Leaker Disputes iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air ProMotion Rumors

ProMotion, Apple's adaptive 120Hz refresh rate technology, has remained exclusive to the iPhone Pro models since its debut on the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max in 2021. Recently, multiple reports suggested that Apple might bring ProMotion to the base iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 17 Air, which is set to replace the Plus model in this year’s lineup.

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However, according to Weibo-based leaker Fixed Focus Digital, that's not quite the case. Their sources claim the non-Pro iPhone 17 models will feature a standard 120Hz display—not true ProMotion. That means the screens would lack the adaptive refresh capability and instead remain fixed at 120Hz. If accurate, Apple would still be using LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon) panels for its non-Pro models, just with a bump from 60Hz (as seen in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus) to 120Hz.

While a fixed 120Hz panel would still deliver noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, it could impact battery life more than ProMotion. Unlike ProMotion, which adjusts refresh rates between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on content and usage, a fixed high refresh rate screen continuously draws more power—even when displaying static content.

A fixed 120Hz panel would also mean the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air won’t support Apple’s always-on display feature—one that keeps the Lock Screen clock, widgets, notifications, and wallpaper visible even when the phone is locked and idle.

Still, there’s plenty of reason to believe ProMotion could come to the non-Pro iPhone 17 models. Last year, Display Supply Chain Consultants CEO Ross Young reported that Apple’s suppliers were ramping up LTPO panel production for the entire iPhone 17 lineup. That would strongly suggest ProMotion might be standard across all models. LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) is a more power-efficient OLED backplane technology that enables variable refresh rates—key to ProMotion’s ability to preserve battery life.

Young’s claims have since been backed by South Korean outlets ETNews and The Elec, adding credibility to the report.

As for Fixed Focus Digital, the leaker does have a mixed track record. They correctly predicted the iPhone 16E name and the bronze (later named Desert Titanium) finish for the iPhone 16 Pro models. However, they missed the mark on the number of iPhone 16 and 16 Plus color options.

So while their latest claim casts doubt on ProMotion for the iPhone 17 and 17 Air, the broader evidence suggests otherwise—and we’re hoping they’re wrong this time. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in September.

ProMotion, Apple's adaptive 120Hz refresh rate technology, has remained exclusive to the iPhone Pro models since its debut on the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max in 2021. Recently, multiple reports suggested that Apple might bring ProMotion to the base iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 17 Air, which is set to replace the Plus model in this year’s lineup.

However, according to Weibo-based leaker Fixed Focus Digital, that's not quite the case. Their sources claim the non-Pro iPhone 17 models will feature a standard 120Hz display—not true ProMotion. That means the screens would lack the adaptive refresh capability and instead remain fixed at 120Hz. If accurate, Apple would still be using LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon) panels for its non-Pro models, just with a bump from 60Hz (as seen in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus) to 120Hz.

While a fixed 120Hz panel would still deliver noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, it could impact battery life more than ProMotion. Unlike ProMotion, which adjusts refresh rates between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on content and usage, a fixed high refresh rate screen continuously draws more power—even when displaying static content.

A fixed 120Hz panel would also mean the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air won’t support Apple’s always-on display feature—one that keeps the Lock Screen clock, widgets, notifications, and wallpaper visible even when the phone is locked and idle.

Still, there’s plenty of reason to believe ProMotion could come to the non-Pro iPhone 17 models. Last year, Display Supply Chain Consultants CEO Ross Young reported that Apple’s suppliers were ramping up LTPO panel production for the entire iPhone 17 lineup. That would strongly suggest ProMotion might be standard across all models. LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) is a more power-efficient OLED backplane technology that enables variable refresh rates—key to ProMotion’s ability to preserve battery life.

Young’s claims have since been backed by South Korean outlets ETNews and The Elec, adding credibility to the report.

As for Fixed Focus Digital, the leaker does have a mixed track record. They correctly predicted the iPhone 16E name and the bronze (later named Desert Titanium) finish for the iPhone 16 Pro models. However, they missed the mark on the number of iPhone 16 and 16 Plus color options.

So while their latest claim casts doubt on ProMotion for the iPhone 17 and 17 Air, the broader evidence suggests otherwise—and we’re hoping they’re wrong this time. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in September.