When it comes to the most disliked aspect of iPhones today, most people would choose the screen refresh rate. Even as an Apple fan, it's hard to deny this. Phones starting at 5999 yuan still use 60Hz screens, which is unique worldwide. Crucially, this has persisted for years. To be more precise, the iPhone X introduced in 2017 should have supported a 120Hz refresh rate due to its OLED screen, but Apple delayed support for variable refresh rates until the iPhone 13 Pro. However, it still didn't achieve the full range; it wasn't until the iPhone 14 Pro that it supported a 1Hz-120Hz refresh rate.

iPhone users have endured this for years. Strangely, despite constant complaints, Apple has made no changes. Rumors suggested that the entire iPhone 16 lineup would feature high refresh rates this year, but the standard version remained at 60Hz. Although this boosted Pro version sales, it negatively impacted standard version sales. According to the latest news, this situation is expected to improve significantly next year.

Supply chain sources indicate that Apple will equip the entire iPhone 17 lineup with LTPO panels supplied by Samsung and LG next year. Those with even a basic understanding know what LTPO panels imply: even the standard version will support a 120Hz refresh rate. However, there's a question: Will Apple follow the same approach as with the iPhone 13 Pro, keeping the standard iPhone 17's screen refresh rate at 10Hz-120Hz and upgrading to 1Hz-120Hz with the iPhone 18? I believe this possibility exists.

Regarding why such a "tradition-breaking" decision was made, my guess is that as time passes, there are fewer upgrade options for future iPhone standard models. Without high refresh rates as a selling point, the increased sales of the Pro version may not offset the revenue loss from declining standard version sales. It seems like Apple and its users are engaged in an extreme tug-of-war, with Apple already stretched too tight. If it doesn't relax, it might snap.

Just as Apple switched all iPhones from Lightning to USB-C ports, these changes were made under various pressures. Perhaps similar external pressures will force Apple's hand next year. Besides the entire lineup featuring high refresh rates, the Plus version also seems to be reaching its end. In this year's Double 11 mid-sales ranking, the iPhone 16 Plus didn't even make the top ten. User choices will undoubtedly influence the fate of relevant models, just as the mini version was discontinued. The Plus version may also face abandonment.

Rumors suggest that Apple will discontinue the Plus version in next year's iPhone 17 series, replacing it with a slimmer Slim or Air version. Considering Apple's style, if the thickness is reduced, the battery capacity will likely decrease accordingly. For iPhones, which already have relatively low battery capacities, users will have to choose between slimness and battery life.

My guess is that if the iPhone 17 standard version features a high refresh rate, the Pro series will undoubtedly offer more exclusive features. What do you think?