iPhone 17 Air: 120Hz Display Incoming, But Will It Be a ProMotion Replacement?
Apple fanatics, listen up! Rumours are swirling around the upcoming iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air, and the whispers are getting louder about a potential 120Hz display upgrade. While this sounds fantastic on the surface, a new leak has thrown a curveball into the mix. It appears the 120Hz display on the iPhone 17 Air might not be the same as the ProMotion technology found in the premium iPhone Pro models.
What's the Buzz About 120Hz?
For those unfamiliar, a 120Hz display offers a smoother, more fluid visual experience. Think scrolling through web pages, playing games, or simply navigating your phone – everything feels more responsive and enjoyable. Apple first introduced this technology to iPhones with the iPhone Pro models, branded as ProMotion. ProMotion isn't just about the refresh rate; it dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on what you're doing, saving battery life when a high refresh rate isn't needed.
The Key Difference: ProMotion vs. Standard 120Hz
The latest leak suggests that the iPhone 17 Air's 120Hz display will be a standard refresh rate display – meaning it will run at a fixed 120Hz all the time. This is in contrast to ProMotion, which intelligently scales between 10Hz and 120Hz. The implication is that the iPhone 17 Air's display will likely consume more battery power than a ProMotion display, even when performing simple tasks.
Why the Difference?
It's all about cost and positioning. Apple likely wants to keep the iPhone 17 Air more affordable than the Pro models. Implementing ProMotion technology adds complexity and cost to the manufacturing process. Offering a standard 120Hz display allows Apple to provide a visual upgrade without significantly impacting the price point. It's a strategic move to appeal to a wider audience.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you're a casual iPhone user, you'll still likely notice a significant improvement in smoothness with the 17 Air's 120Hz display. However, if you're a power user or a gamer who values battery life and the dynamic refresh rate benefits of ProMotion, the difference will be more noticeable. It boils down to understanding the trade-offs: a smoother display at the cost of potentially shorter battery life.
The Bigger Picture
These leaks highlight Apple's ongoing strategy of segmenting its iPhone lineup. The Pro models continue to offer premium features, while the standard and Air models provide excellent value for money. The iPhone 17 Air's potential 120Hz display is a step in the right direction, even if it's not a direct ProMotion replacement. We'll be keeping a close eye on further developments as we get closer to the expected launch of the iPhone 17 series.
What are your thoughts? Would you prefer a standard 120Hz display or would you rather see ProMotion technology on the iPhone 17 Air? Let us know in the comments below!
