The iPhone still maintains a strict hierarchy.

It's been a few days since the launch of the new iPhone 16 series, and Leitech has conducted numerous experiences and evaluations over the past few days. I believe many of you have some understanding of it (you can search for "iPhone16 Leitech Review" across the internet to view). Specifically, regarding models outside of the Pro line, namely the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, many people may agree that the biggest drawback of these two models is:

60Hz refresh rate.

As early as when the iPhone 13 Pro introduced a 120Hz refresh rate, standard model users could only watch as Pro model users enjoyed the silky smooth visual experience. However, even in 2024, when high refresh rates have become common in Android phones costing just a few hundred dollars, Apple still hasn't equipped the iPhone with a standard 120Hz refresh rate. It's no wonder people continue to joke that "tradition cannot be changed."

Left: iPhone 16 with 60Hz refresh rate, Image/Leitech

However, shortly after the launch of the iPhone 16 series, renowned analyst Ross Young stated that this "tradition" dating back to the iPhone 13 series will be broken with the next generation iPhone 17.

Will the iPhone 17 series come standard with 120Hz high refresh rate?

As the founder of DSCC, a display supply chain consulting firm, Ross Young has a high degree of accuracy in his leaks regarding Apple device displays, including the revelation that this generation of iPhone 16/16 Plus will continue to use 60Hz refresh rate screens, and that the iPhone 16 Pro/16 Pro Max screens have been expanded to 6.3 and 6.9 inches.

Recently, MacRumors cited a report from Ross Young stating that the standard version of the iPhone 17 and the newly designed iPhone 17 Air will come standard with 120Hz high refresh rate screens and support ProMotion adaptive refresh. ProMotion adaptive refresh means that the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air can intelligently adjust the refresh rate in different scenarios, thereby optimizing battery life during daily use.

It should be noted that when ProMotion was first supported by the iPhone 13 Pro, it could drop as low as 10Hz, while ProMotion on the iPhone 14 Pro and later could drop as low as 1Hz. However, as of now, neither Ross Young nor any other reliable source has further indicated whether the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will fully align with the latest Pro series and support 1-120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh.

In addition to the increased smoothness provided by the high refresh rate, ProMotion's adaptive refresh can also lead to lower power consumption in different software scenarios, theoretically also supporting AOD (Always On Display) functionality.

The importance of ProMotion for AOD scenarios, Image/Apple

Another notable point is that prior to Ross Young, Korean media outlet The Elec also stated earlier this year that all four models in the iPhone 17 series will be equipped with LTPO variable refresh rate screens. But will Apple truly embrace adaptive high refresh rates with the iPhone 17? Many people are still skeptical.

To answer this, we first need to address why Apple has insisted on not including high refresh rates in its standard models.

Users need ProMotion, and Apple can't ignore their demands for profit

ProMotion first appeared in the 2017 iPad Pro, but it wasn't until four years later that Apple finally introduced ProMotion adaptive refresh rate technology in the iPhone 13 Pro, supporting a 10-120Hz (later upgraded to 1-120Hz) screen refresh rate. Soon, ProMotion became a signature selling point of the Pro series.

However, for users of the standard iPhone models, they have always been limited to a 60Hz refresh rate screen. Of course, there are some cost factors behind this, but the most important reason is Apple's clear distinction between its Pro and standard product lines.

The Pro series has always been positioned as the premier choice for high-end, professional users, targeting those who demand higher performance, display quality, and camera functionality. The Pro series typically comes equipped with the latest technologies, such as more advanced camera modules, 120Hz ProMotion high refresh rate displays, and more powerful processors and graphics capabilities.

iPhone 16 Pro, Image/Leitech

On the other hand, the standard iPhone models are targeted at the mainstream market, aimed at consumers who have high demands for daily use experiences but do not require the most top-of-the-line hardware configurations. While maintaining excellent fluency and overall performance, standard models typically forego some high-end features to reduce costs, allowing more users to enjoy the iPhone ecosystem at a lower price point.

Image/Leitech

Under this positioning, "high refresh rate" is naturally an important factor influencing the product definition of the standard iPhone models.

