Apple appears set to continue its trend of trickling down premium features from its Pro lineup to standard iPhone models. With the upcoming iPhone 17, the tech giant is expected to introduce a ProMotion display, marking a significant leap in display technology for its base model. According to industry insiders, this long-awaited upgrade will deliver a smoother user experience, enhanced animations, and additional features previously reserved for higher-end variants.
iPhone 17 Display: 120Hz Refresh Rate and Always-On Capability
For years, standard iPhones have shipped with 60Hz displays, even as mid-range and budget smartphones across Android manufacturers adopted higher refresh rates. Apple restricted its 120Hz ProMotion technology to its Pro and Pro Max models since its debut on the iPhone 13 Pro series. But that’s about to change.
As per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17 will adopt a 120Hz refresh rate, enabling smoother scrolling, faster response times, and more fluid animations. Additionally, the display is likely to support Always-on Display (AoD)—another feature previously exclusive to the Pro series.
Analyst Ross Young and multiple Chinese tipsters had earlier echoed similar claims, indicating a strategic move by Apple to enhance the appeal of its base iPhone variant without significantly altering its pricing structure.
iPhone 17 Expected Specifications: A Balanced Powerhouse
Beyond the display, the iPhone 17 is rumored to bring subtle but meaningful upgrades across the board:
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Design & Size: Retaining the 6.1-inch display and familiar aesthetics from the iPhone 16 series
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Chipset: Likely powered by a new A19 Bionic chip, promising faster performance and improved power efficiency
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Camera: An upgraded 24MP front-facing camera may be introduced, a jump from the current 12MP sensor
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Additional Hardware: Potential inclusion of the C1 companion chip, first seen in the iPhone 16e, to handle AI and sensor-based tasks more efficiently
Launch Timeline and What to Expect
Apple traditionally launches its new iPhones in September, and the iPhone 17 is expected to follow suit. While official details are still under wraps, industry leaks and analyst predictions paint a clear picture of Apple broadening premium features to its base lineup in 2025.
If these reports hold true, the iPhone 17 could be one of the most compelling standard models in recent years—especially for users who have waited for a ProMotion experience without upgrading to the Pro variant.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
