Highlights

• iPhone 17 to inherit ProMotion and Always-On display from Pro models.
• OLED and LPTO technology to enable dynamic refresh rates up to 120Hz.
• Implementation depends on Apple’s collaboration with display manufacturer BOE.
• Shift marks a significant strategy change, making Pro features widely accessible.

Apple may just be bringing some of its coveted Pro features to its base iPhone models.

According to a report byThe Elec, a known leaker within the supply chain industry, the tech giant will introduce Always-On and 120Hz ProMotion display technology to its entry-level iPhones come 2025.

So in effect, the iPhone 17 and 17 Plus might be the first base smartphones from Apple to get the feature.

This significant shift means that features previously exclusive to Apple’s Pro lineup will soon be accessible to a wider audience, offering a premium experience across the board.

iPhone ProMotion and Always-On

Introduced with the iPad Pro in 2017 and making its way to the iPhone 13 Pro in 2021, ProMotion technology allows for a smoother, more responsive display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

This means everything from scrolling through web pages to interacting with apps feels more fluid and natural.

On the other hand, the Always-On display feature enables users to see key information at a glance without having to wake their device, a convenience that’s been limited to the higher-end models until now.

OLED and LPTO Panels

The transition of these features to the base models, specifically the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus, would be made possible through the use of OLED displays equipped with low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LPTO) technology.

LPTO panels are crucial for adjusting the screen’s refresh rate dynamically, from as high as 120Hz for ProMotion to as low as 1Hz for the Always-On display.

This not only enhances user experience but also optimizes battery consumption, striking a perfect balance between performance and efficiency.

Challenges Ahead with BOE

However, the implementation of these advanced features in the iPhone 17 series hinges on Apple’s collaboration with BOE, a display manufacturer that has had a tumultuous relationship with Apple.

Despite BOE’s experience in delivering LTPO screens to other tech companies, it has only provided Apple with a sample so far.

This sample, sent in late 2023, suggests that ramping up production in time for the iPhone 16 series might not be feasible, casting doubts on BOE’s capacity to meet Apple’s stringent quality standards.

Well let’s see how all of this plays out and it is also important to remember that The Elec is not that great at reporting on future iPhone features.

FAQs

What are ProMotion and Always-On display features?

ProMotion technology allows for smoother screen interactions with up to 120Hz refresh rates, while the Always-On display lets users view information without waking their device. These features were previously exclusive to Apple’s Pro models.

When will the base iPhone models receive ProMotion and Always-On display features?

According to a report by The Elec, Apple plans to introduce these Pro features to the base iPhone models, specifically the iPhone 17 and 17 Plus, in 2025.

How does LPTO technology contribute to the new iPhone features?

Low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LPTO) panels enable dynamic adjustment of the screen’s refresh rate, essential for both the ProMotion and Always-On display functionalities, optimizing performance and battery life.

Can BOE meet Apple’s standards for the upcoming iPhone 17 series?

There are concerns regarding BOE’s capacity to fulfill Apple’s stringent quality requirements for the LPTO panels needed for the iPhone 17 series, though Apple may assist BOE to ensure they meet these standards.

Why is Apple extending Pro features to its base models?

By including ProMotion and Always-On display in its base models, Apple aims to offer a premium experience across its product range, making advanced features accessible to a broader audience.

Also Read: iPhone 17 Battery: Apple To Reportedly Explore Space-Saving Innovations

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