iPhone 17 Series Might End Apple’s Slow Screen Era

Apple has been relatively cautious in its approach to upgrading displays on its smartphones. The company took its time to adopt OLED technology and was also slow to eliminate the prominent notch on its devices. Additionally, it still lags behind when it comes to incorporating high refresh rate screens.

However, this trend may finally shift next year. A report from Korea’s ET News, citing industry insiders, suggests that Apple is planning to equip all models in the iPhone 17 series, including the anticipated slim version and entry-level model, with LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) displays.

It has been puzzling to see Android devices priced at nearly half of what Apple offers but featuring 120Hz screens, along with modern aesthetics and faster charging capabilities. Nevertheless, it appears that Apple is ready to make significant improvements in 2025.

For those unfamiliar, LTPO is an advanced backplane technology that allows OLED displays to adjust their refresh rates dynamically, all while consuming less power. This innovation not only enhances touch responsiveness but also minimizes battery usage.

Until now, Apple has limited this technology to its higher-end Pro models that showcase the dynamic refresh rate feature branded as ProMotion. The LTPO technology has also enabled Apple to offer an always-on display function exclusively in its premium iPhones.

If the recent information from Korea is accurate, the era of 60Hz displays on iPhones may finally come to an end. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly considering an OLED upgrade for the iPhone SE next year, though this version is likely to maintain a 60Hz refresh rate due to budgetary limits.

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Apple’s smartphone lineup. Rumors suggest the introduction of an iPhone 17 Slim model, which may also be referred to as the Air version. This device is expected to showcase a fresh design focused on achieving a sleeker silhouette.

The Dynamic Island feature could be slimmer on this variant, and it’s anticipated to retain the titanium build found in the Pro models. Additionally, it may sport a 6.6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and potentially a rearranged rear camera setup.

Interestingly, despite being one of Apple’s priciest offerings to date, this model might only feature a single rear camera, likely due to space limitations within its streamlined design.

Similar to the entry-level iPhone 17, the Slim version is expected to be powered by the A19 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM to support the full range of Apple’s intelligent features. However, it’s important to note that these details are still in the rumor stage, and final specifications could change based on production costs and supply chain dynamics.