Apple’s recent iOS 18 update has generated significant frustration among users of the iPhone Pro series, particularly regarding the performance of the ProMotion display. Renowned for delivering an incredibly smooth experience, the ProMotion feature-which was first introduced with the iPhone 13 Pro-allows for refresh rates of up to 120 Hz. This technology has long been a distinguishing characteristic of the Pro models, providing users with a fluid and responsive interface when scrolling through content or navigating apps. However, recent feedback suggests that the refresh rate for many users is now limited to just 80 Hz, affecting the quality of the display.
Tech blogger Ice Universe highlighted this issue in a recent tweet, asserting that while iOS 18 retains an elegant aesthetic, it lacks the expected smoothness. Users accustomed to the superior responsiveness of 120 Hz displays on competing Android devices are particularly vocal about this disappointing change. In practice, the 80 Hz cap becomes evident when scrolling through lists or interacting with applications, leading to an overall experience that feels less fluid and dynamic.
This shift in performance is particularly concerning for those who specifically invested in the Pro models for their enhanced display capabilities. Many users have come to rely on the smooth navigation provided by the ProMotion display for various tasks, including gaming, video editing, and graphic design, where a higher refresh rate can dramatically improve the user experience.
While criticism has been rampant, some users have taken to social media to provide a more nuanced perspective. One user responded to Ice Universe’s tweet, sharing their own testing results: “If the screen stays still, it shows at 60Hz. Normal swipes can go up to 120Hz. But if you swipe really hard, it drops to 80Hz.” This suggests that the refresh rate is not consistently locked at 80 Hz, and users can indeed experience both 60 Hz and 120 Hz depending on their actions. Another user chimed in, saying, “When fast scrolling like that, I have no idea why anyone cares about how fast the refresh rate is because you’re not reading anything. 120 Hz is only important when you’re actually doing something. You can clearly see that 80 Hz is absolutely fine. It’s called optimization.” What’s your take on this, let us know.