Apple is set to continue using 60 Hz displays for its standard iPhone models until the iPhone 17’s launch. The current iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models are equipped with 60 Hz LTPS OLED panels, which do not support the always-on display (AOD) function, now commonly found in many Android smartphones, including those in the mid-range segment.
The status quo on Apple’s display technology is expected to be maintained with the release of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models as well. These devices are reported to feature the same type of displays as their predecessors, without any major changes to refresh rates or panel technology. This move places Apple’s non-Pro models behind the curve when it comes to display refresh rates compared to many Android devices, which have pushed beyond the 60 Hz threshold even in less expensive models.
However, there is a significant upgrade on the horizon, as Apple plans to introduce 120 Hz ProMotion technology to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus, aligning the entire iPhone 17 line with the higher refresh rates. This implementation has been rumored for some time and was also highlighted by Ross Young from Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), suggesting a broad consistency in the iPhone’s display roadmap.
In addition to the refresh rate enhancement, Apple is believed to be planning to distinguish its more premium models, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, by integrating new technology such as under-panel Face ID. Transitioning to this technology would streamline the design and potentially allow for a more expansive display area.
These upgrades, which are slated to occur in the second half of 2025, mark a significant step in Apple’s iPhone evolution. While there is a gap between the available technology in current mid-range smartphones and Apple’s non-Pro iPhones, the reported changes indicate that Apple is moving towards a more uniform and advanced display experience across its product lineup.
Eager tech enthusiasts and potential iPhone users will have to wait for the iPhone 16 series to see if it will indeed retain the current display features, but anticipation is building for what lies ahead with the iPhone 17 series’ promised display advancements.
