Pro Motion iPhone 14 refers to Apple's adaptive refresh rate display technology, but it is exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus do not have ProMotion, so if you want the smoother scrolling and more responsive touch this technology provides, you need to choose a Pro model.
What is pro motion on iPhone 14?
ProMotion is Apple's trademarked name for its adaptive refresh rate display technology. On the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, it dynamically adjusts the screen's refresh rate from 10Hz up to 120Hz, depending on the content you are viewing. This means the display runs at a higher rate for fluid motion during scrolling or gaming and drops to a lower rate for static images to save battery. Critically, this feature is not available on the standard iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus, so you must purchase a Pro model to experience it.
Which iPhone 14 models have ProMotion?
Only two models in the iPhone 14 lineup include ProMotion: the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The base iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Plus lack this technology entirely. This distinction is a key factor when comparing iPhone models and camera specs, as the Pro models also feature upgraded camera systems alongside the superior display.
How ProMotion's adaptive refresh rate works
ProMotion does not lock the display to a fixed 120Hz. Instead, it intelligently varies the refresh rate between 10Hz and 120Hz based on what is on the screen. Apple developer documentation says supported iPhone devices use ProMotion ranges from 10Hz to 120Hz, while iPad Pro devices use 24Hz to 120Hz. When you are scrolling through a webpage or playing a fast-paced game, the rate increases up to 120Hz for smooth motion. When you are reading static text or viewing a photo, it drops to as low as 10Hz to conserve power. Apple does not provide a manual on/off toggle in the iPhone settings to disable ProMotion; the system handles all adjustments automatically.
Benefits of a 120Hz ProMotion display
The primary benefit of ProMotion is the noticeably smoother and more fluid user experience. Scrolling through long lists, navigating the home screen, and watching high-frame-rate video all appear significantly less blurry and more responsive. The adaptive refresh rate also reduces input lag, making every tap and swipe feel instantaneous. Because the technology adjusts itself, you get these advantages without constantly draining the battery at the maximum refresh rate.
ProMotion vs. other high refresh rate displays
ProMotion differs from many high refresh rate displays found on Android devices because it is an Apple-specific technology that relies on a variable, adaptive refresh rate rather than a fixed 120Hz mode. Android app support for refresh rate control is documented for apps targeting Android 11 or higher through the frame rate API. Android's frame-rate documentation says non-seamless refresh-rate switching depends on both user opt-in via Match content frame rate and app opt-in through the frame rate API. While some Android phones offer a "Match content frame rate" setting or app-controlled frame rate behavior, ProMotion is integrated into the iOS system and requires no user configuration. It is not an Android feature and is only available on supported Apple devices, such as the iPhone 14 Pro and later Pro models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ProMotion drain the battery faster on the iPhone 14 Pro?
ProMotion is designed to be power-efficient. Because it can drop to a 10Hz refresh rate when displaying static content, it often saves battery compared to a fixed 60Hz or 120Hz display. The adaptive nature balances smoothness with power consumption, so the impact on battery life is generally minimal.
Can I force the iPhone 14 Pro to always use 120Hz?
No, Apple does not provide a user-facing setting to lock the display at 120Hz. The refresh rate is automatically managed by the system to optimize both performance and battery life. You cannot manually override this behavior.
Is ProMotion the same as a 120Hz display on an Android phone?
Not exactly. While both can reach 120Hz, ProMotion is Apple's adaptive technology that varies the refresh rate across a wider range (10Hz to 120Hz). Many Android high refresh rate displays offer fixed modes or app-controlled switching, but ProMotion is a proprietary system exclusive to Apple devices.
Does the standard iPhone 14 have any refresh rate enhancement?
No, the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus use a standard 60Hz display. They do not include ProMotion or any variable refresh rate technology. For the smoother experience, you must choose the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Will future non-Pro iPhones get ProMotion?
As of the iPhone 14 lineup, ProMotion remains exclusive to the Pro models. Apple has not officially stated plans to bring it to standard models, and current documentation only lists Pro models as supported devices.
