iPhone 18e Lacks ProMotion 120Hz Screen in 2027

Apple’s budget-oriented iPhone 18e, also referred to as the iPhone Air 2, will reportedly maintain a 60Hz refresh rate screen in 2027, according to reports from Notebookcheck and iPhoneSoft. This means the device will lack ProMotion technology, with 120Hz adaptive displays potentially delayed until the release of the iPhone 19e.

The reports, surfacing on June 29, 2026, suggest that Apple continues to use display specifications to differentiate its product tiers. While ProMotion has been a staple of the Pro lineup for years, the most affordable model in the 2027 lineup will not receive the upgrade, according to Notebookcheck.

Why is the iPhone 18e lacking ProMotion?

Apple uses ProMotion to allow its screens to dynamically adjust the refresh rate, moving between 10Hz and 120Hz depending on the content. This technology makes scrolling and animations appear smoother while saving battery life during static tasks. By limiting the iPhone 18e to 60Hz, Apple maintains a clear technical boundary between its entry-level and premium hardware.

iPhoneAddict reports that Apple may intentionally deprive the affordable model of this feature to incentivize users to purchase more expensive versions of the iPhone 18. This strategy follows a long-standing pattern where high-end display features are reserved for Pro models to justify higher price points.

A leaker cited by World Is Small confirms that the 18e model will not have access to the 120Hz capabilities that define the Pro experience. This decision keeps the hardware costs lower for the base model but leaves it with a display that is technically inferior to many competing budget smartphones from other manufacturers.

What is the iPhone Air 2?

Notebookcheck identifies the iPhone 18e as being also known as the iPhone Air 2. This naming suggests a shift in how Apple positions its affordable devices, potentially moving away from a purely budget-focused label toward a design-focused “Air” branding, similar to the MacBook Air or iPad Air.

Despite the potential for a thinner or more modern chassis under the “Air” moniker, the internal display specifications remain stagnant. The reports indicate that the “Air 2” will still utilize a standard 60Hz panel, regardless of any changes to the device’s physical dimensions or weight.

When will 120Hz come to affordable iPhones?

The delay for high-refresh screens may extend beyond the 2027 release cycle. According to iPhoneSoft, the 120Hz ProMotion display will not be available on the iPhone 18e, but is instead expected to arrive with the iPhone 19e.

This timeline suggests a multi-year roadmap where Apple slowly trickles down Pro features to the base models. If these reports are accurate, users seeking a smooth 120Hz experience on a non-Pro device will have to wait until the iPhone 19 series launches.

How does this compare to Apple’s display strategy?

Apple’s approach creates a stark contrast between its model tiers. Since the introduction of ProMotion on the iPhone 13 Pro, the company has used the refresh rate as a primary differentiator. While the Pro models offer fluid motion, the standard and budget models have remained locked at 60Hz.

The current reporting highlights a widening gap between the base models and the industry standard. Many competitors now offer 90Hz or 120Hz screens even in their mid-range and budget devices. Apple’s insistence on 60Hz for the iPhone 18e in 2027 marks a continued reliance on software optimization over raw hardware specifications for its cheapest handsets.

The reported specifications for the iPhone 18e include:

Consomac notes that the persistence of the 60Hz screen into 2027 raises questions about how Apple defines an affordable yet modern device. By keeping the display “worst in class” among its own lineup, Apple ensures that the Pro models remain the only viable option for power users and those sensitive to motion blur during scrolling.