If this iPhone 17 Air rumor is true, Apple is making an enormous mistake

For the previous few months, the rumor mill has been in full swing concerning the iPhone 17 Air, the supposed ultra-thin iPhone that Apple is predicted to launch later this yr alongside the remainder of the iPhone 17 lineup.

It is rumored to be the thinnest iPhone ever, with numerous leaks suggesting it might measure anyplace between 5mm and 6mm thick. That may make it the thinnest iPhone for the reason that iPhone 6, which was comparatively skinny for its time however notoriously identified for bending. I am going to admit that the prospect of Apple lastly altering the iPhone’s design after 5 years of stagnation excites me essentially the most in regards to the iPhone 17 Air. Nonetheless, after studying this newest rumor, I am afraid Apple is likely to be susceptible to ruining the cellphone.

In line with Fixed Focus Digital, a well known leaker on the Chinese language social media platform Weibo, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air can have only a “a standard 120hz display screen, however not ProMotion adaptive refresh fee” (through 9to5Mac).

After I learn this, I used to be bowled over instantly. If this leak seems to be true, and the iPhone 17 Air has a 120Hz show with out ProMotion, it could simply be one of many dumbest issues Apple has ever completed.

It dynamically adjusts the show’s refresh fee to save lots of battery

If you happen to’re unfamiliar with ProMotion, it is an adaptive refresh fee know-how that dynamically adjusts the show’s refresh fee primarily based in your actions. While you’re enjoying a sport or scrolling, ProMotion will increase the refresh fee to 120Hz, giving the picture a easy, fluid look. Nonetheless, if the next refresh fee is not obligatory, it may possibly cut back it to assist preserve battery life.

For example, when you’re viewing a static picture in your iPhone, ProMotion can decrease the refresh fee to as little as 1Hz, since there’s no movement on the display screen to warrant boosting the refresh fee to 120Hz, thus saving battery. Moreover, ProMotion permits the Professional mannequin iPhones to help At all times On Show (AOD), as that mode relies on an adaptive refresh fee to function with out considerably draining battery life.

ProMotion first appeared on the second-generation iPad Professional in 2017. It wasn’t till 2021 that it made its option to the iPhone, beginning with the iPhone 13 Professional. This know-how has been included in each Professional mannequin since then.

Final yr, when the iPhone 16 was launched, I used to be shocked that Apple had not but added ProMotion to the usual iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus. So, after I learn the rumor that ProMotion can be included in all iPhone 17 fashions, I felt optimistic that Apple was lastly going by way of with it. Nonetheless, primarily based on this most up-to-date leak stating that the iPhone 17 Air will not embrace ProMotion, it appears Apple may very well be chopping corners.

Associated

I finally found the PC that made me give up console gaming

I’ve gone over to the fidelity-filled darkish aspect, and do not assume I can return.

Battery life will probably be a serious concern for the iPhone 17 Air

Do not get me incorrect; it is nice that the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air could have 120Hz refresh fee shows. It is a vital enchancment over 60Hz, and it’ll make utilizing them so a lot better. Nonetheless, with out ProMotion know-how bundled with that 120Hz show, it looks like a half-baked effort.

If the iPhone 17 Air would not have a ProMotion show, it theoretically implies that the cellphone will not have the ability to dynamically modify the refresh fee. As I discussed earlier, one of many largest benefits ProMotion presents is the power to scale down the refresh fee to save lots of battery. And on slim smartphones, which haven’t got massive batteries as a result of measurement constraints, that is fairly vital.

Whereas it is unclear precisely how massive the battery within the iPhone 17 Air will probably be, it possible will not be as huge because the one discovered within the iPhone 17 Professional or the iPhone 17, naturally as a result of slim design of the cellphone. Because of this I consider that if Apple decides to not embrace ProMotion on the iPhone 17 Air, it is likely to be one of many stupidest issues it is ever completed.

The iPhone 17 Air goes to be a cutting-edge cellphone; there isn’t a doubt about it. Whereas its distinctive slim design is certain to draw lots of consideration, one of many largest considerations folks can have is battery life. The S25 Edge proves this will probably be a problem. Eradicating a battery life characteristic like ProMotion would not assist alleviate any of these considerations and is simply plain weird.

In fact, I wish to be very clear that each one my considerations are primarily based on Fastened Focus Digital’s leak. Whereas they have been appropriate prior to now about some issues, corresponding to confirming the identify of the iPhone 16e, they’ve been incorrect about others, together with the variety of colour choices obtainable for the iPhone 16. So it is potential this leak is probably not true.

Personally, I hope this leak seems to be false as a result of I’d like to see ProMotion on the iPhone 17 Air. However then additionally, figuring out Apple, which likes to do silly issues, I can simply see them eradicating it to save cash, and to create a transparent distinction between the iPhone 17 Air and the Professional fashions.

Please, Apple, I urge you, put ProMotion on the iPhone 17 Air.

Associated

Apple’s next MagSafe charger might bring 45W speeds and Qi2.2 support

A regulatory leak reveals two new Apple MagSafe chargers within the works that help 45W of wi-fi charging.