iPhone 17: All models expected to receive a 120 Hz display 109 comments
Image: Apple
Apple is one of the last manufacturers to rely on a 60 Hz display, even with the current iPhone 16 (review) for €949 RRP. This should change with the new iPhone 17 models: several sources report that not only the slim iPhone 17 should receive a 120 Hz display, but also the regular iPhone 17.
120 Hz IM iPhone 17
Display analyst Ross Young already gave the go-ahead for the rumors in September 2024, shortly after the presentation of the current iPhone models. According to Young, the regular iPhone 17 should finally support the promotion and thus 120 Hz and the display still known since the iPhone 14 Pro (review). A Weibo leak then joined the rumor of a higher refresh rate in late December, as reported by 9to5mac at the time, and South Korea’s ETNews also reported a wide range of LTPO displays in November.
The main feature becomes a PhD.
Now, the leading figure has also joined Bloomberg’s Marc Gurman and confirmed that Apple is indeed upgrading the iPhone’s basic display, thus enabling “smooth scrolling and animations.” Additionally, the rear camera should improve somewhat, but the most significant innovations (including camera-related ones) can be expected in the Pro models as usual. In addition to the A19 chip, the display will likely be the main update for the iPhone 17.
As others have reported, the device is likely to receive minor improvements to its rear camera, as well as a display upgrade, which allows for smoother scrolling and animations. It will also feature the new A19 chip. Bloomberg, March 23, 2025
Air also gets 120 Hz
This year, the new iPhone 17 “Air” is expected to replace the iPhone Plus model, and despite rumors it will be 5.5mm thin. This year, all models in the series will feature 120Hz displays.
Is the display always-on?
However, the question remains whether all models will also be able to access 1Hz mode and thus the Always-On Display (AOD). Promotions can usually dynamically adjust the display from 1Hz to 120Hz, but the iPad Pro (whether OLED or LCD) only turns on at 10Hz. Therefore, the AOD of iPhones is not available here. However, Gurman did not comment on this. iPhone 13 Pro GIF: 10Hz to 120Hz refresh rate (Photo: Apple)
It’s therefore conceivable that all iPhone 17 models will support a 120Hz refresh rate, but ultimately, only the Pro models will offer AOD. Ultimately, however, this remains speculation.
Topic: Smartphones iPhone Source: Bloomberg
Sarah tracks innovations in smartphones, evaluating their performance, design, and key features.
