Skip to main content

The new iPad Mini may get a 120Hz ProMotion display

After years of anticipation, Apple updated its iPad Mini for 2021 several weeks ago. The latest iteration of the smallest iPad now features an 8.3-inch display with slimmer bezels. However, some users noticed a “jelly scrolling” issue, which is a term for when the right side of the screen runs faster than the left side in portrait mode. Apple’s response to “jelly scrolling” was that the effect was normal behavior for LCD screens that refresh line by line. The next iPad Mini could solve this issue by gaining an iPad Pro upgrade that would bring the display’s refresh rate up to 120Hz.

Lifestyle image of someone using the iPad Mini.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

According to a report from @FronTron, Apple is considering launching an iPad Mini with 120Hz refresh rate. As of now, the latest iPad Mini comes equipped with a 60Hz screen. The upcoming iPad Mini could feature the same display that Apple has been using on the iPad Pro models since 2017.

Apple calls screens with the 120Hz refresh rate ProMotion displays, and they’re found on the iPad Pro series and the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. In our review of the 13 Pro, we praised the faster refresh rate for its smoothness and responsiveness despite some issues with not all third-party apps being optimized for it. After another year of development, we expect that to be less of an issue.

It’s also worth noting that Apple’s take on 120Hz includes a variable refresh rate where it drops to 10Hz when the content on the screen doesn’t need a high refresh rate — for instance, when reading. The system automatically detects when it needs to apply the high refresh rate. If Apple is considering bringing ProMotion tech to the iPad Mini, we can also assume that the next iPad Air could get a 120Hz refresh rate display too. However, everything is just a speculation at this point.

Editors' Recommendations

Prakhar Khanna
Prakhar writes news, reviews and features for Digital Trends. He is an independent tech journalist who has been a part of the…
I ditched my iPad Pro for an Android tablet — here’s why
Man holding green OnePlus Pad Android tablet over space gray 11-inch M1 iPad Pro 2021.

I work from home full time. That means distractions walk in freely, and keeping myself engaged is not always easy. In search of motivation, I lean toward change, novelty, and the urge to avoid being chained to my desk all day.

In this pursuit, the iPad Pro has proven to be a terrific gadget that allows me to get away from the clutter on my desk without giving up the capabilities of a computer. Being a Mac user, the iPad Pro easily fits into my workflow, primarily for seamless Continuity.

Read more
I’ll be furious if the iPhone 15 Pro doesn’t get this one feature
A black iPhone 14 Pro lying on a table.

It’s peak summer season, but that also means we’re getting closer to Apple’s fall event in September. This is typically when we expect the next generation of iPhones and Apple Watches.

This year, we’re expecting the iPhone 15 lineup, which should include the standard iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. On top of that, it’s safe to say that we should also see the Apple Watch Series 9, but whether we’re getting a second-generation Apple Watch Ultra is still up in the air. And new AirPods? Who knows! Regardless, it will be exciting and jam-packed with a ton of new products.

Read more
I tried to replace my GoPro with this new phone and its clever camera
The Asus Zenfone 10, along with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Apple iPhone 14 Pro, and the GoPro Hero 11 Black.

The Asus Zenfone 10's camera is attached to a gimbal, and with it comes the promise of shooting steady, shake-free video even when you’re moving around.

Does this mean it can take on the mighty GoPro, and perhaps mean you only need to carry around one device instead of two? To find out, we put the Zenfone 10 against the latest GoPro camera and two of its smartphone peers.
Understanding the Zenfone 10’s gimbal
The gimbal can be seen working in the viewfinder Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

Read more