Don’t expect iPad mini 7 to come with 120Hz ProMotion display

By

iPad mini in hand, held up to the sky
ProMotion is unlikely to come to the iPad mini 7.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Display analyst Ross Young has debunked a rumor claiming the iPad mini 7 could debut with a 120Hz ProMotion display. He says it would be surprising if the next iPad mini comes with a higher refresh rate display.

Unlike the iPad Pro series, the iPad mini features a regular 60Hz panel. The higher refresh rate allows the Pro models to offer a smoother experience.

ProMotion is unlikely to come to non-Pro iPads anytime soon

The original rumor from China claimed the iPad mini 7 would feature an upgraded 120Hz display. Young, however, believes it is unlikely to happen. Apple currently uses an “a-Si LCD which isn’t compatible with ProMotion,” he says in response to a tweet. This technology is fairly cheaper than the Oxide LCD tech used for the iPad Pro’s 120Hz panels.

The leak also claims the iPad mini 7 could launch in spring next year with the 4nm A16 chip. That’s unlikely to happen since the iPad mini has the longest refresh cycle in Apple’s iPad lineup. It was last refreshed in September 2021, and the next update is unlikely to land before the second half of 2023.

This is not the first time rumors of a 120Hz ProMotion display coming to the iPad mini have popped up. The iPad mini 6 suffers from a “jelly scrolling” effect that has even led to a class-action lawsuit against the company. In November last year, a leak indicated the Cupertino giant is testing Samsung’s 8.3-inch LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate to address the issue on a future iPad mini refresh.

Adding a 120Hz panel to the iPad mini could make it more expensive

Adding a 120Hz panel to the iPad mini could significantly increase its production cost. With a starting price tag of $499, the Cupertino giant does not have enough room to absorb the increased manufacturing cost. And a higher price tag would clash with the iPad Air and make the iPad mini an unattractive offering.

The iPad Pro’s ProMotion display remains a key feature differentiating them from other iPads. Bringing it to other iPads could make the Pro models a lot less pro.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.