Rumor has it again that the iPhone 17 will finally get a high refresh rate screen
- All four iPhone 17 models could get LTPO screens
- The update is said to mean a 120Hz refresh rate
- An Always-On mode would also be available
We’ll see Apple unveil the iPhone 17 next year – most likely around September – and a new leak suggests that for the first time, all four models in the iPhone range will get the same high refresh rate screens.
This comes from a well-known tipster Digital chat station (via @Jukanlosreve), supporting previous rumors that this upgrade was indeed on its way. The prediction is apparently based on information from Apple’s supply chain.
As our iPhone 16 review and our iPhone 16 Pro review will tell you, the standard and Plus models have 60Hz screens, while the Pro and Pro Max models do up to 120Hz – via a technology Apple calls ProMotion .
Not only does ProMotion increase the maximum refresh rate for smoother gestures and animations, it also enables variable refresh rate – meaning Always-On mode can be enabled for the lock screen without worrying about battery life .
Repeated rumors
Cook has finally shown some mercy. It has been reported through the supply chain that the standard iPhone 17 model will finally support high refresh rate. pic.twitter.com/ojt4L5Q8aEDecember 28, 2024
Rumors of 120Hz displays have been circulating since February, giving us more confidence that this upgrade is indeed on its way. Technically, the display technology in question is called LTPO (low temperature polycrystalline oxide).
With LTPO there would be less difference between the Pro and non-Pro iPhone models, and it would mean the iPhone would catch up to Android phones – the majority of which had long since left 60Hz refresh rates behind .
The Pro models received 120Hz LTPO technology with the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, which launched in 2021. If the upgrade does indeed come with the iPhone 17, then we have been waiting four years for it.
Before the iPhone 17 arrives, we should see the iPhone SE 4 launched by Apple, perhaps around March. While the device is predicted to feature a major redesign that will ditch the Touch ID button, it is unlikely to feature an LTPO display.