Forget Air and Pro: the basic iPhone 17 might be Apple's best update yet.
Most iPhone 17 rumors so far have focused on the iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro Max. The first is Apple's ultra-slim device and replaces the Plus version. According to Apple, the latter is the best iPhone of 2025 and could have unique features. But in reality, not all buyers choose these models. Some people may not like the inevitable air compromise. Some may not like the Pro Max's original size or price. Just as this year's base model iPhone 16 is a great choice, the base model iPhone 17 will also be a great alternative for these buyers.
If the rumors are true, the base iPhone 17 could be the biggest upgrade to the base iPhone in years. Among the updates, Apple is apparently finally bringing ProMotion support to the cheapest iPhone in its next lineup, something fans have been asking for for years. In this case, the iPhone 17 will be able to keep up with competing alternatives when it comes to displays with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
A Chinese leaker named Digital Chat Station on Weibo has stated in a recent update that the standard version of the iPhone 17 series will support a high refresh rate. Given that the base models of the iPhone, iPhone mini, and iPhone Plus have all used 60Hz OLED panels in recent years, the leaker's Weibo post suggests that Apple is giving the base model iPhone 17 a refresh rate of 120 Hz will offer.
Recently there were rumors that all iPhone 17 models will have an LTPO display and support the ProMotion variant offered by Apple. iPhones with ProMotion actually support dynamic refresh rates. This means that the 120Hz refresh rate is not constant. Instead, it fluctuates between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on what is being displayed on the screen. This process significantly extends battery life.
I've long suspected that Apple wanted the iPhone 17 Air to offer LTPO support. ProMotion isn't the only feature customers will appreciate. It can also extend the battery life of a much thinner cell phone that can't accommodate a larger battery than the iPhone Plus.
If the iPhone 17 Air continues its promotion, the iPhone 17 lineup will include three phones with 120Hz screens. From now on, Apple is forced to equip the basic model with 120 Hz panels.
It is also true that many Android devices, even mid-range ones, already come with 120 Hz OLED panels. This is a good reason to upgrade the screen on Apple's non-Pro iPhone. On the other hand, Apple's competitors can easily get 120Hz OLED panels on devices that sell for much less than the base iPhone.
Apple needs to ensure that suppliers have the manufacturing infrastructure and supply of 120Hz panels in sufficient quantities to meet their production volumes. Apple sells 200 million iPhones every year, of which nearly 40% are brand new iPhones.
A few weeks ago, it was reported that Apple's suppliers were preparing to meet Apple's OLED panel requirements for the iPhone 17 series, and the orders were reportedly split, with the latter getting the lion's share.
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