iPhone 17 Leak: 120Hz ProMotion Display Could Soon Be A Reality For Non-Pro Models. Here's What We Know So Far

Apple is also tipped to replace the current Broadcom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with its in-house version.

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series, expected to debut next fall, could bring some significant upgrades, according to recent reports. In a move that might please longtime fans, Apple may introduce ProMotion 120Hz refresh rates to the standard models, marking a first for non-Pro iPhones. The improved display, along with other new features, aims to make the iPhone 17 series more competitive and appealing.

What Changes Will ProMotion Bring?

As for the long-requested ProMotion feature, Apple’s decision to equip the standard iPhone models with LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) display technology could allow for a smoother, variable refresh rate without compromising battery life. This is the same technology found in the iPhone 16 Pro models, a step up from the LTPS (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon) screens on the current base models, which consume more power.

Reports indicate that ProMotion could serve as a differentiator, helping Apple position the iPhone 17 series as a premium upgrade over the SE lineup. The iPhone SE 4, due next spring, is expected to adopt features like an all-screen design, Face ID, and a 48-megapixel camera, giving it a more premium look. Offering ProMotion in the iPhone 17 could help Apple draw a clear line between its flagship models and the more budget-friendly SE.

More In-House Hardware From Apple

In addition to display changes, Apple could replace the current Broadcom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with its in-house version. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for accurate Apple predictions, tweeted that Apple plans to implement its proprietary Wi-Fi chip, produced by TSMC on the N7 process, in the iPhone 17. The chip will support the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, which could enhance connectivity performance across the device lineup.

Kuo noted that Apple expects to transition most products to its Wi-Fi chips within the next few years.

However, Apple’s new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip might be exclusive to the iPhone 17 series, as the upcoming iPhone SE 4 will likely continue to use Broadcom’s chip. Kuo suggests that by shifting to custom chips, Apple aims to lower costs and better integrate its ecosystem.

While the official details are yet to be confirmed, these anticipated upgrades could reshape Apple’s lineup, bringing the standard iPhone closer than ever to the Pro models in terms of performance and user experience. Fans and industry watchers will likely be watching closely for further announcements from Apple as the 2025 launch draws nearer.