Apple introduced ProMotion technology on some devices in 2021. Since then, it has been incorporated into the latest iPhones, iPads, and even some MacBook models.
ProMotion is one of those display technologies that’s more noticed than explained. It’s tied to the display’s refresh rate. When Apple increased the refresh rate of its displays from 60 Hz to 120 Hz, it introduced a system of technologies under the ProMotion name, setting itself apart from the competition—even though the underlying concept isn’t very different.
What’s Apple ProMotion?
ProMotion is Apple’s name for technologies that allow its devices’ screens to achieve higher refresh rates. Years after its competitors, Apple increased the refresh rate of its devices from 60 to 120 frames per second (FPS).
Apple is known for marketing its products strategically. When it introduces a significant feature—whether or not it mirrors the competition—it brands it with a unique name. This approach often makes the feature appear exclusive, even if it performs similarly to competing technologies. A good example is Journal, Apple’s new app that aims to help you reflect on your everyday life and special moments.
Until 2021, Apple devices were locked to a 60 Hz refresh rate, even though many competing devices had already moved beyond it. ProMotion changed this by doubling the refresh rate, leading to a significantly smoother experience when navigating the interface or playing games.
Unlike many competitors, Apple’s ProMotion doesn’t lock the refresh rate at 120 Hz. Instead, it adapts dynamically based on the system’s needs.
Devices with ProMotion adjust their refresh rate according to the content. For instance, when watching a video, a 30 or 60 FPS rate suffices, so increasing it isn’t necessary. However, when using an app or game that benefits from higher refresh rates, the iPad or iPhone increases the rate accordingly.
Higher refresh rates can consume more battery power, but ProMotion’s adaptive feature helps conserve energy. In iOS, users can also disable ProMotion to prioritize battery life.
What Apple ProMotion Improves
Refresh rate refers to how often a screen refreshes its content per second. A higher refresh rate creates smoother motion by increasing the continuity of movement and visual information.
This impacts every aspect of the display. A higher refresh rate makes images appear more fluid, creating an immediate and seamless experience. In the operating system, this translates to faster interactions with less lag, improving the overall user experience.
How noticeable the change is depends on your prior device. If you’re already using a third-party device with a 120 Hz display, you might not see much difference. But if you’re coming from a 60 Hz device, the improvement will feel dramatic.
It’s similar to watching online videos. On platforms like YouTube, some videos appear smoother and more lifelike due to higher refresh rates, while older or standard videos might not feel as fluid.
Apple ProMotion is available on iPad Pro models from 2021 and later, iPhones introduced that year, and some MacBook Pro models. If you have a recent Apple device, it likely supports this technology.
Image | Xataka On
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