Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will in all probability obtain important show upgrades, however current leaks recommend the enhancements is probably not as complete as initially hoped. Whereas a number of sources have indicated the non-Professional fashions will lastly get excessive refresh charge screens, a conflicting report now questions whether or not these will embrace Apple’s full ProMotion know-how.
In different phrases, base iPhone 17 and super-thin iPhone 17 Air might lack what makes ProMotion what it’s.
iPhone 17 and 17 Air might lack ProMotion show options
For years, Apple reserved its ProMotion shows completely for Professional mannequin iPhones, leaving commonplace fashions with conventional 60Hz screens. This created a noticeable distinction in smoothness when scrolling via apps, enjoying video games or navigating the interface. Show analyst Ross Younger, recognized for his dependable business insights, recommended that Apple would broaden ProMotion throughout the whole iPhone 17 lineup for the primary time. And it turned virtually a consensus amongst rumor-mongers.
Nonetheless, current claims from Chinese language leaker Fastened Focus Digital launched some uncertainty in regards to the predictions. The leaker means that whereas the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will certainly obtain 120Hz shows, they are going to be commonplace excessive refresh charge screens slightly than true ProMotion panels with adaptive refresh capabilities.
Understanding the technical distinction
The excellence between commonplace 120Hz and ProMotion know-how is extra important than it’d initially seem. Each present smoother visible experiences in comparison with conventional 60Hz shows, notably noticeable throughout scrolling and gaming. Nonetheless, ProMotion’s key benefit lies in its variable refresh charge functionality.
ProMotion shows can dynamically regulate their refresh charge anyplace from 1Hz to 120Hz relying on the content material being displayed and consumer interplay. When viewing static photographs or studying textual content, the display screen can decelerate to preserve battery life. Throughout gaming or video playback, it ramps as much as ship most smoothness.
A set 120Hz show, against this, maintains its excessive refresh charge continuously, which might influence battery efficiency. Customers would nonetheless expertise improved visible fluidity, however probably at the price of shorter battery life in comparison with ProMotion’s clever energy administration.
Lacking options with out full ProMotion

Picture: Apple
And the implications lengthen past battery effectivity. ProMotion’s means to drop to 1Hz refresh charges permits a number of options that wouldn’t be potential with fastened 120Hz shows. Most notably, the always-on show performance that reveals the lock display screen, notifications and widgets even when the telephone seems to be sleeping depends on this ultra-low refresh functionality.
Equally, StandBy mode, which turns the iPhone right into a bedside clock or data show, depends upon ProMotion’s power-efficient low refresh charges to stay usable with out quickly draining the battery.
iPhone 17 and 17 Air might lack ProMotion show options: Weighing the proof
The credibility of those conflicting reviews varies considerably. Ross Younger has established a robust monitor report for accuracy relating to show business developments. Fastened Focus Digital presents a extra combined historical past of predictions. The Chinese language leaker has made some correct calls, together with accurately predicting sure iPhone 16 particulars. However they’ve made incorrect claims about different Apple merchandise.
Trade provide chain reviews from South Korean sources have supported Younger’s unique claims, suggesting that Apple’s suppliers are certainly growing manufacturing of LTPO panels that allow ProMotion performance throughout the iPhone 17 vary.
If Apple does implement commonplace 120Hz shows as an alternative of full ProMotion, it might characterize a compromise. The corporate would deal with criticism about lagging behind Android rivals in refresh charge capabilities whereas sustaining clear differentiation between Professional and commonplace fashions. This technique would additionally assist Apple handle prices whereas nonetheless delivering a significant improve to customers.
The iPhone 17 lineup is anticipated to launch in September, when these show questions will lastly be resolved definitively.