iPhone 17 display upgrade: Apple enthusiasts eagerly awaiting ProMotion display enhancements to the whole iPhone 17 family might be left disappointed. Although previous rumors indicated a major overhaul for regular models, a fresh rumor suggests that the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will not feature the premium ProMotion tech after all. The discovery puts into question whether Apple will finally close the gap between Pro and regular models on display performance.
120Hz Panels Without Adaptive ProMotion
As per Chinese tipster Fixed Focus Digital, both iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will come with 120Hz screens but not ProMotion. This implies that the screens can potentially support a static 120Hz refresh rate, missing the dynamic flexibility that varies from 1Hz to 120Hz based on usage. Essentially, these could be run-of-the-mill high-refresh-rate screens without the software and hardware subtlety that characterizes ProMotion on Apple’s Pro line.
Conflicting Reports Create Uncertainty
This is contrary to an earlier assertion by DSCC analyst Ross Young, who earlier claimed that Apple would introduce ProMotion on all iPhone 17 models. Various leaks had been espousing this theory, with various suggestions that the long overdue upgrade would be for non-Pro users. However, if the latest report is true, Apple can still reserve adaptive refresh rate and features associated with it, such as always-on display, on its more high-end models.
ProMotion Remains Pro-Only at This Time
Apple first brought ProMotion with the iPhone 13 Pro series, featuring smoother scrolling, more immediate touch experiences, and adaptive battery efficiency. This feature has been exclusive to Pro models ever since. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, released last year, still used OLED displays stuck at 60Hz, and only the Pro and Pro Max received the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
Why ProMotion Matters for Users
The ProMotion screen not only smooths out animations but also saves power in a smart way by reducing the refresh rate for static content. Not only does this enhance visual fluidity during activities such as gaming and web browsing, but it also enhances battery life. Without it, regular models might provide a quicker visual experience with the 120Hz boost, but will still lag in efficiency and responsiveness.
Expected Launch and Chipset Details
Apple is set to release the iPhone 17 series in September. The standard iPhone 17 will reportedly run on the A18 chip, whereas the iPhone 17 Air might sport the latest A19 chip. The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, on the other hand, may arrive with an A19 Pro chip, further solidifying their status as performance heavyweights. If display parity will accompany it, remains to be seen, but as things stand, ProMotion appears to remain a Pro-exclusive feature.