Upgrading to the iPhone 17 comes with one of the biggest display improvements Apple has ever made: ProMotion is now included across the entire lineup. This adaptive 120 Hz technology makes everything from scrolling to gaming look and feel incredibly smooth. In this guide, we’ll break down what ProMotion is, how it works, and why it might completely change how your iPhone feels in everyday use.

Getting To Know ProMotion On Your iPhone 17

What ProMotion Actually Means

If you have ever scrolled through a friend’s phone and thought, “Whoa, why does this feel so smooth?” That is what ProMotion does.

For the first time, Apple has brought ProMotion to every iPhone 17 model, not just the Pro versions. That means whether you choose the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, or the ultra-slim 17 Air, you will get the same silky smooth screen experience.

ProMotion is Apple’s name for its adaptive 120 Hz display technology. It lets your iPhone 17 screen refresh up to 120 times per second when things are moving quickly, and slow down when the screen is still.

This gives you super smooth visuals without wasting battery power. Everyday tasks like scrolling, swiping, and typing feel more fluid while your phone stays energy efficient when idle.

How ProMotion Works

Think of it like your iPhone shifting gears as you drive.

ProMotion uses an LTPO OLED panel that can change its refresh rate on the fly. When you scroll quickly, the display ramps up to 120 Hz for buttery smooth motion. When you are just looking at a photo or reading text, it drops down as low as 1 to 10 Hz to save battery. This smart adjustment is what sets it apart from older fixed 60 Hz screens.

How ProMotion Improves Your Daily Experience

Smoother Everyday Interactions

If you spend hours swiping through social media, you will notice this right away.

Everything from scrolling through Instagram to typing out messages feels faster and more responsive. The higher refresh rate also improves touch accuracy, so your iPhone reacts instantly when you tap or swipe.

Better Gaming And Visual Content

Gamers will love this part.

Games that support high frame rates feel much more immersive with ProMotion. Even fast-paced apps, drawing tools, and AR experiences feel like your screen is keeping up with you in real time.

Balanced Battery Life

And here is the best part: it is smooth without draining your battery.

ProMotion gives you a high refresh rate when needed, then lowers it when the screen is still, like when reading or watching static content. That means you get silky performance without constantly reaching for the charger.

How To Enable ProMotion And Get It Running Smoothly

Check That Your iPhone 17 Supports ProMotion

First, make sure you have the right model. The good news is all iPhone 17 models support ProMotion, including the 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the ultra-slim 17 Air. No more Pro-only limits.

Turn On The Right Settings

It only takes a minute:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and make sure Limit Frame Rate is turned off.
  

• Go to Settings > Battery and make sure Low Power Mode is turned off.
  

These simple toggles let your iPhone reach the full 120 Hz refresh rate.

Try A Quick Scroll Test

Want to see it in action?

Open a long webpage or social feed and scroll fast. Then compare how smooth it looks versus an older 60 Hz phone. The difference is night and day.

ProMotion Not Working? Here’s How To Fix It

“I Don’t See Any Difference”

Do not worry, that is a common first reaction.

ProMotion is adaptive, so it will not always stay at 120 Hz. Try these quick fixes:

• Turn off Limit Frame Rate
  

• Turn off Low Power Mode
  

• Switch to Standard Display Zoom
  

“Battery Is Draining Faster”

Notice your battery dipping quicker on busy days?

Running at 120 Hz uses more power during heavy use, like gaming or long scrolling sessions. Try:

• Enabling Low Power Mode when traveling or away from a charger
  

• Temporarily turning on Limit Frame Rate to cap at 60 Hz
  

“It Hurts My Eyes Or Causes Flicker”

If your eyes feel strained, you are not alone. Some people are sensitive to OLED dimming (PWM).

Try:

• Raising screen brightness slightly
  

• Turning on Reduce White Point in Accessibility settings
  

• Using Limit Frame Rate to cap at 60 Hz if the issue continues
  

Is ProMotion Worth It For You?

When You’ll Really Notice It

If you live on your phone scrolling, gaming, editing, or multitasking, ProMotion will feel like a huge step up. Everything moves like it is glued to your finger.

When It May Not Matter Much

If you mostly read, text, or check emails, you might not notice much difference. And that is okay, it is a bonus, not a must-have.

Tips To Get The Most Out Of ProMotion

• Try games that support high frame rates to see the difference
  

• Keep your phone cool and charged because overheating or low battery can throttle performance
  

Keep Your iPhone 17 Screen Safe

After learning how ProMotion makes your iPhone 17 display smoother and more responsive, it is just as important to keep that advanced screen safe from everyday bumps and drops. A good case will protect the display without adding unnecessary bulk.

If you are looking for a reliable option, check out the TORRAS iPhone 17 cases. TORRAS is known for combining slim, stylish designs with serious drop protection. Many of their cases include built-in kickstands or MagSafe support, making them as functional as they are sleek. They are also fingerprint-resistant and have raised bezels to shield your screen and camera from scratches. It is an easy way to protect your iPhone while still showing off its design.

Final Thoughts

ProMotion makes the iPhone 17 feel faster, smoother, and more responsive without draining your battery. If you care about fluid visuals and lightning fast interactions, this is one of the best upgrades you will notice every single day.