It’s hard to believe it’s been almost ten years since Apple introduced the 120Hz ProMotion display with the 2017 iPad Pro. This feature enhanced the smoothness of the screen, yet Apple still seems to treat it as an exclusive luxury. This hesitation keeps them from fully tapping into what the technology can offer.
In a positive shift, Apple recently added 120Hz to the base iPhone 17. This change took four years after the feature first appeared on the iPhone 13 Pro, but it’s a move in the right direction. While some argue that the average user might not notice the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz, the reality is that a 120Hz display creates a noticeably more responsive experience. Even if users can’t pinpoint why things feel faster, they definitely do.
Given Apple’s price range, the lack of features in their mid-range products is surprising. The iPad Air, priced between $599 and $799, still comes with a 60Hz display. Why does this less advanced model roll out when the $649 iPad Pro offered 120Hz long ago? Many tech experts and users alike feel that even mid-range devices should include this enhanced display for a more enjoyable user experience.
A significant price gap exists between the iPad Air and iPad Pro lineup—around $400. If a user wants features like the stunning OLED display or the latest Apple technology, they’re likely to jump right to the Pro model rather than pay substantially more just for a smoother screen. In 2022, for example, the 11-inch iPad Pro was $799 compared to the $599 iPad Air.
The MacBook lineup reflects a similar trend. With the MacBook Air priced at $999 and the MacBook Pro starting at $1599, it doesn’t seem logical for 120Hz displays to remain exclusive to the Pro version. Most consumers won’t invest an additional $600 just for that capability, even if the MacBook Air is already considered a premium product.
Apple has long prided itself on enhancing user experience through small details. Yet the company continues to hold back by only including 60Hz displays in their non-Pro lineup. Even laptops priced at $999 across the market often include 120Hz displays. With such a competitive landscape, it’s reasonable to wonder why Apple isn’t meeting these standards as well.
As the industry shifts, consumer preferences evolve. Recent surveys show that about 80% of technology users prioritize display quality in their purchasing decisions. A smoother display isn’t just a luxury; it’s becoming an expectation for devices at every price level.
While some models, like the base iPad, may always stick to 60Hz displays due to cost, it’s clear that Apple could incorporate 120Hz technology into more mid-range products without significantly raising their prices.
Ultimately, maintaining a balance between affordable products and premium offerings doesn’t mean Apple has to forsake display technology that enhances usability. Even a 90Hz option could bridge the gap nicely. As it stands, the 60Hz standard is becoming outdated for mid-range devices, and it’s time for Apple to catch up with consumer expectations.
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