Apple appears poised to finally bring high-refresh rate screens across its entire iPhone 17 lineup, marking a significant shift in its display strategy. Historically, Apple has restricted its ProMotion technology—its branding for high-refresh rate displays—to the Pro models, while the standard iPhones remained stuck at 60 Hz, even as Android competitors have widely adopted 120 Hz refresh rates across price segments.
ProMotion for All: What It Means for iPhone 17
According to recent reports, all models in the iPhone 17 family, including the standard and Plus variants, will adopt ProMotion displays. This move could bring a smoother and more responsive user experience to Apple’s entire flagship lineup for the first time.
The Big Question: 120 Hz or 90 Hz?
While the Pro models are expected to retain their 120 Hz refresh rate, it’s still unclear whether Apple will offer the same on the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus. Some speculate that Apple might introduce a 90 Hz refresh rate for the non-Pro models to maintain differentiation, but even this would be a welcome upgrade from the current 60 Hz panels.
A Long-Overdue Upgrade
Apple’s conservative approach to adopting high-refresh rate displays on its standard iPhones has often been a point of criticism, especially when Android competitors routinely offer 120 Hz screens on budget and midrange devices. The potential move to ProMotion for the entire iPhone 17 lineup feels overdue, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Why Now?
- Market Pressure: High-refresh rate screens have become a standard feature across the smartphone market.
- User Demand: Smoother scrolling, better gaming, and enhanced overall responsiveness have made high-refresh rates a sought-after feature.
- Future-Proofing: As apps and games increasingly optimize for high-refresh rate displays, sticking to 60 Hz feels outdated for a flagship device.
iPhone SE Remains the Outlier
While the iPhone 17 lineup may embrace ProMotion, reports suggest that the iPhone SE—even the upcoming iPhone SE 4—will stick with a 60 Hz display. This decision aligns with Apple’s positioning of the SE as its most affordable offering, but it further emphasizes the need for the iPhone 16 series, starting at $799, to have kept up with modern display standards.
Looking Ahead: Apple’s Display Evolution
Although the development of the iPhone 17 series is still in its early stages, the inclusion of ProMotion across the lineup could set a new standard for Apple. If the company delivers 120 Hz refresh rates for all models, it would mark a true democratization of the feature. On the other hand, a 90 Hz compromise for the base models would still represent a significant improvement.
Either way, the shift signals Apple’s acknowledgment of the changing expectations in the smartphone market, and the iPhone 17 series could be a turning point in how the company approaches its standard models.