Apple may finally extend high-refresh-rate displays to its entire iPhone lineup in 2025, according to recent reports.
The iPhone 17 series is expected to adopt ProMotion displays, marking a significant departure from Apple’s long-standing practice of reserving this feature for its Pro models.
ProMotion, Apple’s proprietary term for high-refresh-rate screens, enables smoother scrolling, enhanced responsiveness, and an overall more fluid user experience.
While Android competitors have introduced 120 Hz refresh rates to budget and midrange devices, Apple has thus far limited this feature to its higher-end Pro models.
The new report suggests that all iPhone 17 models will include a high refresh rate, but it remains unclear whether the standard iPhone 17 will match the 120 Hz refresh rate of the Pro models or settle for 90 Hz. Either way, this represents a significant upgrade from the current 60 Hz displays on non-Pro iPhones.
If this change is implemented, the upcoming iPhone SE, set to launch in 2024, will remain the only new Apple device with a 60 Hz display. This decision may be easier to justify for the SE, given its lower price point.
However, the $799-and-up iPhone 16 models sticking with 60 Hz screens have faced increasing scrutiny, especially as competitors offer higher refresh rates at more accessible price points.
It’s worth noting that Apple is still in the early stages of developing the iPhone 17 series, and details could change before the official launch. However, this isn’t the first time rumors about ProMotion displays for all iPhone models have surfaced, lending credibility to the speculation.
If Apple proceeds with this move, the iPhone 17 lineup will address a long-standing gap in display technology across its product range.
By embracing high-refresh-rate screens for all models, Apple could enhance its non-Pro iPhones’ appeal, catching up with industry standards and meeting consumer expectations for premium display performance.