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Rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 are gaining momentum. A particular focus is on whether Apple will also include ProMotion in the lower-priced versions of the new models. Until now, the 120 Hz technology was reserved for the Pro models. While there are now increasing indications of a broader rollout, a new report casts doubt on this. What's the truth behind this information?
ProMotion—a display with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz—has been available in the Pro models of the iPhone since 2021. The technology ensures that content feels smoother while also conserving battery life by automatically adjusting the refresh rate to the displayed content. Many users hope that Apple will also offer this feature in the non-Pro models in the next iPhone generation. However, a recent report from China contradicts this expectation.
What does the new leak claim?
Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital claims that the standard iPhone 17 and the new, ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air will not feature a true ProMotion display. Instead, a standard 120 Hz screen without an adaptive refresh rate is planned. This means a noticeably smoother user experience than with the previous 60 Hz displays, but no automatic adjustment of the refresh rate based on the content. If this information is correct, Apple would continue to use LTPS (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon) panels in the cheaper models – albeit with a fixed 120 Hz. For comparison: The current iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus use 60 Hz LTPS displays. A fixed 120 Hz panel would therefore be a visible upgrade, but would have disadvantages in terms of power consumption. It constantly refreshes quickly – even with static content – and thus consumes more battery. Furthermore, an Always-On Display function would not be possible with a fixed 120 Hz display. This displays the time, widgets or notifications when the screen is locked – a function that is currently only available in Pro models with LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology.
What speaks against the leak?
Despite the leaker's claim, there are several indications that Apple is indeed planning ProMotion for all iPhone 17 models. Reliable display expert Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, stated as early as 2024 that Apple's suppliers were preparing to produce LTPO panels for all iPhone 17 models. These panels are the technical prerequisite for ProMotion and enable a variable refresh rate of 1 to 120 Hz with reduced power consumption. Ross Young's assessment was later confirmed by reports from the South Korean media outlets ETNews and The Elec. Both sources are considered well-connected in the Apple community and have often provided accurate information in the past.
How reliable is Fixed Focus Digital?
Leaker Fixed Focus Digital has a mixed track record. In the past, he was correct about the "iPhone 16E" designation and the new color of the iPhone 16 Pro models, which was launched as Desert Titanium. However, he was also wrong about, for example, the number of color options for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. His current statements regarding the iPhone 17's display technology contradict several independent sources, which makes his prediction questionable.
iPhone 17: Upgrade with limitations or full ProMotion comfort?
If Apple does indeed install a fixed 120 Hz panel without ProMotion in the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air, you'll at least get a significantly smoother display than in previous non-Pro models. However, you'll have to forgo energy efficiency, the Always-On Display, and the finely tuned responsiveness of ProMotion. However, if the reports about the use of LTPO panels in all models are confirmed, Apple would clearly upgrade the entire product line with the iPhone 17.
- For you, that would mean smooth scrolling, lower battery consumption, and a feature that was previously only available on the more expensive Pro devices.
iPhone 17: September 2025 brings the answer
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 in September 2025. Until then, it remains unclear whether ProMotion will actually be included in all models or whether only the Pro models will continue to benefit from it. What is clear, however, is that the technical foundations for a widespread introduction of LTPO and ProMotion appear to be in place. The coming months could reveal whether Apple will truly take this step. (Image: Shutterstock / Rokas Tenys)
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