Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series, expected to launch in 2025, is rumored to bring 120Hz ProMotion displays to all four models, including a new, potentially named “iPhone 17 Air.” According to industry sources referenced by South Korea’s ETNews, Apple plans to equip all iPhone 17 models with low-power LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) display technology, an upgrade expected to deliver improved battery efficiency alongside high-performance visuals.
What is LTPO, and Why Does it Matter?
LTPO is a display technology designed for OLED screens that allows for a variable refresh rate, which conserves battery life. Currently, the ProMotion feature—only available on Pro models since the iPhone 13 Pro—allows a dynamic refresh rate that can range up to 120Hz. This enhances visual smoothness, making scrolling and video playback appear exceptionally fluid. LTPO’s efficient refresh rate scaling helps manage power consumption by dynamically adjusting the screen’s rate according to activity. When high performance isn’t needed, the display scales down, conserving energy.
How ProMotion Could Change the iPhone Experience
Expanding ProMotion technology to the full iPhone 17 lineup would be a major shift from Apple’s previous model approach, which limited this feature to Pro versions. Current iPhone Pro models can decrease their refresh rates to as low as 1Hz (on the iPhone 14 Pro through iPhone 16 Pro), making features like the always-on display more battery-efficient. However, it remains unclear whether the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will achieve the same 1Hz minimum or follow earlier models, which could scale down only to 10Hz.
Apple’s major display partners, Samsung and LG, are set to supply these advanced LTPO panels, further enhancing Apple’s premium smartphone lineup.
iPhone 17 ProMotion: A Notable Upgrade for All Models
Currently, standard models such as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus still operate with traditional 60Hz displays, a limitation that ProMotion addresses by enabling smoother interactions and power-efficient visuals. Display Supply Chain Consultants CEO Ross Young has noted that this rumored addition of ProMotion to the entire iPhone 17 series aligns with multiple industry speculations and further solidifies the possibility.
With the anticipated September 2025 release, Apple’s adoption of ProMotion across all models could redefine display standards for the iPhone lineup.
