A recent rumor suggests Apple is developing a new 90Hz display technology that could breathe new life into the iPad Air, Studio Display, and iMac. This potential upgrade, first reported by an anonymous source on the Upgrade podcast, would mark a significant improvement over the current 60Hz refresh rate found in these devices.
Why is this a big deal?
A higher refresh rate translates to smoother animations, scrolling, and overall user experience. While many Android devices, even budget-friendly models, already offer up to 120Hz displays, Apple has been relatively conservative in adopting this technology across its product line.
The rumor suggests that the 90Hz display will debut in the next-generation M3-powered iPad Air, expected to launch in early 2025. Following that, Apple may integrate the new display into the 24-inch iMac and the Studio Display by late 2025.
What We Know So Far:
- The Source: The information originates from an anonymous source who contacted the Upgrade podcast. While the source’s identity remains unknown, the podcast hosts, Myke Hurley and Jason Snell, are respected figures in the Apple community.
- The Technology: Apple is reportedly working on a “higher refresh rate LCD display with a new liquid motion panel fixed at around 90Hz.” This suggests a new type of LCD technology that could offer improved motion handling and responsiveness.
- The Products: The 90Hz display is expected to be featured in the next-generation iPad Air, 24-inch iMac, and Studio Display. These devices currently use 60Hz displays, so the upgrade would be a noticeable improvement.
- The Timeline: The new display technology is rumored to debut in the M3 iPad Air in early 2025, followed by the 24-inch iMac and Studio Display later that year.
My Take:
Personally, I’m excited about the prospect of a 90Hz refresh rate coming to these Apple devices. As someone who uses both an iPad Air and a 24-inch iMac, I can attest that a smoother display would enhance the overall experience, especially for tasks like scrolling through web pages, watching videos, and playing games.
While 90Hz is not as high as the 120Hz refresh rate found on some competing devices, it’s still a significant step up from 60Hz. I believe Apple is likely opting for 90Hz to strike a balance between performance and battery life.
What This Means for Users:
If the rumor proves true, users can expect a more fluid and responsive experience on their iPad Air, Studio Display, and iMac. This could make these devices even more appealing for creative professionals, students, and everyday users alike.
Questions That Remain:
- Will the 90Hz display be a standard feature across all models, or will it be limited to higher-end configurations?
- How will the new display technology impact battery life on the iPad Air?
- Will Apple eventually introduce 120Hz ProMotion displays to these devices in the future?
Only time will tell if these rumors come to fruition. However, the possibility of a 90Hz refresh rate coming to the iPad Air, Studio Display, and iMac is certainly an exciting prospect for Apple users.
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