The iPhone 17 series could mark the beginning of a new era in display technology.
A report from the region where Apple's main suppliers are located indicates that the entire iPhone 17 series will finally feature the advantage of a 120Hz OLED panel.
Apple has been somewhat more cautious in its approach to display updates in its phones. The company took its time adopting OLED screens and also in getting rid of the controversial notch. Additionally, it still has a long way to go in implementing high refresh rate panels. However, this could change next year. According to a report from an industry source, Apple plans to install LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) displays across the entire iPhone 17 series, including the anticipated slim model and the entry-level model.
Interestingly, there are Android phones that, at a significantly lower price, already feature 120 Hz displays and offer a more modern design with faster charging capabilities. However, it seems that Apple is ready to significantly correct this course in 2025. For those unfamiliar, LTPO technology allows an OLED display to dynamically adjust its refresh rate, resulting in smoother touch interactions and lower battery consumption. So far, Apple has reserved this technology for its Pro models and the dynamic refresh rate capability under the name ProMotion. Additionally, thanks to LTPO technology, the company has limited the always-on display feature to its premium iPhones.
With the latest information coming from Korea, where its display suppliers (LG and Samsung) are located, it is expected that the era of 60 Hz displays in iPhones is nearing its end. An OLED update for the iPhone SE is also being considered for next year, although it will likely maintain the 60 Hz rate due to price considerations.
2025 promises to be an exciting year for Apple smartphones. There are strong rumors that the company will launch an iPhone 17 Slim model, which some leakers refer to as the Air model. This model would have a revamped design with a sleeker profile. The Dynamic Island is expected to be narrower in this variant while retaining the same titanium construction as the Pro models. It is likely to feature a 6.6-inch display and a 120 Hz refresh rate, and it could even change the location of the rear camera.
Despite being one of the most expensive phones Apple has released, the Slim model may feature only a single rear camera, possibly due to space limitations in the slim chassis. Like the entry-level iPhone 17 model, the Slim version could be equipped with the A19 processor and 8 GB of RAM to support the entire Apple Intelligence ecosystem. However, it is important to note that these are initial speculations, and plans may vary based on cost considerations and supply chain factors.
