including all but the base model. And in the case of the previous series, like the iPhone 16, only the Pro models adopted this advanced display tech. Extending 120Hz displays to the entire iPhone 17 lineup, including rumored models like the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Slim, could revolutionize user experiences and position Apple more competitively against flagship Android phones that have already adopted such displays. Here, we dive deeper into what this means for Apple and its users.

ProMotion Technology: What It Is and Why It Matters

One key feature of ProMotion tech is that it can push refresh rates to 120Hz, giving you smoother scrolling, more responsive touch interaction, and a better way to watch. ProMotion was introduced to the iPhone 13 Pro and hasn’t traveled to any standard iPhone model since. With reports indicating that the iPhone 17 series may standardize this technology across all models, Apple could be set to redefine user expectations for smooth and fluid smartphone interactions.

LTPO Displays: Enhanced Refresh Rates 

LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) displays are necessary for achieving high smartphone refresh rates while maintaining good battery life. This advanced display technology provides a variable refresh rate, which is adjusted dynamically from 1Hz to 120Hz in response to on-screen activity. Such versatility allows you to effortlessly mix high-refresh-rate tasks like gaming with power-saving modes when gaming on static content.

Industry source Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, agrees the iPhone 17 models will have LTPO displays and predicts a screen size upgrade to the most miniature model. This lets Apple provide an improved experience while maintaining high battery longevity. ETNews in South Korea also said that Samsung and LG will provide these edge displays for the iPhone 17 lineup.

Why LTPO Displays Are a Game-Changer:

• Energy efficiency through adaptive refresh rate.
• Always on display support, as seen in iPhone 14 pro and later models.
• Smaller project files with smoother transitions and interactions for the user.

From 60Hz to 120Hz: What It Means for Users

For years, Apple’s standard models, including those in the iPhone 16 series, were limited to 60Hz displays, providing a less fluid user experience than the Pro models. If we move 120Hz displays across all iPhone 17 models, we will close the gap between standard and premium devices by having a unified, high-quality user experience.

While high-refresh-rate displays are becoming more common in high-end Android phones, this is a significant change. Apple could incorporate 120Hz ProMotion displays on the iPhone 17, covering the entire lineup, and continue to lead in the game by offering more value to users in tasks like gaming, video playback, and multitasking.

Suppliers and Production: A Closer Look

Apple’s strategic partnerships with Samsung and LG are essential to this upgrade. Both companies are leaders in display technology and have extensive experience supplying LTPO OLED panels. Their involvement ensures that the iPhone 17 lineup will benefit from superior display technology and maintain Apple’s strict quality standards.

iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Slim: What to Expect

According to rumors, even these more budget-friendly iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Slim are expected to sport 120Hz ProMotion support. This widespread adoption of high-refresh-rate technology will likely attract a broader user base, making advanced display features more accessible. It would align Apple with other smartphone manufacturers that have delivered 120Hz displays to non-flagship models is accurate.

Challenges and Beyond

While integrating 120Hz refresh rate displays across all models is promising, unavoidable challenges exist. Using LTPO technology comes with increased production costs, which could impact the overall pricing structure of the iPhone 17 series. Apple must also ensure the battery life remains strong despite the enhanced refresh rate capabilities.

Balancing display performance and power consumption is essential. Although LTPO technology and variable refresh rates offer some solutions, Apple’s engineering team must fine-tune the devices to balance high performance and battery efficiency.

Comparison with Previous Models

The awaited upgrades in the iPhone 17 series offer a significant leap over previous models. The table below highlights how the expected iPhone 17 lineup will compare to recent iPhone models:

Comparison of Display Features in Recent iPhone Models:

This comparison highlights the significant advancement in display technology, showing that the iPhone 17 series may bring consistent high-end display quality across all models, not just the Pro versions.

How ProMotion Benefits Users in Real-World Scenarios

A 120Hz ProMotion display isn’t just a luxury it significantly improves the user experience. Here’s how:

• Gaming: The higher refresh rate makes fast-paced games smoother and more visually appealing.

• Video Playback: Content played at higher frame rates appears more fluid and engaging.

• Everyday Use: Scrolling through apps, reading, and swiping feel more natural and less uncomfortable.

Unique Challenges in Implementation

The primary challenge with the widespread adoption of 120Hz refresh rate and LTPO displays lies in balancing display performance and battery life. ProMotion technology can decrease to as low as 1Hz when a high refresh rate isn’t needed, such as when viewing static images or during idle periods. This dynamic shift helps preserve battery life but requires careful calibration to function strongly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ProMotion technology, and how does it improve the user experience?

Promotion of Apple’s technology for high refresh rate displays. It enables smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience on iPhones and iPads. 

2. Will all iPhone 17 models include LTPO displays? 

Yes, industry sources say all iPhone 17 models will sport LTPO displays, which can switch to a variable refresh rate, which can increase battery life.

3. What are the differences between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 16 series?

All iPhone 17 models will feature 120Hz displays, something the 16s series Pro models alone got, making for a more consistent user experience.

4. Which suppliers are involved in the iPhone 17 display production? 

Samsung and LG are reported to supply the LTPO display for the iPhone 17 series, as they manufacture them using their advanced OLED technology.

5. How cool will the 120Hz screen be on the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Slim?

If true, even Apple’s standard and budget models will support 120Hz ProMotion, a massive step forward for Apple’s offerings.

Conclusion: 

• If 120Hz ProMotion displays are the norm, the iPhone 17 series could be the first to establish that precedence.

• This would be a massive step up from previous lineups, bringing more benefits to more users in terms of smoother scrolling, better gaming performance, and more immersive display interactions.

• By pairing with industry leaders like Samsung and LG for LTPO displays and focusing on matching possibly cutting-edge display technology to an equally advanced battery, Apple is ready to advance its offerings.

• If these rumors are to be believed, the iPhone 17 series should not only exceed consumers’ expectations but may even exceed them.

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