iPhone 13 Lineup Tipped to Feature LTPO Display Tech, 120Hz Refresh Rate

Next year’s iPhone lineup has been tipped to feature LTPO display technology and 120Hz refresh rate.

A report from South Korean outlet The Elec (via MacRumors) has corroborated claims that at least two models in the next iPhone series, presumably the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, will support a refresh rate of 120Hz.

The feature was left out of the iPhone 12 because of battery life concerns apparently. Next year, Apple is expected to adopt the low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO)  backplane technology. This would allow for a variable refresh rate and also assuage power efficiency concerns.

The screens will probably be manufactured by LG Display, but it’s also possible that some of the orders will go to Samsung Display.

With LTPO, Apple would be able to drop the refresh rate really low along with the brightness, that could allow for an always-on display mode that users can opt to use. On the other hand, it could also dynamically bump up the refresh rate beyond 60Hz in apps that can take advantage of it, similar to its ProMotion technology in iPads.

LTPO screens are already used in newer models of Apple Watch, as they are significantly more energy-efficient than OLED screens. As a result, battery life can be extended by up to 15 percent, a boost that every iPhone owner would appreciate.

In November, serial Apple leaker Jon Prosser stated Apple would indeed make the switch to 120Hz next year. The news follows a report that Samsung is expecting a bumper 2021 with its own OLED contribution to iPhone.