Vanilla iPhone 17 May Finally Get a High Refresh Rate Display

Apple has long reserved high-refresh-rate screens, branded as “ProMotion,” for its Pro smartphone models. Meanwhile, Android competitors have been offering 120Hz refresh rates even on budget and midrange devices for years.

However, according to a report from notable Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, Apple may finally bring ProMotion displays to the entire iPhone 17 lineup next year, signaling a long-awaited upgrade for non-Pro models.

ProMotion, Apple’s term for high-refresh rate technology, brings smoother animations and improved responsiveness. It is unclear whether the standard iPhone 17 will get a 120Hz refresh rate like the Pro models, or if it will be limited to 90Hz. Either way, it would be a welcome upgrade from the 60Hz displays currently used on non-Pro iPhones.

If this change materializes, the iPhone SE 4 will remain the only new iPhone model with a 60Hz display, which makes sense given its status as Apple’s most affordable model. This would be in contrast to the $799 iPhone 16 series, which currently uses the same outdated 60Hz display technology despite its higher price.

While details remain uncertain as the iPhone 17 is still in the early stages of development, Digital Chat Station’s report aligns with earlier rumors that Apple plans to expand ProMotion across the entire lineup. If true, this would finally bring Apple’s standard iPhones closer to the display standards set by the competition, offering users a smoother and more modern experience.