A significant display upgrade may be coming to Apple's ecosystem, as recent rumors suggest the tech giant is working on implementing 90Hz refresh rate displays across multiple product lines. This development could mark a notable shift in Apple's display strategy, potentially bringing smoother visual experiences to more affordable devices in their lineup.
The Source and Initial Claims
An anonymous source, speaking on the Upgrade podcast hosted by Myke Hurley and Jason Snell, has revealed that Apple is developing a new liquid motion panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. While anonymous sources should be treated with caution, the information aligns with Apple's typical pattern of gradual feature adoption across its product lines.
Planned Implementation Timeline
According to the leak, the enhanced display technology will debut first in the next-generation M3-powered iPad Air. Following this initial release, Apple plans to extend the 90Hz display technology to the 24-inch iMac and Studio Display. This rollout strategy follows Apple's established pattern of introducing new features in iPads before expanding them to other product categories.
Technical Implications
The move to 90Hz represents a significant improvement over the current 60Hz displays found in the 2024 iPad Air, 24-inch iMac, and 5K Studio Display. While not reaching the 120Hz ProMotion capabilities found in higher-end devices, a 90Hz refresh rate would still offer noticeably smoother scrolling and animation compared to 60Hz displays. The displays will reportedly remain LCD-based rather than switching to OLED technology.
Competitive Context
This potential upgrade would help Apple better compete with rivals like Samsung, whose Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus already features a 90Hz display. However, Apple still lags behind some Android and PC competitors that offer variable refresh rates up to 120Hz in their devices. The company appears to be taking a measured approach to display improvements across its product range.
Future Outlook
While the timeline for these updates remains uncertain, the implementation of 90Hz displays could begin appearing in devices by 2025. With Apple's recent launch of the M4-powered iMac still utilizing 60Hz displays, any significant display upgrades for the iMac line may not arrive until late 2025, possibly coinciding with the rumored M5-powered device releases.
