Apple’s ProMotion technology, known for its adaptive refresh rate that dynamically adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz, has been a hallmark feature of the iPhone Pro lineup since its debut on the iPhone 13 Pro in 2021. This technology enhances user experience by providing smoother scrolling, better gaming visuals, and improved battery efficiency through variable refresh rates.

Current Status of ProMotion on iPhones

Until now, ProMotion has been exclusive to the Pro models, such as the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro, while the standard and Plus models have been limited to fixed refresh rates of 60Hz. This exclusivity has been a key differentiator between the Pro and non-Pro iPhones, maintaining a clear product hierarchy.

Rumors and Reports on iPhone 17 ProMotion Support

There is a mix of conflicting reports about whether all iPhone 17 models will support ProMotion:

• Some sources, including supply chain insiders and leaks reported by 9to5Mac and 9to5Google, suggest that Apple plans to expand ProMotion support to the entire iPhone 17 lineup. This would mean that even the base and iPhone 17 Air models could feature LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) displays capable of adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, significantly improving smoothness and battery efficiency.

• However, a leaker with a mixed track record, Fixed Focus Digital, disputes these claims, stating that the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will have high-refresh-rate displays but not true ProMotion. According to this view, these models might have fixed 120Hz screens without the adaptive refresh rate capability, which would still provide smoother visuals than 60Hz but at a potential cost to battery life[1][2].

• Another perspective suggests that while the Pro models will retain full ProMotion with dynamic refresh rates up to 120Hz, the standard iPhone 17 models might be capped at a fixed or lower variable refresh rate, such as 90Hz, marking a middle ground between the 60Hz of previous base models and the 120Hz of Pro models[3].

What Would ProMotion Mean for All iPhone 17 Users?

If Apple indeed brings ProMotion to all iPhone 17 models, the benefits would include:

• Smoother User Interface: Scrolling, animations, and transitions would feel more fluid across the entire lineup.
• Enhanced Gaming and Media Experience: Higher refresh rates reduce motion blur and improve responsiveness.
• Better Battery Efficiency: Thanks to LTPO technology, the display can lower its refresh rate when static content is displayed, conserving power.
• Always-On Features: Improved power efficiency supports always-on display functions with minimal battery impact.

Conclusion

While there is no official confirmation from Apple yet, the prevailing trend and several credible reports indicate that the iPhone 17 series may indeed expand ProMotion support beyond the Pro models, potentially making it a standard feature across all variants. However, some uncertainty remains about whether the non-Pro models will have the full adaptive refresh rate experience or a more limited fixed high refresh rate.

Apple’s decision will likely balance enhancing the user experience with maintaining product differentiation between the Pro and base models. The iPhone 17 unveiling, expected in September 2025, should clarify these details definitively.

[1] https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/06/03/iphone-17-will-not-get-a-promotion-display-new-conflicting-rumor-claims
[2] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/03/iphone-17-promotion-rumors-disputed/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1k48t8s/iphone_17_promotion/