Apple regularly releases technological innovations designed to provide users with improved experiences. Now there are indications that the company is working on 90 Hz display technology for the iPad Air, 24-inch iMac and Studio Display.
Refresh rate is a technical factor that can have a significant impact on the user experience. A higher refresh rate results in smoother movements and faster response times on the display. This is particularly noticeable in animations and graphically demanding applications. Until now, Apple devices such as the iPad Air, iMac and Studio Display were limited to 60 Hz, which seems less dynamic compared to devices with 120 Hz. A 90 Hz display could be an interesting interim solution that improves the experience without having to resort to the more expensive 120 Hz technology.
The source of the rumor
The rumor about a 90Hz display for these Apple products originated from an anonymous source who contacted the popular tech podcast "Upgrade" by Myke Hurley and Jason Snell. In the message to the podcasters, the source stated that Apple is working on a new display specifically designed for the upcoming iPad Air M3. The source referred to a "Liquid Motion Panel" that would offer a refresh rate of approximately 90Hz. According to this statement, Apple also plans to extend this technology to other models, including the 24-inch iMac and the Studio Display.
What a 90 Hz display would mean for the iPad Air
A 90 Hz display could represent a significant step forward for the next generation iPad Air. Until now, only the iPad Pro models were equipped with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is marketed under the ProMotion brand. These 120 Hz ensure a particularly smooth experience, which is noticeable in animations and fast transitions. A 90 Hz display would be a step below, but would still provide a noticeable improvement over the current 60 Hz display. This could mean that the iPad Air could, for the first time, have a display that stands out more clearly in terms of performance than the standard display, without reaching the price level of a Pro device.
Potential extension of 90 Hz technology to iMac and Studio Display
The 24-inch iMac and Studio Display could also benefit from this new display technology in the future. The iMac, which recently received an update, could see an upgrade to a 90 Hz display by late 2025 at the earliest. A 90 Hz display could particularly benefit users who use the iMac for creative work. Graphic designers, video editors, and other creative professionals would benefit from smoother animations, which could prove more enjoyable and productive, especially for longer projects. The Studio Display could also benefit from a 90 Hz display. The display, which is often used for professional applications, could enable improved representation of complex graphic content thanks to the increased refresh rate. Such an upgrade would be particularly valuable for users who rely on precise and smooth image reproduction.
A look at market developments
If Apple introduces this 90 Hz technology, it would be a strategic move to further differentiate its product lines and appeal to new customer groups. Most reports of Apple displays with higher refresh rates have so far referred to ProMotion with 120 Hz, which is currently only found in various Pro models. With a 90 Hz display, Apple could offer a middle ground between standard and premium technology, thus creating more options for users. Analyst Ross Young has reported in the past that the entire iPhone 17 lineup could come with ProMotion displays that support 120 Hz. Developing a 90 Hz display for the iPad Air and other devices would be an interesting addition and would support Apple's goal of broadening display innovations without drastically increasing costs for users.
Market launch and possible timelines
According to Bloomberg, the next iPad Air, which may feature a 90Hz display, won't be released until early 2025 at the earliest. However, there is no concrete indication yet of when a next-generation Studio Display or an iMac with this display technology might appear. The fact that the 24-inch iMac was just updated suggests that an update in this area will be at least a year or two away.
Between standard and high-end – Apple's strategy for smoother screens
The introduction of a 90 Hz display would be an exciting step for Apple that could significantly improve the user experience. So far, only high-end models such as the iPad Pro, the Pro iPhones and the MacBook Pro benefit from the 120 Hz ProMotion technology. A 90 Hz display could be an interesting alternative that offers smoother images and a higher response speed without going into the expensive high-end range. If the rumors are true, the iPad Air and later the iMac and the Studio Display could offer a display performance that is accessible to more users and increases the attractiveness of these devices. It remains to be seen if and when Apple officially announces the new technology. (Image: Apple)
