Apple's upcoming device, the iPhone 18e, is expected to retain the same screen refresh rate as the existing iPhone 17e, according to a well-known Chinese leaker.
Digital Chat Station has spoken about Apple's 2027 product plans (in a post on Weibo). The leaker claimed that the next generation of Apple's budget iPhone will feature the same 60Hz LTPS TFT display as the current model.
This means that the iPhone 18e will not feature the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, nor the Always-On display technology, which is expected to be present on the rest of the iPhone 18 lineup. Apple's decision to keep the refresh rate at 60Hz may seem conservative, especially when compared to competing Android phones that offer 120Hz displays at similar prices.
Apple's decision not to adopt LTPO technology until the fourth-generation model, which is expected to be released in early 2028, is also supported by a report from Korea. Adopting LTPO would make the display technically capable of dynamically adjusting its refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz, thus offering a smoother user experience and better power management.
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The 2028 shift is said to depend in part on the development of a next-generation “LTPO+” display technology, which incorporates oxide semiconductors in both switching and drive transistors. This technology is expected to use much less battery power, which could significantly improve device battery life.
Apple is reportedly planning to keep LTPO+ for its higher-end models through 2028, including new versions of the iPhone Air and its upcoming foldable iPhone . That would free up standard LTPO panels for the rest of the lineup. However, if the new technology isn’t ready in time, it could delay the transition to LPTO panels in 2019, so nothing is certain yet.
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iPhone 18e without ProMotion Display
Apple's decision not to include ProMotion technology in the iPhone 18e may disappoint some users looking for the latest technologies in more affordable devices. However, this strategy may be part of a broader strategy by Apple to maintain differentiation between its budget and premium models, thus providing incentives for consumers to choose the more expensive models to enjoy the latest innovations.
At the same time, keeping LTPS TFT technology in the budget models could help Apple keep production costs low, allowing it to offer the iPhone 18e at a competitive price. This is especially important in a market where consumers are price-sensitive and looking for the best possible value for their money.
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Overall, Apple's decision to keep the display refresh rate at 60Hz for the iPhone 18e reflects a balance between offering innovation and maintaining affordability. While users who want the most advanced features may have to move up to more expensive models, the iPhone 18e remains an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and affordable device from Apple.
