The upcoming iPhone 17 series is shaping up to bring significant display enhancements across the board. According to Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants, all models in the iPhone 17 family—the base model 17, 17 Slim, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max—are slated to receive major upgrades, especially when it comes to screen technology.
120 Hz Refresh Rate and LTPO OLED for iPhone 17 and 17 Slim
For the first time, the base iPhone 17 will finally get a 120 Hz refresh rate and an LTPO OLED panel. This allows the display to dynamically adjust its refresh rate, potentially going as low as 1 Hz, improving battery efficiency. This is a significant leap, as previous non-Pro iPhones were limited to 60 Hz, while high refresh rates were reserved for Pro models.
Interestingly, the iPhone 17 Slim—set to replace the underperforming iPhone Plus—will also feature the same 120 Hz and LTPO technology. The Slim model is expected to be a premium “halo” product for Apple, and equipping it with high-end display technology is essential to maintaining its allure.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: The Under-Display Face ID Rumor
For the Pro models, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, there were strong rumors about under-display Face ID making its debut. This would have resulted in a much smaller screen cutout, only housing the selfie camera, potentially marking the end of the Dynamic Island as we know it. Such a change would align the Pro models more closely with flagship Android devices, which have already moved towards minimal cutouts and under-display tech.
However, it appears there was some confusion regarding this feature. Ross Young has since deleted the original tweet referencing the under-display Face ID, clarifying that it might not arrive in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max as previously anticipated.
Even without under-display Face ID, the upgrades to 120 Hz and LTPO OLED panels across the iPhone 17 lineup mark a big step forward. This will improve user experiences, making daily tasks like scrolling, gaming, and watching videos smoother and more immersive. The added battery efficiency from the LTPO technology will also ensure longer battery life despite the higher refresh rates.
Pokdepinion: Another end of an era eh? Not gonna lie, I do like the Dynamic Island feature so I hope in some ways, they retain the option of having notifications and UI elements on that section of the screen.
