Apple is reportedly planning to equip its upcoming iPhone 19e with a 120Hz ProMotion display, potentially bringing advanced refresh-rate technology to the company’s most affordable iPhone series for the first time. The device is expected to launch in the first half of 2028, according to reports from ZDNet Korea.

The iPhone 19e may adopt a Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) OLED panel, a technology currently used in higher-end iPhone models, including the iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air. LTPO panels allow displays to dynamically adjust the refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz, improving energy efficiency while enabling smoother visuals. This would mark a significant upgrade over the iPhone 17e, which features a 60Hz low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) TFT display.

Apple is said to be considering this shift as part of a broader strategy to extend LTPO technology across its entire iPhone lineup. However, the adoption of LTPO panels for the iPhone 19e may depend on the company’s development of next-generation “LTPO+” technology. LTPO+ integrates oxide semiconductors in both switching and drive transistors, further reducing power consumption.

Also Read: iPhone 19e Tipped For 2028 Launch With Major LTPO OLED Display Upgrade

Currently, Apple plans to reserve the advanced LTPO+ panels for premium models, including future iPhone Air versions and a rumored foldable iPhone in 2028. If successful, this strategy could allow standard LTPO panels to be deployed in more affordable models, including the iPhone 19e. However, reports caution that delays in mass production of LTPO panels could affect the rollout.

The company has previously tested LTPO technologies on smaller devices such as the Apple Watch, using them as a proving ground before scaling up to iPhone-sized displays. Apple first adopted LTPO+ panels, also called LPTO3, in 2024 for the Apple Watch, with LG Display as the supplier. This earlier implementation reportedly gave the company confidence in expanding the technology to smartphones.

While earlier reports suggested the technology might be introduced in 2027 iPhone models, ZDNet Korea indicates that Apple has shifted focus to 2028 releases due to production readiness challenges. If successful, the iPhone 19e could offer users an unprecedented combination of affordability and high-end display performance in Apple’s smartphone lineup.

Also Read: iPhone 19e Tipped For 2028 Launch With Major LTPO OLED Display Upgrade