iPhone 17 New Specs Target Mobile Gamers

Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 17, and while the Air model has captured much of the initial attention, the most significant update may be found in the standard version. For the first time, the base iPhone includes a 120Hz ProMotion display. This change brings the entry-level device closer to the specifications of gaming-focused smartphones and comes at a time when more mobile games can take advantage of higher refresh rates.

iPhone 17 New Specs Target Mobile Gamers

Why the 120Hz Display Matters in 2025

High refresh rate displays have been a defining feature of Android gaming phones for years. Devices such as the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro, which supports a 185Hz display, and the RedMagic 10S Pro have long set the pace for mobile gaming performance. In contrast, Apple’s base iPhone models have traditionally offered lower refresh rates, limiting their appeal to players seeking smoother and more responsive gameplay.

The timing of this update appears deliberate. When Apple first introduced 120Hz displays on the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max in 2021, only a handful of games were able to make use of the faster speeds. As a result, the benefit was mostly confined to smoother animations and scrolling rather than a significant improvement in gaming. By 2025, however, the situation has changed. Hundreds of mobile titles now support higher frame rates, ranging from casual games such as Subway Surfers and Pokémon Go to more demanding releases including Call of Duty: Mobile, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and Genshin Impact.

iPhone 17 New Specs Target Mobile Gamers

Display and Hardware Improvements

Alongside the jump to 120Hz, the iPhone 17 features a larger 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display, offering slightly more screen space than the 6.1-inch panel on the iPhone 16. While still smaller than the displays found on many purpose-built gaming devices, the increase provides users with a more comfortable viewing area for both gaming and media.

The iPhone 17 also introduces the A19 chip, designed to improve performance and efficiency for both everyday use and demanding applications. The camera system has been updated with an 18-megapixel Center Stage camera and a 48-megapixel Dual Fusion setup, while storage options include 256GB and 512GB models. These features place the device in a stronger position as an all-around smartphone while expanding its potential for mobile gaming.

iPhone 17 New Specs Target Mobile Gamers

Pricing and Availability

Apple has set the starting price of the iPhone 17 at $799. Pre-orders opened on September 12 at 5 a.m. PDT, with the official release scheduled for September 19. This pricing makes the device more accessible compared to the Pro and Pro Max models, which have traditionally been the only iPhones capable of delivering higher refresh rates.

iPhone 17 and the Gaming Market

The addition of ProMotion technology to the base model signals that Apple is acknowledging the growing importance of gaming within the smartphone market. Until now, recommending an iPhone for gaming has been challenging, as dedicated Android devices often offered better specifications at lower prices. The iPhone 17 reduces that gap, providing Apple users with a more competitive option without requiring a move to the premium tiers.

Gaming phones such as those from Asus and RedMagic still provide higher refresh rates, physical triggers, and larger displays that appeal directly to players. However, the iPhone 17 now offers an alternative for those who prefer Apple’s ecosystem while also expecting a device that can handle modern mobile gaming requirements.

iPhone 17 New Specs Target Mobile Gamers

A Potential Shift for Apple’s Base Model

The release of the iPhone 17 may mark the first time in several years that the base iPhone can be reasonably considered a gaming device. While the long-term reception will depend on real-world performance and game optimization, the introduction of a 120Hz display at this level indicates a broader shift in Apple’s strategy. With mobile gaming continuing to expand and web3 gaming beginning to emerge as well, Apple’s decision to bring ProMotion to its standard model suggests that the company is positioning itself more seriously in the gaming space.