Apple is allegedly working on a 90Hz display for the next-gen iPad Air, 24-inch iMac, and the Studio Display. All these devices currently sport a 60Hz panel.
The 90Hz screen will apparently debut on the M3 iPad Air before making its way to other devices.
M3 iPad Air might sport a higher refresh rate display
Apple’s ‘Pro’ devices sport a 120Hz ProMotion display. The higher refresh rate provides a smoother experience while navigating around the UI.
Rumors suggest Apple might even use 120Hz displays on the regular iPhone 17 models in 2026. But before that, the company could use a 90Hz panel on the M3 iPad Air.
A tipster informed Jason Snell and Myke Hurley of the Upgrade podcast that Apple will seemingly use a 90Hz LCD panel on its next iPad Air refresh. The Cupertino giant is purportedly also working on “expanding it to other models or products like a 24-inch iMac and a next-gen Studio display.”
The last iPad Air refresh with the M2 chip launched in May 2024. Besides the spec bump, Apple added a bigger 13-inch model to the lineup. Based on the company’s previous release timeline, the M3 iPad Air should launch in H1 2025.
iMac with 90Hz display could take a while
Apple is unlikely to unveil a new design with the next-generation iPad Air, focusing instead on performance enhancements with an M3 or M4 chip upgrade. An upgraded 90Hz LCD panel would complement this refresh nicely. It may not bring about as big a jump in user experience as a 120Hz panel, but the higher refresh rate should still be easily noticeable.
As for the 90Hz panel coming to the iMac and Studio Display, this could take a while. Apple just upgraded the iMac with a faster M4 chip (and little else). Given the lack of rumors, a Studio Display is also unlikely to land anytime soon.
