Rumors are swirling around the anticipated iPhone 17 series, with expectations of major upgrades to display technology across all models. According to leaker Digital Chat Station, information suggests the upcoming devices will feature screens boasting refresh rates exceeding the current standard of 60 Hz. This assertion, shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, hints at significant improvements for Apple’s most budget-friendly offerings, which have traditionally lagged behind competitors in this aspect.
This leap to higher refresh rates is particularly exciting, as it suggests the company might finally cater to the consumer demand for smoother visuals and enhanced performance. While the leaker did not specify the exact refresh rate figures, industry insiders speculate it could reach up to 120 Hz, mimicking the Pro models equipped with ProMotion technology since 2021. There is, albeit slim, the possibility Apple may limit the refresh rate for lower-priced models to around 90 Hz, presenting users with the option to select preferences through settings.
The expected iPhone 17 series is set to launch sometime in September 2025, and it is expected to feature three iterations: the standard iPhone 17, the Pro, and the newly introduced ultrathin version potentially dubbed the "Air" or "Slim." Digital Chat Station's insights indicate the standard models will finally catch up with advances long enjoyed by the more premium versions.
Refresh rate is not just technical jargon; it is integral to enhancing the user experience. When we talk about refresh rates, we refer to the number of times the screen updates per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher rate means smoother video playback, snappier animations, and less visual lag during gaming. While the majority of entry-level smartphones and conventional devices stick to 60 Hz, the trend is changing rapidly. For example, devices like the Samsung Galaxy A04s and Moto E22s have already embraced refresh rates of 90 Hz, spotlighting Apple's old-school approach since the basic iPhone models have remained capped at 60 Hz.
The introduction of 120 Hz refresh rates isn’t new for Apple, as the iPhone 13 Pro models were the first to create this buzz when they launched back in 2021. Yet since then, consumers have raised eyebrows at Apple’s reluctance to expand such technology to more affordable devices. Ross Young, another credible analyst, echoed the sentiment earlier this year when he stated, "The basic iPhone 17 will finally receive this feature." His prediction aligns with the general expectation among fans and tech enthusiasts alike, hoping for improved technology across the board.
The push toward higher refresh rates stems from prevailing consumer desires for superior performance, particularly as mobile gaming and video consumption rise. A display's refresh rate can significantly influence how eye-catching content appears and how responsive touch interactions feel. While Apple has dominated the premium price bracket edge with its Pro devices, it's easy to understand why customers express frustration over the basic iPhone’s limitations.
To date, only the Pro variants have flaunted the Apple-exclusive ProMotion screen technology, which permits displays to dynamically stretch from 1 Hz to the maximum refresh rates of 120 Hz based on user interaction and content type. This leaves many wondering whether Apple will finally revise its stringent display policies to coincide with readily available competitive alternatives.
Such shifts would mark substantial changes for users and competitors. If the iPhone 17's standard display opts for ProMotion as touted, it could lead to notable enhancements, helping Apple regain its edge against rivals. Phones with higher refresh rates have become mainstream, and the pressure is palpable among manufacturers to innovate.
Apple’s commitment to providing customers with flagship experiences is being tested, especially as consumers become increasingly educated about specifications. The public’s growing fondness for smartphones equipped with high refresh rates speaks to this. After years of living with displays stuck at 60 Hz, there’s real anticipation surrounding the standard iPhone models finally featuring cutting-edge technology, leaving many asking: Is it about time Apple caught up?
With confirmed rumors about the edge technology arriving alongside other expected features, consumers are poised on the edge of their seats awaiting more details surrounding the iPhone 17’s release. If the predictions surrounding refresh rates materialize, Apple might successfully bridge the gap between its flagship and entry-level offerings, driving home the importance of technology even for budget-friendly alternatives.
Looking forward to September 2025, as anticipation builds, it is worth keeping tabs on how these developments play out. Consumers now hold the power to determine whether Apple will maintain its reputation for innovation or lean toward stagnation amid growing competition.