This iPhone 17 display rumor may make you skip iPhone 16

Next year's base iPhones could get big screen upgrades.
 By 
Alex Perry
 on 
iPhone 15 Pro in box
When does base become Pro? Credit: John Keeble/Getty Images

Sure, the iPhone 16 is exciting, but let's talk about the iPhone 17 instead.

According to a report by the Korean tech site The Elec, the base iPhone 17 and 17 Plus models launching in 2025 will have the same display tech as the current Pro iPhone models. In other words, 120Hz refresh rates and always-on displays are potentially in the cards for non-Pro iPhones next year, which would be a first for Apple. Pro models started getting these advanced features in the last few years, but base models have yet to receive them.

It'll obviously be a year and a half before we know this for certain, but as Apple Insider pointed out, The Elec is a solid source for Apple supply chain reporting. The move would make sense, given that recent flagships from competitors like Google have given users 120Hz refresh rates in lower-end phone models. Apple has been a bit behind the curve on that front, so this would be less about market-leading innovation and more about keeping up with the Joneses.


You May Also Like

That said, it would also put the burden on Apple to further differentiate the base models from the Pro models. Sure, the camera differences are usually pretty big, but there might need to be more to justify the price difference as soon as all four phones have something resembling display tech parity.

Just keep this in mind for the next 18 months or so.

Topics Apple iPhone

journalist alex perry looking at a smartphone
Alex Perry
Tech Reporter

Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You

How to preorder the 2026 Apple Studio Display, including the mini-LED Studio Display XDR
Apple Studio Display XDR monitor on gray background with colorful light leak

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 review: This fanless gem lasts 15+ hours with a gorgeous OLED display
lenovo chromebook 14 plus on tabletop

See Samsung Galaxy S26's Privacy Display feature in action
galaxy s25 ultra phone on display at galaxy unpacked launch event

4 things you can do with Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display
the samsung with privacy display on over notifications

More in Tech
How to watch Chelsea vs. Port Vale online for free
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts

How to watch 'Wuthering Heights' at home: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's controversial romance now streaming
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi embracing in still from "Wuthering Heights"

How to watch New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers online for free
Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders warms up

How to watch Mexico vs. Belgium online for free
Israel Reyes of Mexico reacts

How to watch Brazil vs. Croatia online for free
Vinicius Junior #10 of Brazil leaves

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 4, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!