Ah, Apple—always teasing us with what’s next, long before our wallets have even recovered from their last release. It seems like yesterday the iPhone 16 dropped (well, it kind of was), yet here we are, already buzzing about the iPhone 17. This time, the rumor mill is juicier than ever, with whispers about ProMotion finally making its way to the non-Pro iPhones. And if you’ve been holding off on an upgrade, this might just be the news that tips the scale.
ProMotion: Finally Coming to the Standard iPhone?
Now, here’s the kicker: Apple may be on the brink of giving all four iPhone 17 models—yes, even the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Slim—the famed ProMotion display. ProMotion, if you’re new to Apple lingo, is that sleek, adaptive refresh rate that lets your screen go up to 120Hz, making everything buttery smooth. Imagine the difference between scrolling through social media on a “normal” screen versus a silky-smooth display that just makes everything feel… well, pro. Up until now, this feature has been an exclusive treat for the Pro crowd, but the tides may finally be shifting.
Think of it like this: you’ve been watching your friends zip through TikTok with that ultra-responsive display, while you’ve been left with the classic 60Hz. Frustrating, right? But now, if the rumors hold true, Apple might be democratizing the ProMotion experience.
LTPO Tech: The Secret Sauce Behind ProMotion
Here’s where things get technical but bear with me—it’s worth the dive. Reports suggest that Apple plans to use LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) technology across the entire iPhone 17 lineup. In simple terms, LTPO is what enables ProMotion’s adaptive refresh rates, giving you all the smoothness without draining your battery.
Imagine having a phone screen that can switch between high-refresh rates when you’re gaming or watching videos and lower rates when you’re just reading an article (like this one). That’s the magic of LTPO: less energy drain and more efficiency. Apple first introduced this tech on the iPhone 13 Pro models, and it’s been a hit ever since. Now, it might finally come to the iPhone 17 lineup, meaning we won’t have to splurge on a Pro just to get a feature that feels, honestly, essential in 2024.
Always-On Display: A Sneak Peek at the Future?
Another big buzz around the iPhone 17 is the possible inclusion of an Always-On display across the board, not just for Pro models. For those who haven’t tried it, the Always-On feature keeps your essential info—time, notifications, maybe a glimpse of that latest photo—visible without fully waking the phone. It’s one of those things you don’t think you need until you’ve got it, and then, well, there’s no going back. Reports have hinted that both the standard and Pro models in the iPhone 17 lineup will rock this feature, making it another selling point for non-Pro users who’ve felt a bit left out.
And let’s face it, Apple’s likely aware of the pressure. When you’ve got Android phones sporting 120Hz displays and Always-On screens as a baseline, Apple has to keep pace if it wants to keep customers from jumping ship.
Industry Tipsters Are All-in on ProMotion for Everyone
We’re not just talking about random internet rumors here; some pretty reliable sources are backing these claims. One well-known industry insider, Ross Young—who’s basically Apple’s unofficial crystal ball—has come out saying that the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus are slated for the ProMotion upgrade. And when Young talks, Apple fans tend to listen. He’s hit the mark on Apple’s design and tech updates before, so there’s a good chance he’s on the money again.
Plus, a summer leak suggested the entire 2025 iPhone lineup would go ProMotion, meaning if we don’t see it in 2024, it’s almost a sure thing for the following year. If Apple’s listening to its users (and considering the competition), it might just be time to say goodbye to the 60Hz refresh rate on the standard models.
Why This Shift Could Matter More Than Ever
Apple’s known for drawing that hard line between Pro and non-Pro models, but the demand for top-tier features has clearly trickled down. Bringing ProMotion and Always-On to the standard iPhone 17 models could be Apple’s way of closing the gap just a little, making the “regular” iPhone experience feel more premium without that Pro price tag.
So, if you’re like me, waiting (im)patiently to see what Apple actually does with the iPhone 17, this could be the year they level the playing field. No more feeling left out of the ProMotion loop for standard model users, and maybe, just maybe, Apple is gearing up to surprise us in ways that finally make the “non-Pro” feel like a true contender. Here’s hoping!
