iPhone 18e to Follow Predecessor, Will Not Feature ProMotion Display

Apple is reportedly not planning to equip its next-generation affordable smartphone, the iPhone 18e, with a ProMotion display, meaning the device may retain the same screen refresh rate as its predecessor, the iPhone 17e. The information comes from technology leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, as reported by Macrumors on Monday. The leaker shared the details while discussing Apple’s product plans for 2027, claiming the next generation of the most affordable iPhone series will use a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) TFT display panel with a 60Hz refresh rate. If this leak proves accurate, the iPhone 18e will lack the ProMotion feature, which offers a 120Hz refresh rate, and will also miss out on Always-On Display technology. These features are expected to be present across the entire upcoming iPhone 18 range, including both the regular and Pro series. The information from Digital Chat Station appears credible, as earlier this year a report from South Korea also indicated that Apple would not use low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) panels for its affordable series until the fourth generation. Technically, the use of LTPO allows a display to dynamically adjust its refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz. The technology Apple is developing combines oxide semiconductors in both the switching and drive transistors, and the display is believed to consume less battery power. Apple is reportedly planning to use LTPO+ for its premium models in 2028, including a new iPhone Air and an upcoming foldable iPhone. However, if the new technology is not ready in time, it could further delay the adoption of LTPO panels for the iPhone 19e, leaving the situation uncertain.