Apple may be on the verge of delivering a long-awaited feature that iPhone enthusiasts have been clamoring for years: a high refresh rate display on the standard iPhone 17. According to recent reports from the supply chain, the iPhone 17 could finally feature an upgraded display that brings smoother animations, enhanced responsiveness, and a more fluid viewing experience. This would be a much-needed upgrade over the current 60Hz screens found on non-Pro models, making it more in line with modern flagship smartphones. However, the specifics on whether the iPhone 17 will adopt standard 120Hz high refresh rate screens or retain Apple's exclusive 120Hz ProMotion technology are still unclear.
ProMotion displays, which are capable of adaptive refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, have been a staple of Apple's Pro models since the iPhone 13 Pro. These displays are powered by LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology, which enables the refresh rate to adjust dynamically based on the content being displayed. For instance, while scrolling through a webpage or playing fast-paced games, the display refreshes at 120Hz for a smoother experience, but when the content is static, like when the screen displays an image or a lock screen, the refresh rate drops to conserve battery. This adaptive feature helps deliver an enhanced visual experience while also extending the phone's battery life.
For years, ProMotion technology has remained exclusive to the higher-end Pro and Pro Max models, while the non-Pro models, like the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, have continued to use traditional 60Hz displays, much to the frustration of users. Many iPhone fans had hoped that Apple would extend the ProMotion displays to the non-Pro models, given the increasing competition from other smartphones in the market. Thankfully, with the iPhone 17, that could finally change. While the report doesn't explicitly confirm that ProMotion displays will be included, other credible industry sources, including display analyst Ross Young and ETNews, have suggested that non-Pro models could gain the high refresh rate display. If true, it would represent a significant upgrade, potentially aligning the iPhone 17 with the displays on other flagship phones.
This development could also mean the addition of the highly anticipated Always-On Display feature, which is currently only available on the Pro models. The Always-On Display utilizes the 1Hz refresh rate to show key information on the screen, such as time, notifications, and widgets, while consuming minimal battery power. Users would be able to glance at their phone to check for updates without needing to wake up the screen fully, which is an incredibly convenient feature for many.
Beyond the display improvements, the iPhone 17 is expected to introduce several other exciting upgrades. One of the biggest changes will likely be the introduction of Apple's new A19 chip. Built using a refined version of TSMC’s 3nm process, the A19 chip will bring better overall performance, enhanced energy efficiency, and improved AI capabilities. While the industry is still a few years away from 2nm chips, the A19 will undoubtedly bring a noticeable improvement in speed and efficiency for everyday tasks, gaming, multitasking, and more.
Another anticipated upgrade is the front-facing camera. The iPhone 17 is rumored to debut Apple’s first 24-megapixel selfie camera, which would replace the 12-megapixel lens that has been the standard for iPhones for years. This upgrade would enable sharper and more detailed selfies, enhanced portrait mode shots, and improved low-light performance, which has become a key area of improvement for smartphones across the board.
In addition to these hardware enhancements, Apple may also shake up its iPhone lineup with a new model. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 17 Plus could be replaced by a new device called the iPhone 17 Air. This model would likely feature a slim and lightweight design, prioritizing portability while still maintaining much of the core functionality of the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 Air may make some compromises to achieve its ultra-thin profile, such as sporting a single rear camera instead of the dual or triple camera setups found on other models. Nonetheless, it could appeal to those who prioritize a more compact and portable device, providing a more affordable alternative to the larger Plus model.
As for the iPhone 17 Pro variants, these are expected to continue with the titanium frames introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro models. Titanium provides a lightweight yet highly durable material that not only gives the Pro models a premium feel but also makes them more resistant to scratches, drops, and other types of wear and tear. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro models are likely to feature a narrower Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped cutout that houses the front camera and Face ID technology. This small design tweak would allow for more screen real estate, making the overall display appear larger and more immersive.
In terms of memory, the iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to come with 12GB of RAM, which would provide a significant performance boost compared to previous generations. This additional memory would allow the iPhone 17 Pro to handle resource-intensive tasks such as heavy multitasking, gaming, and running complex applications more smoothly. With more memory, the iPhone 17 Pro would also be better equipped to handle AI-driven features, augmented reality experiences, and other advanced technologies that Apple is likely to roll out in the future.
A key feature that might further improve the durability and performance of the iPhone 17 Pro models is a new display technology called Low-Dielectric TEE (Thin Film Transistor). This technology could enhance both the strength and power efficiency of the display, making it more resilient to damage from drops and scratches. The improved durability would likely complement the titanium frame, contributing to a more robust overall design. Additionally, the power efficiency improvements would result in longer battery life, which is always a welcomed upgrade.
The iPhone 17 lineup looks set to bring a variety of exciting upgrades, from the potential inclusion of ProMotion displays and Always-On Display on the non-Pro models to improved front-facing cameras and faster processors. With the rumored addition of a super-slim iPhone 17 Air, users will have more choices than ever, catering to a wider range of needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a phone with cutting-edge features, a sleek and portable design, or enhanced performance, the iPhone 17 series seems to have something for everyone. If these rumors hold true, the iPhone 17 could become one of the most impressive iPhone upgrades to date, offering a combination of speed, efficiency, display improvements, and durability that will make it a top contender in the smartphone market.
