iPhone 17 and 17 Air May Lack ProMotion Despite 120Hz LTPS Panels, Prompting Battery Life and Feature Parity Concerns with Pro Models

Recent leaks have created some buzz regarding Apple’s anticipated ProMotion technology integration in the upcoming iPhone 17 series. While many expected this feature to be a standard across all variants, hints from reliable sources suggest that the base models such as the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air may not include the much-coveted functionality, separating them significantly from their ‘Pro’ counterparts.

Implications of Limited Display Features on iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air

Apple first introduced ProMotion technology in the iPhone 13 Pro lineup, allowing display refresh rates to dynamically adjust based on content. This feature enabled refresh rates as low as 1Hz for static images, significantly enhancing battery efficiency and overall performance. However, this flexibility might not extend to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air models, depending on recent reports.

According to a post by leaker Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo, while the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to sport a display with a 120Hz refresh rate, they will not support ProMotion. The sources referenced claim these models will utilize a standard 120Hz screen without the adaptive refresh feature, likely employing LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon) panels.

This means that the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will have a consistent 120Hz refresh, leading to some concerns regarding battery life. Unlike ProMotion which conservatively uses refresh rates for static content, the absence of variability will result in continuous refresh rates, potentially draining the battery more quickly, even when the displayed content is not changing. Nonetheless, users can expect smoother transitions during animations and scrolling, creating a noticeable upgrade from the previous 60Hz displays found in the iPhone 16 models.

Moreover, the absence of ProMotion technology also means that features like Always-On Display, which allows users to view the lock screen clock, notifications, and widgets at a glance, will be unavailable on these models. In contrast, display analyst Ross Young has claimed that ProMotion technology will be included in the entire iPhone 17 lineup, suggesting that Apple might still equip the base models with the advanced display technology as suppliers increase production of LTPO panels, which are crucial for enabling the adaptive refresh rates.

Despite the conflicting information, optimism remains among fans, with several sources indicating the eventual introduction of ProMotion for the iPhone 17 line. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor this developing situation.

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