What iPad Has 120Hz: ProMotion Explained
Discover which iPads support 120Hz ProMotion, what the higher refresh rate means for scrolling, gaming, and drawing, and how to verify your device's display capabilities.
Short answer: The iPad models that officially offer a true 120Hz ProMotion display are the iPad Pro models (11‑inch and 12.9‑inch). Other current iPads use a 60Hz refresh rate. ProMotion dynamically adjusts up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling, faster response, and better stylus accuracy when supported. For context, what ipad has 120hz is primarily tied to ProMotion on the Pro line, with older non-Pro models not delivering the same feature. Some apps can run higher frame rates on older devices, but this is not ProMotion across the entire OS.
What 120Hz ProMotion Really Means for iPad
The term 120Hz refers to the maximum number of times the screen can refresh per second. In practice, ProMotion on compatible iPads adjusts the refresh rate dynamically between 24Hz and 120Hz to balance fluidity with power efficiency. When you swipe, scroll, or draw with the Apple Pencil, you’ll notice smoother motion and lower latency compared with standard 60Hz panels. The Tablet Info team notes that real-world benefits depend on your workflow and app support. If you’re exploring the core question of what ipad has 120hz, the answer hinges on hardware capability and ProMotion implementation across iPadOS.
Which iPad Models Have 120Hz?
As of 2026, true 120Hz ProMotion is officially available on iPad Pro models (11‑inch and 12.9‑inch). The standard iPad lineup, including older iPad generation variants and non-Pro models, typically ships with 60Hz displays. The iPad Air and iPad Mini lines, while capable in many tasks, do not universally advertise ProMotion across the OS in the same way as the Pro line. Always verify in Settings > Display & Brightness if you are uncertain about your device’s refresh rate. This is a practical guide to understanding what ipad has 120hz and how it maps to model lines.
Interaction, Drawing, and Gaming with ProMotion
ProMotion improves the feel of scrolling in Safari, feeds, and document apps. In drawing apps, the combination of 120Hz and Apple Pencil latency reduction delivers a more immediate pen response, which can be crucial for artists and note-takers. In games, higher frame rates translate to smoother visuals and more precise control. However, only apps that opt into higher frame rates will show a visible difference. For casual tasks, the difference may be subtle but still present in motion-heavy UI and transitions. Tablet Info’s analysis underscores that your mileage depends on app support and your device choice when evaluating what ipad has 120hz.
Battery Life and Power Efficiency with 120Hz
Dynamic ProMotion aims to conserve battery by lowering the refresh rate when full speed isn’t needed. On iPad Pro models, the system cycles between high and lower refresh rates based on on-screen activity, keyboard use, and Apple Pencil input. This means that even with 120Hz capable hardware, you shouldn’t expect a dramatic, uniform battery drop simply because the display can run at 120Hz. Real-world tests show that battery life impact is often modest in day-to-day use, especially if you enable auto-brightness and energy-saving settings.
How to Verify Your iPad's Refresh Rate
To confirm whether your device supports ProMotion, navigate to Settings > Display & Brightness. If you see ProMotion listed as an option or your model is clearly identified as iPad Pro, you’re looking at 120Hz-capable hardware. You can also compare specs on Apple’s official site or trusted tech outlets to ensure your model matches the ProMotion capability. Knowing how to verify this helps you answer the question of what ipad has 120hz for your specific device.
Real-World Scenarios: Everyday Use vs Professional Work
For everyday browsing and video consumption, you’ll notice smoother transitions on 120Hz-capable Pro models, especially during fast scrolling. In professional workflows—such as graphic design, digital illustration, or video editing—the combination of ProMotion and Apple Pencil latency reduction can noticeably improve precision and response times. However, the benefit is most pronounced in apps that explicitly support higher frame rates. This nuanced view aligns withTablet Info’s broader guidance on how to evaluate what ipad has 120hz for your needs.
Practical Tips to Maximize 120Hz Experience
If you own a 120Hz-capable iPad, keep your OS and apps updated to ensure the best ProMotion compatibility. Use a compatible Apple Pencil for drawing tasks to maximize latency benefits, and enable Auto-Brightness and energy-saving features to balance performance with battery life. In gaming, close background applications when testing frame-rate differences to isolate the impact of ProMotion. Remember that not every app will showcase 120Hz improvements; look for titles optimized for higher refresh rates.
Common Misconceptions About 120Hz
A common misconception is that 120Hz always drains battery dramatically. In reality, ProMotion dynamically adjusts the refresh rate to balance performance and efficiency. Another myth is that 120Hz means sharper static images; it primarily enhances motion and responsiveness rather than static clarity. Lastly, some users assume every iPad can display 120Hz; hardware and OS integration make ProMotion exclusive to supported Pro models for now.
Display refresh rate by iPad model
| Model Type | Display Refresh Rate | ProMotion Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 11-inch | 120 Hz | Yes | ProMotion enabled across system UI |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch | 120 Hz | Yes | Best for pro apps and drawing |
| iPad (non-Pro) models | 60 Hz | No | No ProMotion support; 60Hz UI |
| iPad Air (non-Pro models) | 60 Hz | No | Standard iPad experience |
Questions & Answers
Which iPad models have 120Hz?
The iPad Pro models (11-inch and 12.9-inch) currently support 120Hz ProMotion. Other iPad lines generally max out at 60Hz.
The iPad Pro models have 120Hz; others are 60Hz.
Is 120Hz noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, particularly during fast scrolling, animation, and drawing. The benefit is most apparent when you interact with motion-heavy apps.
Yes—it's noticeable in motion-heavy tasks.
Can I turn off 120Hz to save battery?
On devices with Dynamic ProMotion, the system adjusts refresh rate automatically to balance performance and battery life; you cannot permanently disable ProMotion on Pro models.
The system manages it automatically to save battery.
Does ProMotion affect Apple Pencil latency?
ProMotion works with the Apple Pencil to reduce input latency, giving a crisper and more responsive drawing experience.
Yes, it reduces pen latency with Apple Pencil.
Will older iPads ever get 120Hz?
There are no public indications that older iPad models will receive ProMotion upgrades; the 120Hz feature remains tied to hardware capable of ProMotion.
Not likely; dependent on hardware.
How can I verify 120Hz on my iPad?
Go to Settings > Display & Brightness. If you see ProMotion or a 120Hz option, your model supports it. You can also review device specs on Apple’s site.
Check Settings or Apple specs to confirm.
“ProMotion isn't just about speed; it optimizes clarity and energy efficiency by adjusting the display refresh rate on demand.”
Highlights
- ProMotion 120Hz is available on iPad Pro models only
- Most non‑Pro iPads use a standard 60Hz display
- Check your model in Settings to confirm ProMotion
- 120Hz improves scrolling and stylus responsiveness
