# Apple Expected to Roll Out 90Hz Displays for iPad Air, iMac, and Studio Display
According to a recent report from a confidential source on the *Upgrade* podcast, Apple might be gearing up to unveil some of its upcoming products featuring a new 90Hz display. This speculation, later covered by *9to5Mac*, indicates that the forthcoming iPad Air, 24-inch iMac, and Studio Display could see an enhancement with this increased refresh rate.
## The Rumor: 90Hz Displays for Various Apple Products
An anonymous informant informed *Upgrade* podcast hosts Myke Hurley and Jason Snell that Apple is developing a new high-refresh-rate LCD display—a “LiquidMotion” panel—with a 90Hz refresh rate. This would represent a significant upgrade from the standard 60Hz displays currently available in several Apple devices, including the iPad Air and iMac.
The source indicated that Apple isn’t just planning to implement this 90Hz display in the next iteration of the iPad Air, but also in additional products like the 24-inch iMac and the Studio Display. This would signify a considerable evolution in Apple’s display technology, as thus far, the company has reserved higher refresh rates—such as the 120Hz ProMotion technology—for its more premium offerings, including the iPad Pro and iPhone Pro models.
### Understanding a 90Hz Display
A display’s refresh rate denotes how many times per second it updates its image. A 90Hz display refreshes 90 times per second, providing smoother animations, minimized motion blur, and a more responsive experience compared to a typical 60Hz display. Thus far, 120Hz ProMotion displays are available on Apple’s high-end products; a 90Hz display would serve as a compromise, delivering a noticeable enhancement in fluidity without the increased power usage and cost associated with 120Hz panels.
## Why a 90Hz Display for the iPad Air?
The iPad Air is marketed as a mid-range option within Apple’s tablet range, situated between the basic iPad and the top-tier iPad Pro. Presently, the iPad Air sports a 60Hz LCD display, which is suitable for most functions but doesn’t deliver the smooth performance found in the iPad Pro’s 120Hz ProMotion display.
Incorporating a 90Hz display into the iPad Air would provide users with a smoother experience without elevating the device into the iPad Pro’s premium segment. This could enhance the iPad Air’s attractiveness to individuals seeking a superior display experience without requiring all the advanced features of the iPad Pro, such as the M2 chip or the LiDAR scanner.
Nonetheless, there are doubts regarding this move. Previous leaks have indicated that Apple intends to revamp the iPad Air by 2026 with an OLED display, which would provide even better color precision, contrast ratios, and energy efficiency. If Apple is indeed planning a shift to OLED soon, it raises the question of whether a 90Hz LCD upgrade would serve as a temporary fix or a long-term plan.
## The 24-inch iMac and Studio Display: A 90Hz Enhancement?
The rumor also hints that Apple is looking to bring the 90Hz display to its 24-inch iMac and Studio Display. The 24-inch iMac, last updated in 2021, currently features a 60Hz display. A transition to a 90Hz refresh rate would enhance the smoothness and responsiveness of the iMac’s display, which could be particularly advantageous for video editing, gaming, and overall productivity.
As for the Studio Display, launched in 2022, it also utilizes a 60Hz panel. Upgrading to 90Hz would make the Studio Display more competitive with other high-end monitors on the market, many of which already offer superior refresh rates. However, it remains unclear when Apple might unveil a new version of the Studio Display or whether the company plans a more extensive redesign of its external monitor range.
## Why a 90Hz Display Isn’t Coming to the iPhone
While the rumor regarding the 90Hz display is noteworthy for the iPad Air, iMac, and Studio Display, it seems implausible that Apple will extend this technology to its iPhone lineup. Display analyst Ross Young indicates that Apple is set to enhance next year’s standard iPhone models with ProMotion (120Hz) and Always-On Display (AOD) technologies. This suggests even non-Pro iPhones could soon feature 120Hz displays, rendering a 90Hz option unnecessary.
Additionally, Apple is reportedly moving away from LCD panels in its iPhone models in favor of OLED displays, even for the budget-friendly iPhone SE 4. OLED panels provide better contrast ratios and color accuracy compared to LCDs and offer greater energy efficiency, which is essential.
