Rumors suggest the budget iPhone 19e in 2028 may include ProMotion technology with LTPO OLED displays for better battery life and smoother performance.
© A. Krivonosov
The budget iPhone lineup could receive a significant display upgrade in the coming years. According to industry sources, the iPhone 19e, expected in early 2028, may for the first time feature ProMotion technology—the adaptive refresh rate function previously exclusive to Apple's more expensive smartphones.
The lack of ProMotion was a major criticism of the iPhone 17e. This was due to the use of simpler LTPS OLED panels, which are limited to a fixed screen refresh rate. ProMotion requires LTPO OLED displays, which can dynamically change the refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz, thereby saving battery power.
ZDNet Korea reports that Apple is considering equipping the future iPhone 19e with an LTPO matrix. Such panels have already become standard for main iPhone models since 2025, when the company began actively implementing adaptive refresh rates even in base devices. If these plans materialize, the affordable model could offer smoother interface animations and improved energy efficiency.
However, a final decision has not yet been confirmed. Apple may maintain distinctions between budget and premium devices, especially if the company transitions to a new generation of LTPO+ displays. In that scenario, the more advanced technology could remain exclusive to flagship models, while the iPhone 19e would receive the same panels as previous devices in the series.