Apple plans to retain a 60Hz display for the iPhone 18e in 2027, a refresh rate that is lower than the 120Hz standard found in many competing smartphones. Buyers seeking high refresh rates should expect to wait until the following year for an upgrade in the base model line. The iPhone 18e will feature a 60Hz LTPS display, which does not provide the higher refresh rate available on many rival devices.
Leaker reports entry-level model retains older screen tech
The device, tentatively named the iPhone 18e, is scheduled for a spring 2027 launch. It will feature a 6.1-inch LTPS display with a 1.5K resolution. This screen technology represents a retention of previous hardware choices rather than a shift to newer OLED panels.
Leaker Digital Chat Station reports that the iPhone 18e will stick with a 60 Hz refresh rate. This 60Hz configuration differs from the 120Hz LTPO-OLED displays expected for the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2. The standard iPhone 18 is expected to receive a 6.3-inch 1.5K 120 Hz LTPO-OLED display. The iPhone Air 2 is tipped to include a larger 6.55-inch 1.5K 120 Hz LTPO-OLED panel.
Apple appears to be reserving ProMotion technology for its premium and mid-range lines through the 2027 cycle. The entry-level iPhone line will not receive a 120Hz display upgrade until the iPhone 19e in 2028. Meanwhile, development for the iPhone Ultra 2 and iPhone 19 Pro continues toward a fall 2027 release.
Previous reports have detailed the specifications for the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 as part of Apple's 2027 product roadmap. Apple's 2027 lineup will distinguish between entry-level models with 60Hz displays and premium models with 120Hz displays.
Source: NotebookCheck
