iPhone 13 Pro Models Expected to Adopt LTPO Technology for 120Hz Display

[MacRumors]

Two out of four iPhone 13 models set to launch next year (presumably the Pro models) will use OLED displays with low-power LTPO technology, paving the way for a 120Hz refresh rate, according to Korean website The Elec.

The report claims that Samsung and LG will remain Apple's primary suppliers of OLED displays, which are expected to be used across the entire iPhone 13 lineup, with Chinese manufacturer BOE also aiming to win some orders. The displays are said to be "more technologically sophisticated" to manufacture compared to those used in iPhone 12 models.

LTPO technology would result in a more power efficient backplane, which is responsible for turning individual pixels on and off on the display. In turn, this could allow for a 120Hz refresh rate for more fluid scrolling and smoother motion without causing too much of a hit on battery life. Similar to recent Apple Watch models, LTPO could also enable iPhone 13 models to have an always-on display, and contribute to longer battery life.

While some rumors had suggested that iPhone 12 Pro models would support a 120Hz refresh rate, display industry analyst Ross Young accurately claimed otherwise, noting that the feature will be added alongside LTPO in 2021.

iPad Pro models have supported up to a 120Hz refresh rate since 2017 through a feature called ProMotion, which automatically adjusts the refresh rate depending on the content. A wide variety of Android smartphones now have 120Hz displays as well. If this report proves to be true, at least a few iPhone models will soon follow suit.

Article Link: iPhone 13 Pro Models Expected to Adopt LTPO Technology for 120Hz Display

 

[locrumo]

Will be confirmed in 2022.

 

[GeoStructural]

120 Hz display... the one feature I don’t understand the buzz about. I’m sure I would disable it in setting in favor of battery life.

Edit: I have iPad Pro with ProMotion, I have never ever noticed the difference with my previous iPad.

 

[iKnowMr.Jobs]

Hopefully they make the displays more scratch resistant. The 11 series of phones is pitiful in the regard, and the 12s don't move the needle very much.

 

[otternonsense]

Better late than never. Looking at how it took them four years to deliver something as basic as the AirPods Max, no wonder it takes till the cows come home for iPhone features to catch up.

 

[djcerla]

120 Hz display... the one feature I don’t understand the buzz about. I’m sure I would disable it in setting in favor for battery life.

Yup. That’s why Apple resisted it on smaller devices until they had the right technology at hand. Unlike Android tech-sheet-obsessed OEMs.

 

[ultraturducken]

120 Hz display... the one feature I don’t understand the buzz about. I’m sure I would disable it in setting in favor for battery life.

it’s something u have to see irl. i’d trade 4 gens worth of apu & dsp improvements for a 120hz oled

 

[LongWayHome]

Here we go with this again. I vote for no 120Hz rumors for all of 2021. There must have been 100 for them for the 12 that all turned out to be garbage.

 

[travis64]

Will this fix pwm headaches?

 

[atomwork]

120 Hz display... the one feature I don’t understand the buzz about. I’m sure I would disable it in setting in favor for battery life.

It's such a huge visual enhancement. I use it all the time on my non-apple devices. I run my S20Ultra all day without any battery drainage. I wish my iPhone had it. Especially when rocking two phones.

 

[CJ Dorschel]

The 12 just came out. Man, I’m getting iPhone fatigue.

EDIT: some of you need to take a joke and a breath. This was only meant in jest. I cannot believe the comments from some adults.

 

[benshive]

120hz would be an immediate buy for me. It looks so good on the iPad.

 

[Vado]

If this happens I'll happily part with my cash. The lack of a ProMotion like display on this years iPhone did stop me from purchasing this year unfortunately.

ProMotion on an iPad Pro is a fantastic experience.

 

[Uobio]

.... AND a big a$$ notch....

 

[CJ Dorschel]

Hopefully they make the displays more scratch resistant. The 11 series of phones is pitiful in the regard, and the 12s don't move the needle very much.

question: is it just me or are other people who have an iPhone 11 Pro experiencing very slippery displays? I clean my phone regularly and I’ve even tried various display protectors yet they inevitably don’t stay on the phone for very long. I’ve owned every iPhone since the first model yet this is the first time I’ve experienced such a slick coating on the display. On a few games I’ve noticed it much more than ever.

 

[neuropsychguy]

The 12 just came out. Man, I’m getting iPhone fatigue.

Stop visiting MacRumors.

 

[CJ Dorschel]

Stop visiting MacRumors.

Stop taking a joke seriously.

 

[GuruZac]

I’ve seen a couple 12 Pros in person and I really want to upgrade my 11 Pro but doesn’t seem worth it, and 2021 seems to be a good year to upgrade.

 

[Kabeyun]

120 Hz display... the one feature I don’t understand the buzz about.

Because people want more hertz, just like they want more nits and more pixels and more X and more fps, etc. Welcome to the spec wars, where more always means better and less always means worse.

 

[apparatchik]

120 Hz display... the one feature I don’t understand the buzz about. I’m sure I would disable it in setting in favor of battery life.

Unlike Android's half-baked gimmick, where it has been a mess and a battery and performance hog (on some models you have to choose between maximum resolution or maximum refresh rate, or between maximum battery/performance, etc).

iOS implementation -ProMotion- adapts the refresh rate, so if you're watching a 30fps video the screen runs at 30hz, if you scroll text it runs at 120hz, the lock screen runs at 5hz, etc... so it can even boost battery life by running the screen lower than the fixed 60hz...

 

[CJ Dorschel]

I’ve seen a couple 12 Pros in person and I really want to upgrade my 11 Pro but doesn’t seem worth it, and 2021 seems to be a good year to upgrade.

Same. I’ve also seen camera tests that show the 11 pros have a much better system. I don’t know if it’s the camera itself or anything involving post that the iPhone may do to images. Regardless, I love my iPhone 11 Pro in Midnight Green. I rarely use cellular so 5G has little benefit for me.

It feels strange as this will be the first time I’ve never upgraded my iPhone to the latest model.

 

[twinlight]

More interested in 1hz for an always on display like the Watch.

 

[I7guy]

Better late than never. Looking at how it took them four years to deliver something as basic as the AirPods Max, no wonder it takes till the cows come home for iPhone features to catch up.

It seems like you believe companies can just snap their fingers and come up with a product, firmware, support infrastructure, marketing materials, website updates in short order. And usually when iphone features "catch up", they set a new high standard.

 

[coachgq]

120 Hz display... the one feature I don’t understand the buzz about. I’m sure I would disable it in setting in favor of battery life.

I agree. I had it on the ipad pro. Realized I didn't need a "pro" device, so I downgraded to an iPad Air 3, and put a few bucks back in my pocket. Haven't missed 120 Hz for a second.

 

[contacos]

120 Hz display... the one feature I don’t understand the buzz about. I’m sure I would disable it in setting in favor of battery life.

neither. Had it on my iPad Pro. Don’t have it on my new Air 4 and I don’t notice a difference 😅