A fresh rumor hints that Apple may soon enhance its display technology, bringing a 90Hz refresh rate to its mid-tier devices like the iPad Air, 24-inch iMac, and Studio Display. The rumor, shared by an anonymous source on the Upgrade podcast with hosts Myke Hurley and Jason Snell, has stirred interest in what could be a significant improvement for these products, which currently feature 60Hz displays.
The anonymous source suggests that Apple is working on a new "liquid motion" LCD panel, set to debut with the M3 iPad Air. This screen, fixed at around 90Hz, would bring smoother motion and enhanced clarity, potentially offering a middle ground between the existing 60Hz standard and Apple’s ProMotion displays, which are capable of 120Hz refresh rates. If successful, Apple could gradually roll out the 90Hz display technology to its 24-inch iMac and Studio Display models as well.
Apple has long reserved its higher refresh rate displays for premium products like the iPhone Pro models and iPad Pro lineup, where ProMotion’s 120Hz refresh rate delivers fluid motion and responsiveness. This is reportedly set to expand further with the iPhone 17 series, according to industry analyst Ross Young, who suggests that ProMotion displays will be standard across that lineup. The rumored 90Hz displays, however, signal a potential shift, bringing a balance between performance and efficiency to more accessible Apple devices.
As for release timelines, Bloomberg reports that the next-generation iPad Air could arrive in early 2025, with the 24-inch iMac likely receiving another refresh in late 2025. The future of the Studio Display, on the other hand, remains uncertain, as Apple has yet to release any official roadmap for its next version.
The addition of 90Hz displays could mark a new chapter in Apple's approach to display technology across its ecosystem, hinting at an era where even mid-range devices benefit from smoother visuals and responsive interaction.
