How to change hz on iphone

What is Refresh Rate (Hz)?

The refresh rate of a display, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second the screen updates its image. A higher refresh rate means smoother motion and a more responsive feel, especially noticeable in scrolling, animations, and gaming. For example, a 120Hz display updates twice as fast as a 60Hz display, resulting in a visibly smoother visual experience.

Does iPhone Support Changing Refresh Rate?

For the vast majority of iPhone models, the refresh rate is fixed and cannot be manually changed by the user. Apple designs the operating system to manage the display's refresh rate automatically. This dynamic adjustment aims to balance visual fluidity with battery efficiency. When viewing static content, the refresh rate might be lower to save power, while during fast-paced activities, it can increase for a smoother experience.

ProMotion Technology and Refresh Rates

Certain iPhone models, starting with the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, feature ProMotion technology. This adaptive refresh rate technology allows the display to dynamically adjust between 10Hz and 120Hz. The iPhone intelligently selects the most appropriate refresh rate based on the content being displayed and your interaction with the device. For instance, when reading an article, the refresh rate might drop to conserve battery, but when scrolling through a webpage or playing a game, it can ramp up to 120Hz for a fluid experience.

How to Limit Refresh Rate on ProMotion iPhones

While you cannot manually set a specific Hz value like 90Hz or 100Hz, Apple provides an option for users with ProMotion-enabled iPhones to limit the maximum refresh rate to 60Hz. This can be beneficial for users who might experience discomfort with higher refresh rates or wish to ensure maximum battery savings. This setting is not about changing the Hz freely, but rather capping the maximum potential of the ProMotion display.

To access this setting:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to Accessibility.
3. Tap on Motion.
4. Toggle on Limit Frame Rate.

When this option is enabled, your iPhone's display will be capped at a 60Hz refresh rate, preventing it from utilizing the higher adaptive rates offered by ProMotion.

Why Can't I Change Hz on My iPhone?

Apple's decision to not allow manual Hz adjustments on most iPhones is rooted in their design philosophy. The company prioritizes a seamless user experience that balances performance, battery life, and visual quality. Automating the refresh rate allows the iPhone to optimize these factors without requiring users to understand or manage complex display settings. For models without ProMotion, the display operates at a standard refresh rate (typically 60Hz), which is considered sufficient for most everyday tasks.

The focus is on providing a consistently smooth experience out-of-the-box. Introducing manual Hz controls could lead to accidental misconfigurations that negatively impact performance or battery longevity, which Apple aims to avoid. The 'Limit Frame Rate' option for ProMotion models offers a compromise, allowing users who prefer a fixed rate to opt for it without the complexities of custom Hz selection.

Benefits of Automatic Refresh Rate Management

The adaptive refresh rate technology in iPhones with ProMotion offers several advantages:

• Battery Efficiency: By lowering the refresh rate when high performance isn't needed, the iPhone conserves significant battery power.
• Smoother Visuals: When needed, the refresh rate can increase up to 120Hz, providing exceptionally fluid motion for demanding applications and interactions.
• Reduced Motion Sickness: For some users, the adaptive nature can feel more natural and less jarring than a fixed, high refresh rate, potentially reducing eye strain or motion sickness.
• Optimized Performance: The system ensures that the display refresh rate is always appropriate for the task at hand, contributing to an overall snappier feel.

In summary, while you cannot freely change the Hz on your iPhone, Apple's software intelligently manages the display's refresh rate. For ProMotion-enabled devices, you have the option to limit this rate to 60Hz via the Accessibility settings.