The launches of iOS 18 and iPadOS have faced significant challenges. For instance, users found that upgrading older iPhones to iOS 18 led to decreased performance. In addition, Apple had to pause the distribution of iPadOS 18 due to reports of it causing some Apple M4-based iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 13 devices to become inoperable.
Performance Issues and Claims
Further reports indicated that iOS 18 restricts the refresh rate on iPhones with ProMotion technology to 80 Hz during scrolling. This information appears to have originated from Ice Universe, who shared evidence that their iPhone 16 Pro Max (currently priced at $1,199.99 on Amazon) was "always locked at 80Hz" while scrolling on Weibo. Given Ice Universe’s standing in the tech community, their assertions have been largely accepted without thorough investigation.
On one side, there is no evidence to confirm that the application used to measure the refresh rate is reliable. Additionally, other users have shown that their iPhones, capable of 120 Hz, can indeed reach that refresh rate while scrolling. However, it has been observed that quickly swiping in certain applications can trigger the display’s variable refresh rate feature, limiting it to 80 Hz.
Historical Context of the Issue
Interestingly, the 80 Hz issue on 120 Hz capable iPhones predates both the release of iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 series. A quick search reveals that early adopters of the iPhone 13 Pro Max were voicing similar concerns back in October 2021. Similarly, YouTuber Golden Reviewer also expressed dissatisfaction in a video from that time titled "120Hz ProMotion is Bugged on iPhone." Essentially, it seems that a well-followed account is now drawing attention to a problem that may have been present since Apple introduced ProMotion displays with the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max over three years ago.
Sources include @UniverseIce, @BrightMinho, @ianzelbo, @vvaiibhav, MacRumors Forums, and Golden Reviewer.
