Recent industry reporting indicates Apple plans to equip the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus with OLED panels featuring high refresh rates and Always On Display (AOD) capabilities. The Elec, a South Korean publication, is among the sources highlighting these仕様 changes and the broader display strategy for Apple’s upcoming lineup.
In a notable shift, the base iPhone 17 models are expected to gain ProMotion technology, a feature that has until now remained exclusive to Apple’s Pro-level devices. ProMotion enables a dynamic refresh rate, ranging from as low as 1 Hz up to 120 Hz depending on the displayed content. This adaptive approach delivers smoother motion when needed while conserving battery life during simple tasks or static screens. It also enables Always On Display functionality on compatible screens, letting users view essential information on the lock screen without waking the device.
ProMotion hinges on the use of more advanced low-temperature polycrystalline oxide displays, known as LPTO OLED panels. These panels are currently deployed in the iPhone 15 Pro models, representing a higher-end display technology relative to the LTPS screens used in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. The introduction of LPTO into the mainstream iPhone line would mark a significant broadening of high-refresh-rate, energy-efficient displays across Apple’s flagship family.
The Elec reports that Apple is unlikely to switch the panel technology for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models released this year. Instead, the plan appears to be a transition to LPTO across the entire iPhone range next year. The company reportedly relies on Chinese supplier BOE to supply these LPTO panels, replacing its current role with LTPS panels. BOE has faced scrutiny regarding its capacity to produce LPTO panels in the required volumes and with consistent quality. If BOE encounters production hurdles, Apple may pivot to other established suppliers such as Samsung Display and LG Display, both of which already provide LPTO panels for the iPhone 15 Pro lineup.
Meanwhile, Apple continues to refine its supply chain strategy, balancing performance ambitions with manufacturing realities. The LPTO transition is expected to help Apple deliver higher frame rates without sacrificing battery life, supporting a smoother user experience across more devices. Industry observers will watch closely to see how quickly LPTO yields, yield rates, and supply stability align with Apple’s product roadmap and production calendars.
In late notes, a lighthearted comparison referencing Apple’s new iPhone case was made, contrasting it with a humorous image involving bananas. While the remark is clearly tongue-in-cheek, it underscores the public interest and media attention surrounding the hardware refresh cycle of Apple’s iPhone lineup.
Overall, the anticipated shift to LPTO for the base iPhone 17 models, along with the return of ProMotion to the standard tier, signals Apple’s continued emphasis on higher-quality displays and user experience across more devices. The interplay between display technology, battery life, and supply-chain resilience will likely shape how aggressively Apple expands advanced features in future generations, with the Elec’s reporting forming a key reference point for enthusiasts and investors tracking the company’s hardware strategy. [The Elec] [industry sources] [market analysis]