iPhone 17 series to get long-awaited display upgrade, report says
Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR A new report claims that all iPhone models in 2025 could feature LTPO panels. If the non-Pro models feature LTPO panels, they could also benefit from a 120Hz refresh rate. This year’s iPhones will likely stick with standard 60Hz displays. Apple’s standard iPhones, unlike their more expensive “Pro” counterparts, […]
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR
- A new report claims that all iPhone models in 2025 could feature LTPO panels.
- If the non-Pro models feature LTPO panels, they could also benefit from a 120Hz refresh rate.
- This year’s iPhones will likely stick with standard 60Hz displays.
Apple’s standard iPhones, unlike their more expensive “Pro” counterparts, have stubbornly clung to traditional 60Hz displays, while the rest of the smartphone world has adopted smoother, higher refresh rates. However, a new report suggests that Apple might finally be ready to make the move, just not as soon as some might have hoped.
According to The Elect, Apple is likely to equip all four models of the iPhone 17 series with LTPO OLED panels. This change from the current LTPS technology used in non-Pro models would pave the way for ProMotion – Apple’s name for the 120Hz variable refresh rate technology exclusive to iPhone Pro models since its introduction in 2021 .
As for why, an industry source cited in the report highlights the need for differentiation:
Since the product change between last year’s iPhone 15 and this year’s iPhone 16 series is small, the iPhone 17 series needs to differentiate itself by applying LTPO to the lower range.
This move to LTPO panels (and therefore ProMotion) is important for several reasons. ProMotion on current-generation iPhones allows their screen to dynamically adjust its refresh rate between 120Hz and 1Hz to save battery life. This flexibility results in smoother visuals and animations when needed, while also optimizing battery life when displaying static content.
That’s why the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro models have always-on screens, showing the clock, widgets, and notifications even when locked. The potential addition of this feature to the entire iPhone 17 lineup is another exciting prospect for users.
The report also mentions that Chinese supplier BOE is trying to supply Apple with the LTPO panels needed for the iPhone 17 series. If BOE fails, the report suggests that Apple could turn to established suppliers like Samsung and LG Display to ensure the upgrade. implementation of the LTPO, which means it’s unlikely we’ll have to wait another year for ProMotion on all iPhones.
While this news is promising for those who yearn for high refresh rate displays across the entire iPhone lineup (me, me, me), it also means that the iPhone 16 series will likely continue the trend of offer standard screens at 60 Hz on non-connected devices. Professional models.
