If the iPhone 17 doesn't include this screen improvement, I will have reached my limit.
Hit them where it hurts the most.
With the arrival of heat in the Northern Hemisphere, the anticipation for the new iPhone, provisionally known as the iPhone 17, is growing increasingly. However, this excitement comes with a certain level of frustration, especially due to the lack of rumors about a potential increase in its screen refresh rate.
For years, the absence of 90Hz or 120Hz displays in non-Pro iPhone models has been criticized, with the iPhone 13 Pro being the first in the premium range to feature this capability. In contrast, many Android phones anticipated this trend, offering 90Hz screens several years ago, and even some with 120Hz adaptive technologies, at more competitive prices than the standard of the iPhone 16.
The hope is that Apple will finally choose to incorporate high refresh rate displays in its standard and Plus models, ideally starting with the iPhone 17. This reflection arises from an article questioning the necessity of acquiring a Pro model, given that standard iPhones are quite capable. While there is some agreement with that view, it should also be acknowledged that non-Pro models lack the refined displays and telephoto cameras of their more expensive counterparts, features appreciated in the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
While one can live without the telephoto camera —which, in the iPhone 16 Pro, has a 12-megapixel sensor— the absence of a screen with a refresh rate higher than 60Hz is difficult to accept. It is understandable that some less tech-savvy users may not prioritize refresh rates. Apple has managed to ensure that its standard iPhones feel smooth and responsive due to iOS optimization, despite the screen limitation.
It is important to recognize that maintaining a 60Hz display can contribute to longer battery life per charge. However, after experiencing 120Hz displays on various devices, it is deemed that this should be the minimum standard for phone screens. The improvement in smoothness and visual comfort is noticeable on both iOS and Android.
Apple's adoption of this technology, although late, could lead to dominance in the field, offering some of the best OLED high refresh rate displays on the market. Implementing a refresh rate of 90Hz or 120Hz as standard in iPhones could drive innovation in this technology, seeking improvements in efficiency and reduction of eye strain.
It is expected that by 2025, Apple will surpass the limited 60Hz refresh rate with the iPhone 17, making this new model the best showcase for iOS 26, and it could mark the beginning of a new era where iPhones regain their freshness and no longer feel like mere iterative updates.
