If there’s one feature that iPhones have obviously been missing in recent years, it’s the always-on display. But a new report suggests it could eventually be on the way.
Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, reports that this year he “expected” Apple to adopt an LPTO display that will reduce the refresh rate to 1Hz when not in use. This is less than the iPhone 13’s OLED display, which drops to 10Hz.
A lower refresh rate is important for saving battery life, because the faster a screen refreshes, the less battery it uses. For example, the Apple Watch, which has a always-on display to show the clock face from the Series 5, can reduce its refresh rate from 60Hz to 1Hz to save battery life when the always-on display is visible.
An ideal feature on Android phones, an always-on display allows the iPhone to show basic statistics such as time, date and notifications when the screen is off. It traditionally shows white text in contrast to a full-black screen, although some implementations use color. Apple has been rumored to be experimenting with an on-display display for years, but the technology has yet to be applied to any device other than the Apple Watch.
The new iPhone is expected to launch this September. You can keep up with the latest rumors with our iPhone 14 SuperGuide, or make a bargain in the current range with a roundup of our best iPhone deals.