In 2020, I made the decision to purchase an iPhone 12 to replace my aging Pixel 3. Fast forward nearly five years, and I am still using that same device. The reason? It works perfectly, and Apple has yet to incorporate the feature I desire most on a standard iPhone: a ProMotion display. For those unfamiliar with Apple’s marketing terminology, ProMotion refers to a high-refresh rate display that enhances the user experience.
Apple first introduced the ProMotion technology with the iPhone 13 Pro. Since then, every Pro model has been equipped with a stunning 120Hz refresh rate display, capable of scaling down to 1Hz for always-on functionality. This feature is particularly beneficial for gaming and everyday use, as higher refresh rates create a smoother experience for every interaction on the iPhone's touchscreen. In fact, high refresh rate displays have become such a sought-after feature that numerous Android manufacturers now offer them even on entry-level devices. However, in the world of iPhones, a user must still invest around $1,000 to enjoy this premium feature.
My closest encounter with an upgrade occurred in 2023 with the release of the iPhone 15. This model was significant as it introduced the Dynamic Island display cutout to the regular iPhone lineup, a feature that had previously debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro. Despite the enhancements in display quality, camera capabilities, and the switch to USB-C charging, I found myself unwilling to part with my iPhone 12. The primary reason was the continued absence of a ProMotion screen.
I can't be the only one holding onto an older iPhone for this specific reason. Currently, Apple’s gradual rollout strategy seems to lag behind its competitors. In 2022, display analyst Ross Young accurately predicted that the entire iPhone 15 lineup would feature Dynamic Island displays. He suggested that Apple likely wouldn't incorporate ProMotion into its standard iPhones until 2024 at the earliest, attributing this delay to a supply chain that could not support the feature on more affordable devices. Whether this assessment holds true is uncertain. In 2020, while Apple launched the $799 iPhone 12, Google released the $700 Pixel 5, which boasted a 90Hz OLED display.
It appears my lengthy wait for a new device may soon conclude, as all four models of the 2025 iPhone lineup—comprising the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the anticipated iPhone 17 Air—are reportedly set to feature 120Hz displays. This development suggests that it may finally be time for me to upgrade. However, I also ponder the implications this change will have on the future of the iPhone series.
If I were to speculate, Apple’s decision to withhold ProMotion from standard iPhones likely stems from a desire to incentivize users to opt for Pro models rather than any logistical constraints of its vast and efficient supply chain. If the pre-release rumors prove accurate, the iPhone 17 could render the iPhone Pro models less appealing. With ProMotion potentially no longer being a distinguishing feature, and with rumors suggesting that the Pro and Pro Max may revert to aluminum construction, the reasons to choose these higher-end models may diminish significantly. The only remaining incentives might be the telephoto camera or a larger display on the Pro Max variant.
This year may very well be the last we recognize the iPhone Pro in its current format. During a recent episode of the Engadget podcast, Senior Editor Devindra Hardawar and I had the opportunity to converse with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who revealed that Apple is likely to focus heavily on the new iPhone Air. Initially, this model may come with a single camera and less impressive battery life compared to its counterparts. However, Gurman expressed confidence that Apple could progressively streamline the components, ultimately making the Air comparable to the existing lineup.
In essence, while the iPhone Air may currently seem like a secondary project, one can easily envision a future where it emerges as Apple’s flagship device. Although it might be wishful thinking, I remain hopeful that Apple will develop a future where both the Air and standard iPhones offer similar features, yet still charge a premium for those presented in a sleeker package.
