All of Apple’s non-high-end devices are limited to 60Hz display, with only the premium, or ‘Pro’ version getting treated to 120Hz panels, which the company refers to as ProMotion. There may be a sudden shift in the technology giant’s plans for next year because not only are the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus reportedly getting treated to the same LTPO OLED technology as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but a 90Hz panel is also said to make its way to the M3 iPad Air.
The 90Hz display could be used in an updated 24-inch iMac, along with a Studio Display
The rumor was provided by an unnamed source to the Upgrade podcast, with 9to5Mac reporting that Apple will introduce the M3 chipset to the iPad Air, plus a 90Hz screen. However, the display technology will likely be retained at LCD to save up on component costs, but it will be the first time that a non-Pro model finally offers buttery smooth scrolling and other perks to the user. Additionally, the rumor states that this technology will not be parked in one product range to increase Apple’s tablet sales, as it is also said to debut in the new 24-inch iMac and an updated Studio Display.
Looking at how the competition has been offering 90Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz displays to the masses at various price brackets, it is surprising why it has taken Apple this long to bring this upgrade to the less expensive devices. Also, it would have been a better choice to give the 2025 iPad Air the M4 instead of the older-generation M3, but it is possible that the company has some leftover chipset inventory that it wants to utilize wisely instead of arming a more affordable slate with a capable SoC.
The rumor does not specify if the 90Hz panel will dynamically reduce its refresh rate to 60Hz when there is no fast-paced activity happening on the 2025 iPad Air, but the lack of LTPO technology suggests that this upgrade will consume more battery than the Liquid Retina IPS LCDs used in the M2 models. As a result, this change may have to arrive with a slightly bigger cell if the updated iPad Air lineup has to deliver the same runtime, but since this is just another rumor, we will treat it with a pinch of salt and have additional updates ready in the future.
