# iPhone 17 Air: ProMotion Display and Its Implications for Apple’s Future
The iPhone 17 Air is set to emerge as one of the most thrilling additions to Apple’s smartphone collection, propelled by a noteworthy enhancement that enthusiasts have been anticipating: the introduction of ProMotion technology. A recent report affirms that every iPhone 17 variant, including the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, will come equipped with 120Hz refresh rate displays. This represents a significant evolution for Apple, since ProMotion had been solely associated with the Pro models in the past. Here’s how this impacts the iPhone 17 series and Apple’s future strategy.
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## **What is ProMotion?**
ProMotion is Apple’s unique display technology that facilitates dynamic refresh rates of up to 120Hz. This allows the screen to adapt its refresh rate based on user activity, resulting in smoother animations, more responsive touch interactions, and enhanced overall performance. For instance, navigating web pages or gaming is delightfully fluid at 120Hz, while the refresh rate can dip as low as 1Hz for still content such as reading a book or looking at a photo. This adaptive refresh capability not only improves user experience but also helps in conserving battery life.
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## **A Long-Awaited Enhancement for Non-Pro iPhones**
Previously, ProMotion has been an exclusive feature of Apple’s Pro models, beginning with the iPhone 13 Pro. Non-Pro models, until now, have only offered 60Hz displays, which fall short compared to numerous mid-range Android devices that provide 120Hz options. The iPhone 17 series is set to change this, as all models, including the iPhone 17 Air, are predicted to have LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) OLED screens capable of dynamic refresh rates.
This advancement is beneficial for consumers who opt for the more economical non-Pro iPhones but desire a premium display quality. It also reflects Apple’s dedication to maintaining competitive standards across its product range, ensuring that even entry-level variants provide state-of-the-art technology.
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## **Why LTPO Technology is Important**
LTPO OLED panels are essential for enabling ProMotion technology. Differing from conventional OLED screens, LTPO panels permit variable refresh rates that can dynamically shift between 1Hz and 120Hz. This flexibility is vital for optimizing performance and battery efficiency.
For example, while watching high-frame-rate videos or playing games, the display can work at 120Hz for the utmost smoothness. Conversely, when displaying static content, the refresh rate can decrease to just 1Hz, significantly lowering power usage. This is particularly crucial for devices like the iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to emphasize thinness and portability—even if it means a smaller battery.
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## **The iPhone 17 Air: A Fresh Design Approach**
The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be the slimmest iPhone ever, boasting a stylish 6.6-inch display. However, achieving such a slender form may necessitate certain compromises, such as a single-lens camera, decreased battery capacity, and a scaled-back range of hardware features compared to Pro models. Despite these compromises, the introduction of ProMotion guarantees that the iPhone 17 Air will still provide a high-quality user experience.
For those prioritizing aesthetics and portability over features like multiple cameras or extended battery longevity, the iPhone 17 Air could be an ideal option. And with ProMotion now becoming a standard feature across the range, even the most budget-friendly iPhone 17 models will appear more responsive and contemporary than ever.
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## **Apple’s Suppliers and the OLED Panel Competition**
The transition to ProMotion in all iPhone 17 models is not merely a technological achievement but also a logistical hurdle. Apple sources its OLED panels from various suppliers, including Samsung, LG Display, and BOE. Reports indicate that LG Display is likely to take on a more significant role in fulfilling Apple’s OLED requirements for the iPhone 17 series, boosting its order share to 40%. On the other hand, Samsung remains the leading supplier with a 60% share, while BOE faces challenges meeting Apple’s rigorous standards for LTPO panels.
Interestingly, LG is said to be redirecting resources from its iPad Pro OLED manufacturing to invest in iPhone displays. This move reflects the increasing significance of the iPhone within Apple’s product portfolio, even as the company continues to explore OLED technology for devices such as the iPad mini, MacBook Air, and prospective foldable gadgets.
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## **Implications for Apple’s Rivals**
The addition of ProMotion across all iPhone 17 models enhances Apple’s competitive stance against Android manufacturers, many of whom already include 120Hz displays in their mid-range and flagship products. By standardizing ProMotion, Apple is addressing one of the few domains where its non-Pro models previously fell behind their competitors.
This strategy also emphasizes Apple’s capability to implement advanced technologies across its complete product range, a feat rarely matched by competitors.
