Both Pro models of the iPhone 13 will feature a 120Hz LTPO display, debunking rumors that this fast refresh technology will only be available on the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

This is contrary to previous reports, according to display technology analyst Ross Young, that it will be on both the Pro and Pro Max versions. This is good news for those who prefer the smoother operation and higher frame rates offered by this technology but don't want to shell out the big bucks for Pro Max.

Android devices, including several mid-range models, are tripping over themselves in the race to adopt higher refresh rate screens. Aside from the iPad Pro, Apple has so far resisted this upgrade, but there was plenty of evidence that this will change with the iPhone 13. And now Young claims that it will be included in both models of the Pro.

"I've heard rumors in the industry and media that there will only be one LTPO [low-temperature polycrystalline oxide] model from Apple later this year," Young tweeted. 'I can confirm that is not the case. Apple fans can rest assured!"

Young's initial tweet did not mention how many devices will feature the LTPO screen, but a follow-up confirmed that this will only be the Pro model and that the regular iPhone may follow in 2022.

On one level, it is not surprising that both Pro models will share this feature; the main differences between the Pro and Pro Max versions are generally limited to screen size and the extended battery life that this larger footprint allows. Nevertheless, the iPhone 12 Pro Max will not be without precedent, as it now features an improved camera.

There is a lengthy explanation here as to why the LTPO screen is significant, but the short explanation is that it will limit the power shortfall of the 120Hz screen by allowing the device to dynamically shift refresh rates as needed.

Static images (such as photo albums and digital clocks) work well at 1 Hz, so the power-hungry 120 Hz mode is not always necessary. Apple currently includes this technology in the Apple Watch, which can freely scale the display from 60 Hz to 1 Hz.

Apple was rumored to be considering introducing a 120Hz screen to the iPhone 12 family, but ultimately decided against it for battery reasons. given the poor battery life of the iPhone 12 series, it was probably the right decision, but but Apple seems to have made enough progress with the iPhone 13 Pro that that won't be an issue. Not only does the company use a softboard battery, which allows for more layers without increasing cell size, but the LTPO screen reportedly reduces power consumption by 15-20%.

While the iPhone 13 launch is still some way off, Apple is expected to return to a normal schedule of events in September, now that the supply chain is generally back to normal after the disruption of 2020. [There is an event later this month that will feature the 2021 iPad Pro, AirTags, AirPods 3, and possibly a new Apple Silicon iMac.