In a notable development, Apple is said to be moving away from 60Hz displays in its upcoming iPhone 17 series. Industry expert Ross Young (his tweet has since been deleted) claims that both the standard iPhone 17 and the new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air will come equipped with 120Hz high refresh rate displays. This decision signifies a significant change as Apple transitions its entire iPhone range into the high refresh rate domain, a feature previously exclusive to Pro models.
Apple’s Standard iPhones Embrace 120Hz Displays
At present, the standard models from Apple operate on a 60Hz refresh rate, while only the Pro variants boast the 120Hz ProMotion display, which can adjust its refresh rate down to as low as 1Hz. With the introduction of the iPhone 17 series, both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to utilize LTPO OLED panels. These panels provide variable refresh rates and enhanced battery efficiency, and they are anticipated to be supplied by BOE, a Chinese display manufacturer.
Changes in the iPhone Lineup
Along with the display advancements, the iPhone 17 series will also undergo a lineup transformation. The Plus model, which has struggled with sales, will be replaced by the iPhone 17 Air. This new Air model is predicted to start at a price point similar to the iPhone 15 Plus, around $899, and will focus on a new, ultra-slim design.
The iPhone 17 Air is designed not as a flagship but as a fashionable alternative that sits between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro models. It aims to attract users who value style without requiring the advanced features found in the Pro versions.
Further Upgrades for the Pro Models
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are rumored to undergo additional display enhancements. There are speculations about the inclusion of an under-display Face ID system, which would minimize the front camera cutout size, mirroring features found in premium Android devices.
The iPhone 17 series is expected to launch in late 2025, continuing Apple's pattern of gradual yet significant upgrades across its range of devices.
