Will the iPhone 17 Standard Model Feature a 90Hz Refresh Rate? Apple's New Strategy?

Will the iPhone 17 Standard Model Feature a 90Hz Refresh Rate? Apple's New Strategy?Recent reports suggest that the iPhone 17 series next year will all sport ProMotion displays, meaning they'll support adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. However, some users believe Apple might continue to differentiate the iPhone 17 standard model from the Pro variants

Will the iPhone 17 Standard Model Feature a 90Hz Refresh Rate? Apple's New Strategy?

Recent reports suggest that the iPhone 17 series next year will all sport ProMotion displays, meaning they'll support adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. However, some users believe Apple might continue to differentiate the iPhone 17 standard model from the Pro variants. One way to do this could be by limiting the ProMotion refresh rate on the iPhone 17 standard model to 90Hz. While this possibility wasn't popular before, a recent report is making people reconsider.

According to 9to5Mac, an anonymous source on the Upgrade podcast revealed that Apple is developing a new type of panel called "liquidmotion" with a refresh rate fixed around 90Hz. Apple plans to implement this technology in various products, including future Studio Display, iMac, and iPad Air models. The anonymous source claims that the 90Hz display technology will debut in the next-generation M3 iPad Air in early 2025, followed by its implementation in other products. The 24-inch iMac, just updated with an M4 chip, might have to wait until the end of 2025 to utilize this new technology.

This news inevitably leads to speculation about the iPhone 17 standard model. If Apple truly intends to implement the 90Hz display technology across other products, then the possibility of the iPhone 17 standard model using a 90Hz display becomes undeniable. Given that the 90Hz display technology has a lower cost and is relatively mature, it might be a strategic move for Apple to balance cost and user experience.

Of course, the accuracy of this anonymous source remains unconfirmed, requiring concrete evidence to support the claims. Nevertheless, the fact that Apple is exploring 90Hz display technology creates new uncertainty surrounding the screen specifications of the iPhone 17 standard model.

On one hand, a 90Hz refresh rate provides a smoother visual experience than 60Hz, offering a noticeable improvement for daily use, especially for light gaming enthusiasts. On the other hand, compared to a 120Hz refresh rate, 90Hz offers better power consumption control, extending the phone's battery life.

For Apple, utilizing a 90Hz display screen could help reduce production costs for the iPhone 17 standard model while maintaining a technological gap between it and the Pro models. This would allow Apple to preserve the uniqueness and high-end positioning of the Pro variants.

However, for consumers, if the iPhone 17 standard model truly adopts a 90Hz display, it might cause some controversy. Some users might feel that 90Hz isn't enough to meet their needs, particularly those seeking an ultra-smooth experience.

Ultimately, whether or not the iPhone 17 standard model will feature a 90Hz display remains to be seen until we hear official news from Apple.

This news sheds light on Apple's latest thinking and direction in display technology. Apple has always been known for its leading display technologies, and this exploration of 90Hz refresh rates might suggest that the company is searching for a more balanced display technology solution to better cater to the needs of diverse users.

As Apple continues innovating, the future of display technology in smartphones will become more diverse, focusing on energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Behind the balanced experience offered by 90Hz refresh rates lies Apple's reflection and exploration of the future direction of display technology development.