A few years after introducing the 120Hz ProMotion display on the iPad Pro, Apple first brought the feature to the iPhone last fall. However, only the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max models are equipped with 120Hz screens. Meanwhile, iPhone 13 and 13 mini still use the same 60Hz screen.
Not long ago, there were rumors that all iPhone 14 models launched this year will be equipped with 120Hz ProMotion screens, including the iPhone 14 and 14 Max. However, recently leaked information from Apple’s supply chain has appeared, saying that the iPhone 14 and 14 Max will still miss the appointment with 120Hz screens, due to lack of supply.
It is possible that Apple was very keen to upgrade the screens of lower-end iPhones to 120Hz, to create an incentive for consumers to upgrade to newer iPhones. Besides, it also helps to create a more competitive advantage against mid-range and high-end Android smartphone competitors, which are equipped with many advanced technologies including 120Hz screens.
However, the reality could be more difficult and put Apple’s will in the way. Display Supply Chain Consulting (DSCC) CEO Ross Young said that Chinese display maker BOE doesn’t have enough LTPO panels to power the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max models.
Apple’s ProMotion display does not provide a fixed frequency of 120Hz, but it can automatically switch to suit the user’s task to help save more battery. And to do that, Apple needs LTPO (low temperature polycrystalline oxide) panels.
This year, BOE will participate in the supply chain of screens for Apple’s iPhone. However, because the production line cannot yet reach the level of Samsung Display, BOE will only be able to supply OLED panels of the LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon) type, for the iPhone 14 and 14 Max models. short.
Meanwhile, Samsung will still be the main supplier of LTPO panels to be able to produce ProMotion screens for iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. LG Display previously only provided LTPS panels for iPhone 13 and 13 mini, this year will also participate in providing LTPO panels for two iPhone 14 Pro models.
In short, according to Mr. Ross Young, it is very likely that the iPhone 14 and 14 Max will only be equipped with the old generation screen, without ProMotion 120Hz. Apple will have to leave this will to 2023, when BOE’s lines are able to supply new generation LTPO panels.
Reference: BGR
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