Apple has expanded ProMotion display technology across its entire iPhone 17 lineup, marking the first time that non-Pro iPhones feature the advanced display system. Until now, ProMotion had been a feature limited to the Pro and Pro Max models since its iPhone debut in 2021.
ProMotion, which Apple originally introduced with the second-generation iPad Pro in 2017, dynamically adjusts the refresh rate of the display. It can ramp up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling, gaming, and animations, while dropping all the way down to 1Hz for static content such as the Lock Screen or when viewing photos. This wide refresh-rate range allows the iPhone to deliver smoother visuals without compromising battery life, since the display conserves power when movement on screen is minimal.
With the launch of the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, ProMotion is no longer exclusive to premium models. This move significantly raises the value of Apple’s standard iPhones, as display performance has historically been one of the biggest differentiators between the Pro and non-Pro devices. For users who previously paid extra for smoother visuals, this change means they can now get the same benefit without stepping up to the higher-priced Pro models.
ProMotion has also been adopted in other Apple products over the years. MacBook Pro models with Liquid Retina XDR displays incorporated it in October 2021, and the technology has since become a standard part of Apple’s high-performance display offerings across categories.
Bringing ProMotion to all iPhone models suggests Apple is looking to make smooth, adaptive refresh rates a baseline expectation for its devices. The inclusion of 1Hz capability is especially important for features like the always-on display and Lock Screen widgets, where content remains visible but does not require constant redrawing. This makes the iPhone more power efficient while still delivering a responsive user experience when interaction resumes.
This long-anticipated change is being welcomed by many Apple users who have called for ProMotion to be included in standard models since its first appearance on the iPhone 13 Pro. Now, more than eight years after the technology debuted on iPad, Apple has finally made ProMotion universal across its flagship smartphone lineup.
