A recent video demonstration has sparked discussion among Apple enthusiasts (and some Android users) regarding the scrolling refresh rate of iOS 18 devices such as the new iPhone 16. A post shared by @UniverseIce on X claims that despite the availability of 120Hz refresh rates on compatible devices, iOS 18 frequently locks the refresh rate at 80Hz while scrolling on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
For reference, only the Pro and Pro Max models enjoy a 120Hz refresh rate thanks to “ProMotion technology” – the base model and iPhone 16 Plus settle for just 60Hz. The same goes for the iPhone 15, 14, and 13 series.
iPhone 16 Pro Max drops to 80Hz while scrolling
The accompanying video demonstrates the issue, showing a user scrolling through Weibo on an iOS 18 device. The majority of the scrolling motion is visibly at 80Hz, with brief moments of 120Hz appearing for a brief second, or once scrolling stops. This observation suggests that iOS 18 may not be fully utilizing the capabilities of devices with higher refresh rates, potentially impacting the overall smoothness and responsiveness of the user interface.
It’s not yet clear why
While the tweet and video provide a small amount of evidence, they raise important questions about Apple’s approach to optimizing scrolling performance on iOS 18. Some users have speculated that the 80Hz lock might be related to power management or other factors aimed at improving battery life or overall system stability. However, others will likely express disappointment that the full potential of 120Hz displays is not being realized.
It’s worth noting that this claim is based on a single user’s experience and may not represent the behavior of iOS 18 on all devices or in all scenarios. However, this apparent 80Hz scrolling limitation could have implications for the overall user experience on iOS 18 devices. Higher refresh rates can contribute to smoother animations, reduced motion blur, and a more responsive feel. If iOS 18 is consistently limiting scrolling performance to 80Hz, it could diminish the quality of the user experience, especially for users who have invested in devices with the promise of high-refresh-rate displays.
As more information becomes available, it will be interesting to see how, or if, Apple responds to these concerns. If you want to read more on Apple’s latest mobile operating system, check out the settings we’d change on iOS 18 or take a look at why Apple is pausing its iPadOS 18 rollout.
