It’s a surprising reality check for tech enthusiasts: nearly a decade has passed since Apple first introduced its game-changing ProMotion technology, bringing adaptive 120Hz refresh rates to its iPad Pro line. Yet, despite this significant milestone, a substantial portion of Apple’s device lineup remains anchored to the traditional 60Hz refresh rate, creating an increasingly noticeable disparity in user experience. As the industry standard for smooth visuals rapidly accelerates, the call for Apple to universally adopt high refresh rate displays across its entire product ecosystem grows louder.
The Dawn of ProMotion and Its Lingering Exclusivity
First seen on the 2017 iPad Pro, ProMotion technology was a revelation. By dynamically adjusting the display’s refresh rate up to 120Hz, it delivered an unprecedented level of fluidity to scrolling, gaming, and any interaction involving movement on screen. The difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is palpable, translating to a more responsive, less fatiguing, and genuinely premium user experience. Apple eventually brought this innovation to its iPhone Pro models and MacBook Pro lines, cementing its status as a premium feature for its “Pro” hardware.
This tiered approach, while initially understandable for differentiating top-tier devices, has now created a noticeable chasm. Users accustomed to the buttery smoothness of a ProMotion iPhone Pro often find the standard 60Hz iPhone’s display feel sluggish and dated in comparison. The technological hurdle of implementing high refresh rates has significantly diminished over the years, making its absence in more mainstream devices increasingly perplexing.
The 60Hz Divide: A Growing Anomaly in Apple’s Ecosystem
Today, a significant number of popular Apple devices continue to ship with 60Hz displays. This includes the standard iPhone models, the base iPad, the MacBook Air, and even the high-end Studio Display. While these devices still offer excellent color accuracy and brightness, their fixed 60Hz refresh rate is fast becoming an anachronism in a market where even mid-range smartphones from competitors often boast 90Hz or 120Hz panels.
The argument that 120Hz displays are too expensive or power-hungry for non-Pro devices is also weakening. Advances in OLED and mini-LED panel technology, coupled with more efficient display drivers and software optimization, have drastically reduced the barriers to entry for high refresh rates. Furthermore, adaptive refresh rate technologies, like Apple’s own ProMotion, allow displays to scale down to conserve battery life when high refresh rates aren’t needed, mitigating the power consumption concern.
User Experience and Industry Standards Demand Change
In 2024, a 60Hz display on a premium device feels like a compromise. For many users, particularly those upgrading from older devices, the distinction might not be immediately obvious. However, once experienced, the benefits of a higher refresh rate are hard to unsee. Interactions feel more direct, animations appear seamless, and even simple tasks like reading long articles become more comfortable due to reduced motion blur.
The broader tech industry has moved on. Android flagships have largely standardized on 120Hz, with many offering adaptive refresh rates that rival ProMotion. Even budget-friendly gaming monitors and laptops now routinely offer 120Hz or higher. For Apple, a company renowned for its relentless pursuit of an unparalleled user experience, maintaining a 60Hz ceiling on core products risks lagging behind market expectations and eroding its image as an innovator.
The time for a universal shift is now. Apple has the technology, the supply chain prowess, and the user base that would undoubtedly appreciate the upgrade. Making ProMotion or an equivalent high refresh rate display standard across its entire lineup would not only eliminate a growing inconsistency but also reaffirm Apple’s commitment to delivering the best possible visual experience to all its customers, not just those who opt for the “Pro” moniker.
Tags: Apple, ProMotion, Refresh Rate, iPhone Displays, 120Hz