Apple’s iPad Air series has long held a middle ground between the basic iPad and the high-end iPad Pro, offering power and functionality at an accessible price. While the latest iPad Air (2024) impressed users with a larger 13-inch display, it continues to feature a refresh rate of just 60Hz, falling short of the 120Hz “ProMotion” displays on Apple’s iPad Pro models. However, rumors suggest this could change in 2025, with Apple potentially introducing a 90Hz display refresh rate for the iPad Air, a development that fans have eagerly awaited. Here’s what this rumored upgrade could mean for Apple’s popular tablet and how it fits into the brand’s broader lineup of devices.
A device’s refresh rate refers to the number of times the display updates with new information per second, measured in hertz (Hz). Most standard screens operate at 60Hz, which means they refresh 60 times per second. A higher refresh rate, like 90Hz or 120Hz, results in smoother animations, reduced motion blur, and more responsive touch interactions. For users, this upgrade can make a noticeable difference in everything from scrolling through content to playing games and watching videos.
The iPad Pro has long set the standard in this regard with its 120Hz ProMotion display, which has been praised for its fluid user experience. Introducing a 90Hz refresh rate to the iPad Air would mark a substantial improvement over the current 60Hz display, bridging the gap between the Air and Pro models while keeping costs down. This refresh rate upgrade could give the iPad Air a smoother feel without encroaching fully on the high-end Pro territory.
A Liquid Motion Panel: What’s New with the Upcoming Display Technology
According to an anonymous source on the *Upgrade* podcast, Apple’s 2025 iPad Air will feature a new “liquid motion” panel, a type of LCD technology that allows for higher refresh rates while maintaining energy efficiency. While the term is relatively new and not yet widely explained, it may represent Apple’s approach to optimizing LCD performance to deliver smoother visuals without significantly increasing power consumption.
This rumored display technology would allow the iPad Air to balance the benefits of a higher refresh rate with longer battery life, an essential factor in tablets used for work, media, and creative tasks. This new display may also offer better contrast and color vibrancy, improving the overall visual experience without the need for more expensive OLED technology, which remains exclusive to Apple’s Pro and upcoming MacBook lines.
Other Products Could See Similar Refresh Rate Enhancements
It’s not just the iPad Air that could see a bump in refresh rate. The same source suggests that Apple may introduce a 90Hz refresh rate to its 24-inch iMac and the next-generation Studio Display. Apple’s attention to refresh rates across various devices points to a broader trend of enhancing visual fluidity across its ecosystem. This move would bring Apple’s displays closer in line with competitors who have already adopted higher refresh rates on more affordable devices.
While unconfirmed, these updates suggest that Apple may be responding to consumer expectations and the success of high-refresh-rate screens on competitive devices in the tablet, desktop, and laptop markets. This change could enhance user experience across more accessible models and encourage broader adoption of Apple’s mid-range and entry-level products.
The iPad Air’s rumored 90Hz refresh rate is just one of several updates expected in 2025. Apple is anticipated to unveil the new iPad Air alongside a next-generation iPad and the iPhone SE 4, potentially around the middle of the year. The upcoming iPad Air is also expected to feature Apple’s new M3 chipset, a substantial upgrade from the current model, which runs on the M2 chip.
This upgrade is part of a wider strategy for Apple’s product lineup, allowing the iPad Air to serve as an entry point for users looking for enhanced performance without the premium price of the iPad Pro. By incorporating the M3 chip and an improved display, Apple could elevate the iPad Air’s appeal to users seeking a balance of power and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for a range of tasks, from light productivity to media consumption and even creative work.
The iPad Air’s potential move to a 90Hz refresh rate could signal further changes for other Apple devices. For example, rumors indicate that the iPhone 17, expected in 2025, may also adopt a 120Hz refresh rate, making this technology available to regular iPhone models instead of just the Pro series. With displays evolving across product lines, Apple appears to be focusing on high refresh rates as a key component of user experience moving forward.
Moreover, by adding a 90Hz refresh rate to the iPad Air and other mid-range products, Apple can maintain the appeal of its Pro models without undercutting them. This approach would likely maintain the exclusivity of 120Hz ProMotion displays on the iPad Pro, which could continue to attract professionals and creators who prioritize the best display performance.
While these rumors are still unconfirmed, recent speculation suggests Apple may be pushing toward higher refresh rates for multiple devices. The incremental increase to 90Hz for the iPad Air reflects Apple’s cautious approach to evolving its mid-range lineup without compromising the allure of its Pro products. In the future, this strategy could see further advancements as Apple continues to refine its display technology, potentially incorporating mini-LED or even OLED in more devices.
As Apple continues to innovate, users can look forward to seeing display technology evolve across the entire product ecosystem, offering smoother, faster, and more visually appealing experiences. Whether or not these updates are officially announced for the iPad Air in 2025, Apple’s focus on display enhancements signals exciting possibilities for future devices across iPads, iPhones, Macs, and more.
The possibility of a 90Hz refresh rate for the 2025 iPad Air represents an important upgrade for users who want enhanced performance without committing to the higher cost of an iPad Pro. This change would bring smoother visuals, reduced motion blur, and an overall improved user experience, keeping the iPad Air competitive in an increasingly dynamic tablet market.
As Apple considers higher refresh rates for its broader product line, the iPad Air may soon become a more versatile option for users looking for a mix of affordability, performance, and quality display. While these rumors remain speculative, Apple’s reported interest in display technology shows a promising future for those seeking an iPad experience that feels more responsive, vibrant, and aligned with modern expectations for visual performance.
