iPhone 17 ProMotion Dreams Dashed? Leaker Says "Not So Fast!"

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air ProMotion Rumors Disputed by Leaker

The rumor mill surrounding Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is churning at full speed, and the latest whispers involve the display technology expected in the standard iPhone 17 and the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. While earlier reports suggested that both models might finally adopt ProMotion displays, a new voice has entered the conversation, casting doubt on those claims.

For those unfamiliar, ProMotion technology, featuring a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz, has been exclusive to the Pro iPhone models since its debut with the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max in 2021. This technology dynamically adjusts the display's refresh rate, offering smoother visuals and optimized battery life. Recent reports had hinted that Apple would bring this feature to the non-Pro iPhone 17 models, including the brand new 'Air' variant slated to replace the Plus model.

The Contradictory Claim

However, according to Fixed Focus Digital, a Weibo-based leaker, the situation might be different. Their sources indicate that the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will feature "just a standard 120Hz screen, not ProMotion with adaptive refresh rate."

If this is true, it implies that Apple will continue using low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) panels for its non-Pro iPhones. This would mean a fixed 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother experience compared to the 60Hz LTPS panels currently used in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, but without the battery-saving benefits of ProMotion.

Implications of a Fixed 120Hz Display

While a fixed 120Hz display would indeed provide a smoother visual experience, particularly during scrolling and animations, it comes with potential drawbacks:

• Increased Battery Drain: A fixed refresh rate means the display is constantly refreshing at 120Hz, even when viewing static content, leading to higher power consumption.
• Lack of Always-On Display: Without ProMotion's variable refresh rate, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air would likely miss out on Apple's always-on display feature, which shows the Lock Screen's clock, widgets, and notifications even when the device is idle.

Hope Remains: ProMotion Still a Possibility?

Despite this conflicting information, the possibility of ProMotion coming to the non-Pro iPhone 17 models remains strong. Display Supply Chain Consultants CEO Ross Young, a reliable source in the display industry, reported last year that Apple's suppliers are ramping up production of LTPO panels for the entire iPhone 17 lineup.

LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) is a low-power backplane technology for OLED displays that enables a variable refresh rate while minimizing power consumption. Young's claims have since been supported by reports from South Korean publications ETNews and The Elec.

Leaker's Track Record: A Grain of Salt

It's important to consider Fixed Focus Digital's track record. While they have accurately predicted some details in the past – including the iPhone 16E and the "Desert Titanium" color option for the iPhone 16 Pro models – they have also been wrong on other occasions, such as the number of color options for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

The Verdict? We're Keeping Our Fingers Crossed

As it stands, the ProMotion situation for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air remains uncertain. While Fixed Focus Digital's claims raise concerns, the weight of evidence, particularly Ross Young's report and corroborating reports, leans towards the possibility of ProMotion across the entire iPhone 17 lineup. We are personally hoping this particular rumor from Fixed Focus Digital proves to be inaccurate.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in its usual September timeframe. Until then, we'll continue to monitor the rumor mill and bring you the latest updates.

Tags: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, ProMotion, 120Hz display, Apple, iPhone rumors, Fixed Focus Digital, LTPS panels, iPhone 16, tech news

Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/03/iphone-17-promotion-rumors-disputed/