The iPhone 17 is poised to bring a significant display upgrade to Apple’s standard model lineup by finally adopting a 120Hz refresh rate, a feature that has previously been exclusive to the Pro variants. This jump from the traditional 60Hz refresh rate promises smoother animations, more fluid scrolling, and enhanced gaming and video playback experiences for users of the base iPhone 17 model[1][2].
What Is Different About the iPhone 17’s Refresh Rate?
Despite the welcome increase to 120Hz, the standard iPhone 17 will not include Apple’s ProMotion technology — the adaptive refresh rate system that debuted with the iPhone 13 Pro. ProMotion allows the display to dynamically adjust its refresh rate from as low as 1Hz up to 120Hz depending on the content shown on screen. This adaptability not only provides buttery smooth visuals but also significantly improves battery efficiency by reducing power consumption during static or low-motion content[2][3].
In contrast, the standard iPhone 17’s display will feature a fixed 120Hz refresh rate or possibly a limited set of refresh rate steps (such as 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz) without the granular scaling that ProMotion offers. This means while users will enjoy a smoother experience compared to previous models, the display will not intelligently lower its refresh rate to save battery or support advanced features like the always-on display as efficiently as the Pro models[1][2][3].
Underlying Display Technology Differences
The ProMotion adaptive refresh rate is enabled by LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) OLED panels, which allow for this flexible refresh rate scaling. Reports indicate that only the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will continue to use LTPO technology. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 17 Air are expected to use LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon) panels, which support higher refresh rates but lack the power-saving adaptive capabilities of LTPO[2][3].
What This Means for Users
- Smoother Visuals: The fixed 120Hz screen on the standard iPhone 17 will deliver noticeably smoother scrolling, gaming, and video playback compared to the 60Hz displays of previous standard models.
- No Adaptive Power Savings: Without ProMotion, the standard iPhone 17 will not adjust refresh rates dynamically, potentially leading to higher power consumption during static content viewing.
- Always-On Display Limitations: The lack of adaptive refresh rates may limit the effectiveness or availability of always-on display features on the standard model, which rely on low refresh rates to conserve battery[1][3].
Why Has Apple Made This Choice?
Apple has a history of reserving premium features like ProMotion for its Pro models to maintain clear differentiation within its product lineup. While Android competitors have widely adopted adaptive refresh rates across all models, Apple appears to be continuing its strategy of segmenting features to encourage upgrades to higher-end devices[3].
Conclusion
The standard iPhone 17 will finally move beyond the 60Hz refresh rate barrier by adopting a 120Hz display, marking a significant improvement in user experience. However, it will not feature the adaptive ProMotion technology found in the Pro models. This means users will get smoother visuals but without the battery-saving benefits and dynamic refresh rate scaling that make the Pro models stand out. For those prioritizing the full adaptive refresh rate experience, the Pro models remain the better choice[1][2][3]. The iPhone 17 lineup, including the standard and Pro variants, is expected to launch in September 2025.
[1] https://zeerawireless.com/blogs/news/iphone-17-update-8-features-you-should-know-120hz-screen-wireless-future-more
[2] https://www.croma.com/unboxed/iphone-17-to-finally-get-a-120hz-display-but-its-not-promotion
[3] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/03/iphone-17-upgraded-120hz-panel-no-promotion/