Quick Summary
One of the most common iPhone gripes could be fixed next year.
Rumours emerging from the Korean media suggest that all models could pack in a better display next time out.
iPhones are unquestionably popular handsets. The brand sold a whopping 231 million units of their devices in 2023, according to data from Statista.
That doesn't necessarily mean they're perfect handsets, though. There are still many features and functions which users take issue with, despite the roaring sales.
Still, one of the biggest ones could be a thing of the past from next year. According to the Korean outlet, ET News, the iPhone 17 range will be the first where every device features a 120Hz refresh rate.
That's a massive deal for users. Previously – even on this year's iPhone 16 range – the non-Pro variants have had 60Hz panels. That's a real bug bear for many potential users. It's a fair criticism too, considering most of the best cheap phones on the market have faster panels than that. Even the circa-£200 CMF Phone 1 I tested earlier this year has a 120Hz panel, which far outstrips the current iPhone display.
It's not something you can really look beyond, either. Some spec sheet gripes essentially boil down to matters of personal preference. If you don't like one of the cameras, for example, you could simply opt not to use that setting. You can't do that with the display – that's where rubber meets road, so to speak, and is arguably the most crucial part of a phone.
According to the report, that change will also propel the brand to use other suppliers for their panels. Currently, it says, the brand uses Korean brands Samsung and LG for their 120Hz panels, while Chinese manufacturers are entrusted with their 60Hz panels. It goes on to state that those suppliers in China are struggling with quality issues, which could propel Apple towards other manufacturers.
None of that will matter too much to users, though. All that will matter to them is that – after an incredibly long wait – their base model iPhone will finally have a decent refresh rate. There's still a long way to go before the device is released, but I certainly hope this feature sticks around for the final model.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
A Pilates instructor says this is the five-minute routine you need for your back
Tight and tense after a long day of sitting? Unwind with these five exercises
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Microsoft Teams gets a great free update that iPad owners will love
Happy video calling!
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
iPhone 17 Slim tipped to be the thinnest iPhone Apple’s ever made
Could make the iPhone 16 look massive
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Apple iPhone overhaul could see popular model ditched in favour of something different and new
Reports suggest big changes are coming to iPhone 17 lineup
By Rik Henderson Published
-
iPhone 17 Pro tipped for a performance boost that'll make it a huge upgrade
A big change in the processor is reportedly planned
By Rik Henderson Published