Apple may be working on 90Hz displays for the iPad Air, iMac and more
Apple is reportedly working on a display technology with up to 90Hz refresh rate that could make its way to upcoming iPad Air models. Apple’s iPad, iPad Mini and iPad Air models feature LCD displays with a 60Hz refresh rate, and the Air series could be updated with a higher refresh rate. The improved display technology could also reportedly make its way to the 24-inch iMac and even Apple’s Studio Display. Apple is also rumored to be working on equipping the iPhone 17 series with 120Hz displays.
Citing an anonymous source who contacted them, Mike Hurley and Jason Snell, hosts of the Upgrade podcast (via 9to5Mac) claim that Apple is working on a new screen technology that will be used to equip the company’s next generation iPad Air with a 90Hz display. The current-generation Air model has a 60Hz display and Apple’s M2 chip, while the successor could come with the M3 chip.
The information shared by the source also suggests that the iPad Air will only be the first Apple device to ship with the alleged 90Hz display. The company will reportedly “work on expanding to other models or products such as a 24-inch Mac and a next-generation Studio Display.”
While Apple has typically limited access to high refresh rate displays to its “professional” smartphone and tablet models, recent reports suggest the company could launch the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Slim/Air with a 120Hz display. Most smartphone vendors are offering 120Hz refresh rate handsets at lower prices than the regular iPhone, so it’s not surprising that Apple is keen to fill the technology gap in its standard iPhone models.
It’s worth taking these claims with a grain of salt, as Apple only launched its M2 iPad Air model earlier this year. The company is also very secretive about its upcoming products, so it’s unlikely we’ll see any concrete information regarding the alleged screen upgrades for Apple’s next iPad Air, Studio Display, and 24-inch iMac models until they’re revealed by the company.
