iPhone 17 Rumors: Major Display Upgrades, 120Hz Refresh Rate, and Possible Under-Display Face ID
- Get ready: Apple's next iPhone is rumored to sport some exciting new display upgrades.
- Big screens, smoother visuals, and a fresh new "Air" model could be coming in 2025.
- Face ID hidden under the display? Well… not quite yet, but there’s more.
- Don't blink—you'll want to see what Apple's cooking up for next year.
With the iPhone 16 barely out of its packaging, attention has quickly shifted to next year’s iPhone 17 series, and the rumors are stirring excitement. Based on insider reports from well-known industry analysts, like Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants, the iPhone 17 lineup is shaping up to deliver some major advancements, particularly in its display technology.
Here’s what you need to know.
- 120Hz ProMotion Display: Standard across all iPhone 17 models.
- LTPO OLED Technology: Enhanced power efficiency and dynamic refresh rates.
- Under-Display Face ID: Delayed, with the Dynamic Island feature staying for now.
- iPhone 17 Air: Rumored as a slimmer, sleeker replacement for the iPhone Plus.
- Camera Improvements: Expected in Pro models with enhanced low-light capabilities.
Photo via MacRumors // A concept render showing off the rumored iPhone 17’s edge-to-edge 120Hz ProMotion display.
Let’s learn more about these rumors…
120Hz Refresh Rate for All iPhone 17 Models
Apple is set to roll out the much-coveted 120Hz ProMotion display across the entire iPhone 17 lineup, a feature previously exclusive to Pro models. According to Young, the refresh rate will dynamically adjust between 1Hz and 120Hz, significantly enhancing visual smoothness, responsiveness, and power efficiency. This means that even the standard iPhone 17 models will now benefit from LTPO OLED display technology, marking a notable step up for non-Pro models.
This long-awaited feature allows the display to dynamically adjust its refresh rate, potentially reaching as low as 1Hz, delivering smoother visuals and improved power efficiency.— Ross Young
This inclusion will narrow the gap between the Pro and non-Pro models, offering users more bang for their buck.
The Future of Face ID: Under-Display or Not?
While early rumors suggested that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could feature under-display Face ID, allowing for an uninterrupted, notch-free display, it appears we might have to wait a bit longer for this feature. According to Young, technical challenges in embedding Face ID under the display remain a roadblock.
"Initially, there was talk of a possible under-display selfie camera, but that has been shelved for now," said Young, disappointing those hoping for a more streamlined design. The Dynamic Island feature, introduced in the iPhone 14, will remain for now.
iPhone 17 Air: A Slimmer Successor?
Adding to the intrigue is a rumor that Apple may replace the underwhelming Plus model with an iPhone 17 Air. This would align with Apple’s branding for its iPad Air and MacBook Air lines, offering a slimmer, more stylish design without sacrificing performance.
Though little is known about the specifics, the possibility of a thinner, more refined iPhone at the same price point is an exciting prospect for design-conscious consumers.
Photo via How-To Geek // Rumors suggest that Face ID could soon be hidden under the display, though not just yet for the iPhone 17.
Will We See Major Camera Upgrades?
Of course, display upgrades aren’t the only thing to look forward to. The iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to feature camera improvements, potentially making low-light photography even better. Apple’s A18 chip, which has already impressed with its processing capabilities in Apple's latest iPhone 16 models, is rumored to be even more fine-tuned with Apple's next iPhone model. This will contribute once again to faster and more detailed final images, powered by the A19 chip—likely in A19 and A19 Pro configurations similar to this years release (A18 and A18 Pro).
It wouldn’t be an iPhone launch without some serious camera enhancements, and Apple’s track record suggests we can expect further refinements in image quality.
A Bigger, Better Year for iPhone Displays
What’s clear is that the iPhone 17 lineup is poised to make waves in 2025, hopefully more so than the iPhone 16—which by some estimates has been somewhat disappointing for analysts so far. According to recent reporting, Apple's iPhone line has declined in sales by 13% year-on-year. By extending the 120Hz refresh rate across all models and possibly introducing under-display Face ID (eventually), Apple appears committed to pushing the boundaries of smartphone design and user experience—and maybe some users have been on the fence will be pushed to upgrade.
While there are still many unanswered questions, including whether under-display Face ID will finally be ready, the excitement surrounding these rumors indicates that Apple is far from done innovating.
The widespread adoption of high refresh rate technology and the potential for under-display Face ID signifies Apple’s commitment to providing a cutting-edge visual experience.
As we await official confirmation from Apple, these anticipated display upgrades set the stage for what could be the most visually impressive iPhone lineup yet.
With anticipation building for next year’s release, Apple enthusiasts and tech aficionados will be closely watching every rumor that surfaces. If even half of these predictions come true, the iPhone 17 lineup could mark a major leap forward in display innovation.
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