In 2020, I made the leap from my old Pixel 3 to a shiny new iPhone 12. Fast forward nearly five years, and I’m still rocking that same device. The main reason? Apple has yet to deliver a feature I desperately want: a ProMotion display.

For those unaware, ProMotion is Apple's catchy term for high-refresh rate screens. Launched with the iPhone 13 Pro, ProMotion has become the gold standard for smooth interactions, allowing displays to refresh at a dazzling 120Hz or drop down to 1Hz for features like always-on display.

This tech upgrade is a game-changer, particularly for gaming and daily use. It’s not surprising that Android competitors have jumped on board, offering high-refresh rates even in budget models. Yet, Apple makes you cough up a hefty $1,000 for the privilege.

My closest brush with an upgrade came in 2023 with the release of the iPhone 15. This version introduced the much-lauded Dynamic Island display cutout, but even the allure of improved visuals and a USB-C port couldn’t pry me away from my iPhone 12. Why? Still no ProMotion.

It's clear that Apple’s strategy is lagging behind the competition. Analyst Ross Young predicted that it might be 2024 before ProMotion makes its way to regular iPhone models, citing supply chain issues as a hindrance. It's ironic considering that Google had already rolled out a 90Hz OLED display on the Pixel 5 back in 2020.

But hope may finally be on the horizon! Rumors suggest that all four iPhone models slated for 2025 will boast 120Hz displays. If true, this could very well encourage me—and perhaps many others—to finally upgrade.

However, if ProMotion becomes standard, what does that mean for Pro models? With the anticipated iPhone 17 losing ProMotion as a unique selling point and returning to aluminum construction, the Pro lineup may face a serious identity crisis. The primary differences will likely be limited to advanced camera options and larger screens.

Some speculate this could be the end of the iPhone Pro as we know it. During a recent podcast with Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, he hinted that Apple is laying the groundwork for a new iPhone Air model. Initially seen as a lower-tier option, the Air could eventually rival the current standard iPhone, offering a sleek package at a premium.

It’s wishful thinking, but I’m excited by the prospect of a future where the iPhone Air and standard models offer comparable features—just with a price tag to match their design.