Apple iPad Air could get a 90Hz refresh rate upgrade, along with a new iMac and studio display

Apple has always reserved its high refresh rate screens for its Pro models. However, this trend may change. While rumors indicate that the next iPhone 17 models will feature a 120Hz display across the range, a recent report indicates that Apple is developing a new 90Hz display technology. It was revealed by an anonymous source who contacted Jason Snell and Myke Hurley’s Upgrade podcast.

Apple is developing new 90Hz displays, debuting in the iPad Air with the M3 chip, the upcoming iMac and the updated Studio Display.

A similar OLED screen may also appear in the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus, but without full ProMotion capabilities. pic.twitter.com/BXO9cRD9zw
— LIANDR 📺 (@TechLiandr) November 5, 2024

This technology is expected to debut in the next generation iPad Air and possibly other devices like the iMac and Studio Display. This move could bring smoother scrolling and a more responsive user experience to a wider range of Apple devices.

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Currently, the iPad Air, 24-inch iMac and Studio Display all feature displays with a 60Hz refresh rate. According to rumors, a 90Hz panel is expected to debut on the M3 iPad Air and later be introduced on the 24-inch iMac and Studio Display.

Apple has always only offered 60Hz and 120Hz display options. However, recent reports suggest that the company is developing a new 90Hz display technology. This could mark a shift in Apple’s strategy as it aims to deliver smoother and more responsive displays on a wider range of devices. This move would help Apple catch up with competitors who offer higher refresh rate displays at different price points.

90 Hz on the iPad Air makes sense, but 90 Hz on the iMac and the studio screen is ridiculous considering you’re spending over a thousand dollars on these devices — tboyfres (@tboyfres) November 5, 2024

According to Bloomberg, the rumored iPad Air will likely hit the market early next year. While Apple’s Studio Display was last updated in 2022, there’s no confirmed timeline for the next version. Meanwhile, the iMac received an update last week, meaning the next iteration might not arrive until late 2025.

Notably, Apple analyst Ross Young previously noted that the entire iPhone 17 series will feature ProMotion displays with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, this is the first mention of Apple reportedly developing 90Hz display technology for its other devices.

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