Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series, especially the standard and rumored "Air" models, continues to generate considerable discussion among industry analysts and rumor trackers. Discrepancies have recently surfaced regarding whether these non-Pro models will finally adopt ProMotion displays—a feature long exclusive to Apple's Pro lineup since the debut of the iPhone 13 Pro.
Contradictory Reports on ProMotion and 120Hz Panels
Multiple sources over recent months have suggested Apple might equip the base iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 17 Air with ProMotion, bringing 120Hz adaptive refresh OLED technology to a wider user base. Specifically, this would involve shifting from the current low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) panels at 60Hz (as seen on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus) to either LTPO-based adaptive panels or at least higher-fixed-refresh alternatives.
In the latest development, a Chinese leaker with a mixed track record has disputed this narrative. Citing industry sources, the leaker—whose information was picked up by outlets such as Fixed Focus Digital—claims that the forthcoming non-Pro iPhones will utilize “just a standard 120Hz screen, not ProMotion with adaptive refresh rate.” According to this report, the panels for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air may be fixed 120Hz LTPS OLEDs rather than the advanced LTPO technology required for ProMotion's dynamic refresh scaling.
ProMotion Versus Standard 120Hz
ProMotion—Apple's branding for its dynamic 120Hz technology—allows the display to adjust its refresh rate anywhere from 10Hz or even 1Hz up to 120Hz, depending on the user's activity. This adaptiveness improves battery life and enables features like the always-on display by reducing power usage when updating static content, such as the Lock Screen or widgets.
A fixed 120Hz LTPS panel, in contrast, provides a visually smooth experience for scrolling and animation but does not modulate its refresh rate. Such an approach may support more fluid interactions but typically results in higher power draw compared to LTPO panels running in variable mode. Furthermore, without an adaptive refresh, features dependent on sub-60Hz operation—like the always-on display—would likely remain exclusive to ProMotion-equipped models.
Supply Chain Clues and Industry Consensus
Despite these new conflicting claims, recent reports from other industry observers, including supply chain analyst Ross Young and publications such as ETNews and The Elec, have indicated that Apple’s suppliers are scaling up LTPO OLED production, potentially for the entire iPhone 17 lineup. LTPO technology enables variable refresh rates, underpinning both power efficiency and user experience improvements tied to ProMotion.
If production is indeed scaling for all tiers, this could signal a broader rollout of advanced displays. However, until Apple finalizes hardware specifications, and given differences in analyst and leaker reliability, the display configurations for non-Pro iPhone 17 models remain uncertain.
Context Within Apple’s Product Strategy
Apple’s incremental rollout of ProMotion aligns with a long-standing strategy of differentiating its Pro models through advanced hardware features. Since introducing ProMotion with the iPad Pro and then later with the iPhone 13 Pro, Apple has reserved the technology to maintain clear separation between standard and premium devices.
If the base iPhone 17 models receive ProMotion or even just a fixed 120Hz display, this would mark a significant shift in Apple’s traditional feature segmentation. Such a move could be motivated by competitive pressure, as 120Hz is now common in flagship and even mid-tier smartphones from other manufacturers. Alternatively, limited adoption (i.e., fixed 120Hz without adaptive refresh) would allow Apple to signal an upgrade to consumers without offering all pro-level features—thereby preserving incentive for higher-priced models.
Implications for Developers, Users, and the Industry
For users, adoption of 120Hz, even in fixed form, would enhance the perceived responsiveness and smoothness of the interface. Developers could leverage new UI affordances, although battery management considerations would differ versus true ProMotion support. If always-on display capability remains exclusive to the LTPO-equipped Pro models, non-Pro iPhone 17 users may not see changes in Lock Screen functionality.
For Apple’s supply chain and display partners, the distinction between LTPS and LTPO adoption influences component complexity, cost, and technology transfer. If Apple moves its entire lineup to LTPO, this could set new industry standards and push greater power efficiency across the segment. However, if standard models are limited to fixed 120Hz LTPS, differentiation remains, and manufacturing costs may stay lower for entry-level models.
Conclusion
The specifics of Apple’s display strategy for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air remain unresolved, with trusted and less-established sources reporting conflicting information about the inclusion of ProMotion and LTPO panels. As the supply chain evolves and additional leaks surface, Apple enthusiasts and industry observers are closely watching to see whether Apple will democratize advanced display technology or continue reserving key features for its Pro models. The final hardware details will have notable impacts on user experience, battery efficiency, and Apple’s ongoing competitive positioning in the premium smartphone market.