New iPad Pros Support Lower Refresh Rate, But Lack Always-On Display

[MacRumors]

The new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models are equipped with OLED displays that support a refresh rate as low as 10Hz, but the devices still lack an always-on display option like the iPhone and Apple Watch have, according to Apple's tech specs.

While the iPad Pro has supported ProMotion since 2017, the device only supported refresh rates between 24Hz and 120Hz until now. The new iPad Pro models use low-power LTPO technology, according to display industry expert Ross Young, allowing the display to ramp down to 10Hz for static content. This change will contribute to lower power consumption, but advertised battery life is unchanged overall compared to the previous iPad Pro generation.

The same situation happened a few years ago with the iPhone 13 Pro models, which also support ProMotion down to 10Hz, but lack an always-on display option. The feature finally arrived on the iPhone with the iPhone 14 Pro models, which can ramp down to 1Hz, and Apple Watch models with an always-on display also reach 1Hz.

All in all, the iPad Pro is unlikely to get an always-on display option until if and when it too supports a 1Hz refresh rate.

Apple says the iPad Pro now features "state-of-the-art tandem OLED technology that uses two OLED panels and combines the light from both to provide phenomenal full-screen brightness." The new iPad Pro models can achieve up to 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness for SDR content, compared to 600 nits for the previous-generation models.

The new iPad Pro models are available to order starting today and launch on Wednesday, May 15.

Article Link: New iPad Pros Support Lower Refresh Rate, But Lack Always-On Display

 

[bpa1093]

I’m not sure what the usefulness of an Always-On iPad display would be. Can someone educate me?

 

[japasneezemonk]

2025 update: Always on display with AI+

 

[FasterQuieter]

I always turn always on off.

 

[Bigkool2inSC]

I’m not sure what the usefulness of an Always-On iPad display would be. Can someone educate me?

If you set your wallpaper to, lets say your family pictures or favorites or whatever, it would be like a shuffling photo frame all day long when not used. Could be nice...

 

[miamialley]

I’m not sure what the usefulness of an Always-On iPad display would be. Can someone educate me?

I’ve been wanting it for a long time. Just nice to see my wallpaper and widgets/time. Don’t you like having your computer wallpaper/desktop showing and not going completely black after 1 minute?

 

[andrewxgx]

I always turn always on off.

i use black color as wallpaper on lock screen so basically the only thing it shows is clock

 

[SoldOnApple]

Usually a hardware refresh is the best time to buy, but no always on display in 2024 on a device as expensive as the new iPad Pro is a bit off. It is very thin though, it looks extremely "pro" so maybe it's still a good time to buy.

 

[JPack]

I’m not sure what the usefulness of an Always-On iPad display would be. Can someone educate me?

Clock, email, messages, and other notifications.

 

[adrianlondon]

I always turn always on off.

I love that this sentence makes sense.

 

[Seanm87]

I’m not sure what the usefulness of an Always-On iPad display would be. Can someone educate me?

The same as an iPhone. My iPad is on the Magic Keyboard on my desk would be useful to see the widgets on it.

 

[MayaUser]

Impressive display

 

[contacos]

I’m not sure what the usefulness of an Always-On iPad display would be. Can someone educate me?

I cant even find the usefulness on an iPhone if you have an Apple Watch

 

[Queues]

I’ve been wanting it for a long time. Just nice to see my wallpaper and widgets/time. Don’t you like having your computer wallpaper/desktop showing and not going completely black after 1 minute?

No?

 

[bpa1093]

I’ve been wanting it for a long time. Just nice to see my wallpaper and widgets/time. Don’t you like having your computer wallpaper/desktop showing and not going completely black after 1 minute?

Yes, that’s a fair point. Cheers!

 

[JPack]

I cant even find the usefulness on an iPhone if you have an Apple Watch

Hard to read email previews on a Watch.

 

[idahohand]

The new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models are equipped with OLED displays that support a refresh rate as low as 10Hz, but the devices still lack an always-on display option like the iPhone and Apple Watch have, according to Apple's tech specs.

While the iPad Pro has supported ProMotion since 2017, the device only supported refresh rates between 24Hz and 120Hz until now. The new iPad Pro models use low-power LTPO technology, according to display industry expert Ross Young, allowing the display to ramp down to 10Hz for static content. This change will contribute to lower power consumption, but advertised battery life is unchanged overall compared to the previous iPad Pro generation.

The same situation happened a few years ago with the iPhone 13 Pro models, which also support ProMotion down to 10Hz, but lack an always-on display option. The feature finally arrived on the iPhone with the iPhone 14 Pro models, which can ramp down to 1Hz, and Apple Watch models with an always-on display also reach 1Hz.

All in all, the iPad Pro is unlikely to get an always-on display option until if and when it too supports a 1Hz refresh rate.

Apple says the iPad Pro now features "state-of-the-art tandem OLED technology that uses two OLED panels and combines the light from both to provide phenomenal full-screen brightness." The new iPad Pro models can achieve up to 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness for SDR content, compared to 600 nits for the previous-generation models.

The new iPad Pro models are available to order starting today and launch on Wednesday, May 15.

Article Link: New iPad Pros Support Lower Refresh Rate, But Lack Always-On Display

Why was article written? I have NEVER heard anyone ask for an always on display on an iPad. And the article ends by saying it will likely never happen. Much like this article that should never have happened. Is someone getting paid by the article or the word now?

 

[kiranmk2]

Obvious use would be if Apple allowed the iPads to be used as home hubs like the last Google tablet that attaches via magnets to a speaker dock. I'm sure Apple would rather you buy an iPad AND the upcoming Homepod with a display...

 

[boombashi]

I ended up turning that off on my iPhone to save battery. I never looked at it. But I know some people like it.

 

[nfl46]

That’s for the next version. lol.

 

[goonie4life9]

Y’all are starting to get it! Apple learned a valuable lesson with the original HomePod: don’t release everything all at once, because it prevents a clear upgrade path. With this change in display, Apple is telegraphing the upgrade path: the ALL NEW, ALWAYS ON display. This takes iPad Pro to a whole new level!

 

[steve123]

Why was article written? I have NEVER heard anyone ask for an always on display on an iPad. And the article ends by saying it will likely never happen. Much like this article that should never have happened. Is someone getting paid by the article or the word now?

There are indeed people asking for it:

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-lack-always-on-display.2425689/post-33115426

 

[ghanwani]

I don't need more nits. I need more focus on eye comfort. Tell me you're Eyesafe maybe I'll start to get excited.

 

[SactoGuy18]

The always-on display works for the iPhone with its tiny display. But with that big iPad Pro display, it would just burn too much battery power even if the refresh rate is as little as 2 Hz in ultra-low-power Always On mode.

 

[SactoGuy18]

I ended up turning that off on my iPhone to save battery. I never looked at it. But I know some people like it.

I'm not a fan of the Alway-On display because it slowly drains the battery anyway. 😒