iPhone 17 & 17 Plus could get feature fans have been waiting years for

Apple might be gearing up to bring solid display upgrades to the standard iPhone 17 and the larger iPhone 17 Plus, according to a report.

The standard iPhones and iPhone Plus models introduced with the iPhone 14 series are particularly popular among consumers. They don’t cost as much as the Pro models but also sacrifice on specs.

The latest iPhone 15 and 15 Plus bring an older chipset, slower Wi-Fi technology, and only a 60Hz display. The iPhone 16 will continue to follow this trend, but the iPhone 17 and 17 Plus might bring the light of change.

According to a supply chain report, Apple might finally upgrade the dated displays on the non-pro iPhones, with iPhone 17 and 17 Plus getting the previously Pro-only Always-On and 120Hz ProMotion screen.

iPhone 17 & 17 Plus to get 120Hz refresh rate

Apple was late to adopt a 120Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 13 Pro phones were the first to get the display tech, and it remains exclusive to Pro models. The non-pro iPhones have to make do with a 60Hz panel.

A faster refresh rate means the display is easier on the eyes because motion looks smoother and pixels update faster. You’ll notice the difference in refresh rates while scrolling through content. A 120Hz refresh rate will be smoother than, let’s say, 60Hz.

Apple

The Elec reports “Apple is likely to apply low-temperature crystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistor (TFT) organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) to all four iPhone 4 series to be released next year.”

LTPO is the tech that enables smartphone displays to ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate. Plus, it’s energy-efficient, so the display can stay always on without draining the battery. According to the publication, China’s BOE is hoping to provide Apple with these new panels.

However, if the manufacturer fails to meet Apple’s quality standards, the Cupertino company may look toward Samsung or LG, which already manufacture panels for Pro iPhones.