(Image credit: Future)
It’s been a rough few days for iPhone 16 Pro owners. After that issue, iPhone users are now saying their phones are stuck at an 80Hz refresh rate, even though it’s supposed to run at a smooth 120Hz.
The claim comes from well-known leaker Ice Universe on X, who shared a video showing the refresh rate problem. They used a refresh rate counter, which was visible in the video, and it seems the phone isn’t reaching the promised 120Hz.
Ice Universe pointed out that while iOS 18 looks smooth and polished, it’s not performing as fast as expected. “For example, the animations in iOS 18 are still elegant, but not as smooth. You can clearly feel that iOS 18 limits the refresh rate to 80Hz in most situations,” the leaker said.
They mentioned that the lower refresh rate is one reason they’re hesitant to make the iPhone 16 Pro Max their main phone. “For Android users who are used to 120Hz, iOS 18 doesn’t feel as smooth. That’s why it’s hard for me to switch to the iPhone 16 Pro Max as my primary phone.”
Apple supposedly made this change to extend battery life in iOS 18, but it’s not confirmed yet. If true, we believe reducing the screen refresh rate should be an optional setting, not a default change, especially since many users value the smooth 120Hz experience for overall usability.
While the frame counter is visible in the video, Apple hasn’t confirmed the issue, so keep that in mind. However, if iOS 18 seems a bit slower when scrolling, this could be the reason.