FridayOL

The rumour mill is churning with excitement surrounding Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air, and the latest whispers suggest a significant upgrade: a 120Hz display. This would be a welcome addition, offering smoother scrolling and a more responsive user experience. However, a crucial distinction is emerging. While the standard iPhone 17 Air is expected to receive a 120Hz display, it's increasingly likely that it won't feature Apple's proprietary ProMotion technology, a feature exclusive to the iPhone Pro models for now.

What is ProMotion and Why Does It Matter?

ProMotion is Apple's adaptive refresh rate technology. It dynamically adjusts the display's refresh rate – the number of times the screen updates per second – from as low as 10Hz to as high as 120Hz. This isn't just about a higher refresh rate; it's about efficiency and visual quality. When displaying static content like photos or text, ProMotion drops the refresh rate to conserve battery life. When you're gaming or scrolling through a fast-paced feed, it ramps up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth motion. The result is a noticeably more fluid and responsive experience.

The iPhone 17 Air's 120Hz – A Different Approach?

Sources familiar with Apple’s plans indicate that the iPhone 17 Air’s 120Hz display will be a fixed-rate display. This means it will consistently operate at 120Hz, regardless of the content being displayed. While this will still provide a smoother experience compared to the current 60Hz displays, it lacks the adaptive capabilities and battery-saving benefits of ProMotion. This suggests Apple is aiming for a more cost-effective implementation of 120Hz for the standard iPhone models.

Why the Differentiation?

The decision to differentiate between the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro models in terms of display technology likely comes down to cost and market segmentation. ProMotion technology is complex and adds to the overall manufacturing cost of the Pro models. By reserving it for the higher-end devices, Apple can maintain a clear distinction between the standard and Pro lineups, while still offering a significant upgrade to the iPhone 17 Air.

What Can We Expect?

While the absence of ProMotion might disappoint some, a 120Hz display on the iPhone 17 Air is still a major improvement. Expect faster scrolling, smoother animations, and a generally more responsive feel. The iPhone 17 Pro models, on the other hand, will continue to benefit from the adaptive refresh rate and superior visual quality of ProMotion. The key will be seeing how Apple optimizes the fixed-rate 120Hz display on the iPhone 17 Air to ensure a balance between performance and battery life.

As we get closer to the expected launch of the iPhone 17 series, we’ll continue to monitor the latest leaks and rumours. Stay tuned for more updates!