Technology

iPhone 17 Rumored to Feature ProMotion, Prompting Upgrade Decisions

iPhone 17 Rumored to Feature ProMotion, Prompting Upgrade Decisions
Editorial
  • PublishedSeptember 8, 2025

The upcoming release of the iPhone 17 may finally include the long-awaited ProMotion display, a feature that could influence many users’ decisions to upgrade from older models. Currently, many iPhone users, including those with the iPhone 12, are holding off on purchasing newer devices until Apple incorporates this high-refresh-rate technology into its standard models.

ProMotion, which Apple first introduced with the iPhone 13 Pro, boasts a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, allowing for smoother interactions and improved performance, particularly in gaming and daily use. While ProMotion has been standard on the Pro models, regular iPhones have yet to benefit from this advancement. As a result, many users feel that they are left behind, especially when competing Android devices now offer similar features at lower price points.

Rumors suggest that all four models of the iPhone 17, which include the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 17 Air, will feature the ProMotion display. This potential shift could finally persuade users like those still using the iPhone 12 to consider upgrading.

In 2023, Apple released the iPhone 15, which featured improvements such as the Dynamic Island display and USB-C charging; however, it still lacked ProMotion. This absence led many potential buyers to remain loyal to their older devices. Ross Young, a renowned display analyst, predicted that ProMotion would not appear on regular iPhones until at least 2024, attributing this delay to supply chain limitations.

Despite these challenges, the anticipated features of the iPhone 17 suggest a significant shift in Apple’s strategy. Some experts speculate that Apple’s reluctance to include ProMotion in standard models was more about marketing strategy than production constraints. This has raised questions about the future of the Pro models, particularly if the iPhone 17 includes features that significantly narrow the gap between standard and Pro versions.

Mark Gurman, a Senior Editor at Bloomberg, has indicated potential changes in Apple’s product lineup. During a discussion on the Engadget podcast, he mentioned that the company may focus more on the iPhone Air, potentially positioning it as a flagship model. This could mean that future iterations may offer features currently reserved for Pro models, further blurring the lines in Apple’s offerings.

As the anticipated launch date approaches, the tech community watches closely to see how Apple will position its devices. If the rumors about the iPhone 17’s ProMotion display prove accurate, it may not only rejuvenate interest in upgrades but also redefine the competitive landscape among smartphones.

The decisions Apple makes in the coming months will likely have lasting implications for its product strategy and consumer loyalty. Users are eager to see if the iPhone 17 will deliver the enhancements they’ve been waiting for, particularly in terms of display technology, and whether it will continue to justify the premium pricing associated with the iPhone brand.

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