Apple is reportedly planning a significant upgrade to the display technology across its entire iPhone 17 lineup, according to a leak from Digital Chat Station on Weibo. If true, this move could unify one of the iPhone Pro models' standout features — a high-refresh-rate OLED display — making it standard across all versions of the iPhone 17.
Digital Chat Station, which previously leaked accurate details about the iPhone 15 camera sensors and iPhone 12 display panels, claims that even the base iPhone 17 will feature a high-refresh-rate display.
ProMotion for All: High Refresh Rate Across the Board
MacRumors notes that Apple will bring its advanced LTPO panel technology, currently exclusive to Pro models with the "ProMotion" variable refresh rate feature, to all iPhone 17 models. This aligns with earlier reports from February and subsequent confirmations from Ross Young, a trusted display supply chain analyst, in September. Such a shift would eliminate the differentiation by display technology within the lineup and further cement Apple's reputation for premium-quality screens.
Additional Upgrades: Camera, Chipsets, and New Model Variants
Apple appears to be refining its strategy for the iPhone 17 series beyond display upgrades. Industry whispers suggest that the company plans to replace the "Plus" model with an iPhone 17 "Slim" variant, expected to also feature ProMotion technology. This new model is likely to attract buyers seeking a premium experience at a slightly lower price point.
The differentiation between models may instead focus on other hardware features. Reports indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro Max could debut with a smaller Face ID sensor and Dynamic Island cutout, enhancing the screen-to-body ratio. Additionally, the Pro models may see a boost in RAM to 12GB, compared to 8GB for the standard and Slim models.
Camera upgrades are another highlight, with the entire lineup rumored to include a 24MP front-facing camera, a significant jump from the 12MP currently offered. Furthermore, Apple is expected to introduce its first in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip across all iPhone 17 models, marking a step toward greater control over its hardware ecosystem.
A Unified Yet Distinct Approach
If these leaks hold true, Apple's strategy for the iPhone 17 series signifies a shift toward greater feature parity across the lineup while maintaining distinctiveness through other high-end upgrades. The move to standardize ProMotion displays across all models underscores the company's commitment to providing a top-tier visual experience, regardless of price point.