Although it was mentioned earlier that even phones costing just a few hundred dollars now come standard with high refresh rate screens, in reality, high refresh rate is just one aspect of the display. Brightness, color, clarity, viewing angles, and other screen parameters are all critical factors affecting the overall display experience. In addition to not supporting ProMotion, the standard iPhone 15/16 models have essentially aligned with the Pro models in all other aspects.

Introducing ProMotion at this point would significantly increase hardware costs, thereby compressing profit margins. Apple is known for its precise pricing strategies, maximizing profits by adjusting hardware configurations across different models.

User perception is another factor that cannot be ignored. For average users, the difference in screen refresh rates is not as apparent as processor performance. Without direct comparison, many users may not even realize the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz, especially in daily use scenarios where the difference in perception is not significant.

Image/Leitech

Apple is likely aware of this and can retain high refresh rates as an exclusive feature of its high-end models without significantly impacting the user experience of most customers. Those who demand higher visual quality will naturally be willing to pay more for the smoothness of 120Hz.

However, the core reason may lie in product differentiation.

Apple has always been precise in positioning and differentiating its products. The difference between the standard iPhone and the Pro version is not just reflected in hardware such as cameras and chips; display experience is also a crucial means for Apple to create price differentiation. By restricting ProMotion to the Pro series, Apple maintains the high-end image of its Pro models as "professional" and "top-tier."

This makes the Pro models more attractive and provides a clear reason for users willing to pay more for "the best iPhone."

The Pro is the real star, Image/Leitech

In the past, Apple has been careful to maintain this distinction, avoiding any blurring between the "affordable" positioning of standard models and the "high-end" status of Pro models. After all, if all users can enjoy similar experiences on standard models as on Pro models, what would make the Pro series unique?

But with the iPhone 17, Apple may no longer need ProMotion to differentiate between standard and Pro models.

The Year of the iPhone Approaches, AI and Chips to Become "Core Strategies"

The upgrades in the iPhone 16 series are not significant and can even be described as somewhat underwhelming. Judging from the current situation, next year is destined to be a "big year" for the iPhone.

First, the full implementation of Apple Intelligence. According to plans, Apple will only launch Apple Intelligence in select English-speaking markets this year, with an expansion to Chinese, Japanese, French, and Spanish markets next year. From this perspective, the iPhone 17 series will be Apple's true first AI (Apple Intelligence) phone.

Image/Apple

Considering Apple's approach, it is unlikely to differentiate between standard and Pro models in terms of on-device AI capabilities, especially at the application development level. However, it is inherent that Apple will differentiate between standard and Pro models in terms of certain AI functions.

Furthermore, AI is also challenging the memory capabilities of the iPhone. The iPhone 16 already comes standard with 8GB of RAM across all models, but the latest news indicates that the iPhone 17 Pro series will be equipped with a separate 12GB of RAM.

Meanwhile, Apple will also launch TSMC's 2nm chip next year, which is TSMC's first introduction of GAA (Gate-All-Around Transistor) technology, potentially leading to significant improvements in performance and energy efficiency. However, considering the high initial cost of 2nm chips and Apple's past two years of differentiation between standard and Pro models, it is likely that the iPhone 17 Pro will exclusively use TSMC's 2nm chips.

In contrast, the inclusion of ProMotion technology in standard models is a reasonable and inevitable trend.

Watching videos is also a significant advantage of ProMotion, Image/Leitech

Not only will iPhone users be able to enjoy a more consistent display experience, but this is also good news for developers. The most direct benefit is a reduction in development difficulty when adapting to different refresh rates, improving overall development efficiency and promoting comprehensive adaptation of iOS app ecosystems to ProMotion, which in turn can improve the iPhone's user experience and power consumption control.

Furthermore, Apple has always prioritized production line optimization, and reducing the complexity introduced by different configurations can significantly lower production costs. Making high refresh rate screens standard across all models will further simplify supply chain management and enhance overall production efficiency.

In summary, while the inclusion of ProMotion technology in standard models is a notable move, AI and chip technology are the key factors that truly determine the gap between Pro and standard models. The Pro series will continue to dominate the high-end market through these cutting-edge technologies, while standard models will attract a broader user base through the popularization of ProMotion and other basic technologies.

From a certain perspective, this is still very much in line with Apple's approach.

Source: Leitech