Allegedly; Apple is developing a new display technology with a 90 Hz refresh rate for iPad Air, 24-inch iMac and Studio Display. Apple, which currently only offers a high refresh rate on ProMotion-enabled iPad Pro and iPhone Pro models, is apparently preparing to bring a higher display performance to a wider range of products. This development indicates that innovative display technologies will be integrated into Apple’s wider product range.
According to this information, which was first revealed in a report on the technology podcast Upgrade, screens with a 90 Hz refresh rate developed by Apple can be seen for the first time on the iPad Air with an M3 processor. While the iPad Air, iMac and Studio Display models currently on the market are limited to screens with a 60 Hz refresh rate, Apple is expected to offer smoother display performance with this new display technology.
The anonymous source providing information about Apple’s new display technology stated that these display panels may not be limited only to the iPad Air, but will also be expanded to devices such as the 24-inch iMac and Studio Display. According to the source, Apple is working on an LCD display with a “fluid motion” panel, and this display will have a refresh rate of approximately 90Hz. 90Hz displays are known to offer a particularly smooth scrolling experience, and such an innovation could particularly appeal to professional content creators and gaming and media consumers.
Apple aims for smoother experience on iPad Air, iMac and Studio Display
The information received is in line with some predictions previously made by on-screen analyst Ross Young. Young announced that 120 Hz ProMotion support will be offered in the entire iPhone 17 series. However, this is the first time we hear concrete information that Apple will switch to 90 Hz display technology on devices such as iPad Air, iMac or Studio Display. While the high refresh rates offered by ProMotion technology are a great advantage, especially for users who want smooth scrolling and clear transition effects, the 90 Hz refresh rate can also make a similar experience more accessible.
On the other hand, it is a matter of curiosity in which time period Apple will launch the 90 Hz display technology. According to Bloomberg, the new iPad Air with the M3 processor is planned to be introduced in the first months of 2025. This increases the possibility of Apple testing its new display technology with this model. Since the 24-inch iMac was recently updated with the new M3 processor, an iMac model with a 90 Hz display is expected to meet users by the end of 2025 at the earliest. Studio Display is known as a device with low update frequency, so it remains unclear when the 90Hz screen will be integrated into Studio Display.
Apple aims to improve the user experience by increasing its investments in screen refresh rate in recent years. The fact that the company currently offers ProMotion technology in iPhone Pro and iPad Pro models shows that screen refresh rates are becoming increasingly important in the Apple ecosystem. It is known that high refresh rates make a noticeable difference, especially in areas such as mobile game performance, animation transitions and multitasking. However, a speed option such as 90Hz may make it possible to reach a wider user base.
Apple’s strategy of offering 90 Hz display technology in more products seems to aim to offer devices that are more suitable for user needs by increasing diversity in display technologies. In the world of technology, the development of screen refresh rates plays an important role in ensuring that today’s devices offer a more fluid and enjoyable usage experience. Apple’s investments in this direction reflect its aim to make screen performance more accessible to users.