Apple could bring 120Hz ProMotion display to budget iPhones with iPhone 19e, claims report

It’s only been a few days since Apple introduced the iPhone 17e, but early chatter about the next few generations has already started. The latest report points to a major shift a couple of years down the line — the iPhone 19e, expected around 2028, could finally get a ProMotion display.

According to ZDNet Korea, Apple is exploring the use of an LTPO OLED panel for the iPhone 19e. In simple terms, that would allow the screen to adjust its refresh rate dynamically, going up to 120Hz when needed and dropping lower to save battery. Right now, the ‘e’ lineup, including the new iPhone 17e, is still limited to a standard 60Hz display, which is one of the more noticeable compromises in everyday use.

If this upgrade goes through, it would close a gap that has existed across Apple’s lineup for years. ProMotion first showed up on the iPhone 13 Pro back in 2021, and only made its way to the regular iPhone 17 models in 2025. Bringing it to the ‘e’ series, formerly known as the iPhone SE, would signal that Apple is ready to make its entry-level phones feel a bit less cut down.

There’s also some talk of a newer display tech, referred to as LTPO+. The report says Apple is testing panels that use oxide materials more extensively, which could improve power efficiency and response times. That’s still in development, and it’s not clear if it will be ready in time for the 19e, but it gives an idea of where Apple is heading with its displays.

Before that, the iPhone 18e is expected to get a more visible change. The Dynamic Island, introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro series, is said to replace the notch. All of these updates suggest Apple is gradually updating the ‘e’ lineup, rather than overhauling it in one go. If the iPhone 19e comes with the reported upgrade, it could make the ‘e’ series easier to recommend for people who want a smoother experience without stepping up to a Pro model. At the same time, this is still a report based on early development work, and Apple’s plans could change over the next couple of years.

Android sub-Rs 50,000 phones already offer 120Hz LTPO displays, while the OnePlus 15R takes things up a notch with 165Hz, but that’s not LTPO tech, meaning it can’t drop down to 1Hz. Apple has traditionally held back the feature set in base iPhones to preserve Pro sales, but iPhone 19e ProMotion could lure switchers who want iOS polish affordably.