Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup will be unveiled just two months from now, and while most features of the new models have already leaked, there’s at least one big question mark that could swing a lot of upgrade decisions: ProMotion.
Which iPhone 17 models will support ProMotion?
Back in 2022, Apple debuted a big display upgrade for certain iPhone models. ProMotion enabled the iPhone’s first always-on display, and a much-improved 120Hz high refresh rate.
For three years running, ProMotion has been exclusive to Apple’s Pro model iPhones.
But until recently, that was rumored to be changing with the iPhone 17 lineup.
Analyst Ross Young, who has a strong track record with all things display-related, has said all iPhone 17 models are getting LTPO displays with 120Hz refresh rate.
Thus, all new models should receive ProMotion features.
But more recently, Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital said that while higher refresh rate displays are coming, they won’t include ProMotion.
Which could make a big difference for some buyers.
ProMotion could decide iPhone 17 Air vs 17 Pro decisions
For current iPhone Pro users planning to switch to the iPhone 17 Air (like myself), the lack of ProMotion could be a dealbreaker.
The inclusion or exclusion of ProMotion on the iPhone 17 Air is one of the biggest remaining mysteries ahead of Apple’s September announcements.
For those considering upgrading this year, it could swing a lot of purchase decisions toward one particular model.
Without ProMotion, it might be especially hard for Pro users to ‘downgrade’ to the iPhone 17 Air.
Top comment by bcom77
This year I decided it would be the year I upgrade my iPhone X. When the rumours and reports started to come through that the base iPhone 17 will likely get ProMotion I thought I'd wait for that instead of getting an iPhone 16. However, recently, I spent some time in a store holding an iPhone 16 in one hand and an iPhone 16 Pro in the other and spent a while comparing the two. In the end, I decided that ProMotion was not a deal breaker worth holding out for. Sure, it does make the phone feel smoother but honestly, not by a huge margin. I also think it is a feature that the average Jo doesn't really care about. I ended up getting the chance to buy a base iPhone 16 with a $500 discount so ended up going for that. I think ProMotion is a 'nice to have' but not really a reason alone to upgrade.
Battery and camera sacrifices will already make the Air a tough sell for some. The lack of ProMotion could prove one loss too many.
However, if ProMotion does indeed come to the iPhone 17 Air, that model’s ultra-thin, futuristic feel could entice Pro switchers more than any other prior model.
All this to say, if you’re on the fence about upgrading to an iPhone 17 Air, or an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, one very important factor could remain a mystery until September.
Would ProMotion swing your iPhone 17 purchase decision? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
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