Apple is planning the biggest update for the iPhone 17 series to bridge the gap between standard and Pro models. The much talked about change is going to be an upgrade on the standard iPhone 17 model to further close the gap with Pro models in terms of display. This could be the biggest change for the company.
Rumored Display Upgrades for the iPhone 17
Traditionally, Apple’s regular -model iPhones have always been behind the Pro versions in terms of display specs. A good example is that while the new iPhone 16 series has design changes in the form of a vertical camera module, it still has a 60Hz refresh rate display. But one rumor says the iPhone 17 will have a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate.
A Weibo-based leaker, Digital Chat Station, says Apple might include ProMotion in the iPhone 17. This would be the first time Apple puts higher refresh rate displays in their base models, making the iPhone 17 a bit more competitive against the market.
ProMotion for Standard Models
The company’s ProMotion technology, limited to Pro models of iPhones, iPads and MacBooks, allows for a 120Hz refresh rate display for smoother scrolling and nicer visuals. Although this leaker didn’t confirm if it’s 90Hz or 120Hz panel, there have been hints from industry analysts – including Young himself – that maybe the whole iPhone 17 series has ProMotion.
And they will also switch from LTPS to LTPO panels for all iPhone 17 models. LTPO screens can support 120Hz refresh rate and has a dynamic adjustment that can reduce the display refresh rate down to 1Hz if needed.
Always-On Display and Other Benefits
LTPO displays could also bring Always-On Display to standard model iPhones 17. Until now only on Pro phones this lets you quickly glance at time, notifications or other important info without waking the device entirely. LTPO displays also support variable refresh rate features like the StandBy feature that improves the user experience.
This would also make standard iPhone 17 models more attractive to consumers and close the display gap that has been there between base and Pro models for too long.
Price
Add these to the standard iPhone 17 lineup and the question is, will the prices change? Apple uses the display as a differentiator between its base and Pro models. Close that gap and Apple may raise the price of the base iPhone 17 to match those capabilities.
But it may want to further differentiate the Pros with higher refresh rates like 144Hz. That would keep a fine line of distinction between the products while offering big upgrades all around.
Conclusion:
The big moves are the ProMotion tech and Always-On Display that might be coming to the iPhone 17. Changes that will make standard phones more competitive may finally happen and this will be big for prices.
Apple is still on the path of innovation so we’ll see how this will affect consumer behavior and market dynamics. For now, iPhone 17 looks good, premium features coming to the masses.
