Everything seems to indicate that entry-level models, Next year’s iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus will (finally) adopt low-power OLED displays and refresh rates of at least 120Hz, which will feature ProMotion and therefore the possibility of an always-on display on basic iPhone models for the first time in history.
If we want to go into more detail about the type of panels that each of the devices currently uses, it should be noted that Current iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus use low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) panelswhile Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro models use more advanced low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LPTO) panels. LPTO panels are ProMotion compatible, allowing the screen to reach a 120Hz refresh rate for a smoother user experience in addition to being able to handle more battery consumption attributed to the screen being turned on.
ProMotion also allows the screen to switch to a more energy-efficient refresh rate of just 1Hz, which is why the iPhone 15 Pro (and iPhone 14 Pro) screens have the Always-on display functionality which shows dark clock, widgets, notifications and lock screen wallpaper on the lock screen even when the device is locked.
Apple expected to continue using less advanced LPTS panels in this year’s iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus to maintain differentiation between its standard and Pro models, meaning Apple’s 2025 iPhone series will be the first to feature ProMotion and always-on displays across the entire lineup.
According to The Elect, Chinese supplier BOE hopes to supply Apple with LPTO panels for the iPhone 17 series, But questions remain about whether the company will be able to achieve the required production capacity while maintaining Apple’s quality control standards. If BOE cannot meet the requirements, Apple will likely turn to other suppliers such as Samsung and LG Display for LPTO panels.
This is great news for battery management and efficiency and for having a better screen on our base devices, however, The need to go up to 120 Hz on a device like the iPhone 15 is now present and the iPhone 16 will be there from the outset, is not as popular with users, because, with the current screen they have, it is more than enough for a spectacular user experience if you have not used any 120 Hz device. Otherwise, your eye also quickly gets used to the change and you will not miss it after a day of use.
