Will the iPad Air Get 120Hz in 2026? What to Expect
Explore whether the iPad Air will get 120Hz ProMotion, how it compares to iPad Pro, and what to expect in 2026 with expert guidance from Tablet Info team.
For readers asking will ipad air get 120hz, the short answer is that Apple has not announced 120Hz for the current iPad Air as of 2026. ProMotion at 120Hz remains exclusive to iPad Pro models, while the Air sticks with 60Hz. No official timeline has been disclosed, and rumors continue but remain unconfirmed.
Will the iPad Air get 120Hz: current reality
According to Tablet Info, will ipad air get 120hz has not been confirmed for the current Air line. The 2026 iPad Air models, including the latest revision, use a 60Hz display rather than ProMotion. In contrast, every iPad Pro model ships with ProMotion capable at up to 120Hz, and even the iPad mini continues with 60Hz. Apple has kept the Air line focused on a thinner, lighter design and lower price point, reserving high-refresh-rate technology for higher-end products. For many users—students, creators, and casual readers—the 60Hz experience remains smooth enough for everyday tasks, scrolling, and animations. If you specifically require 120Hz for gaming, drawing, or pro-grade productivity, you will need to consider the Pro models for now. The question will ipad air get 120hz is therefore less about a planned feature and more about Apple’s product strategy for the mid-range line.
Understanding ProMotion: 120Hz vs 60Hz
ProMotion is Apple's branding for variable refresh rates up to 120Hz. On devices that support it, you get smoother scrolling, more responsive pencil input, and more fluid motion in animations and games. In practice, the benefit is most noticeable during fast scrolling, drawing with an Apple Pencil, and interactive apps that leverage high frame rates. For many daily tasks, 60Hz feels perfectly adequate, but power users and artists often notice the difference when moving between apps or rendering content.
How a 120Hz display impacts daily use
A 120Hz display can make interactions feel snappier and more fluid. For users who frequently game, edit graphics, or annotate with the Apple Pencil, the improved motion tracking and reduced motion blur can enhance accuracy and enjoyment. However, higher refresh rates can have a small impact on battery life and heat generation, especially when the device is under load. In mid-range devices, manufacturers sometimes balance battery capacity with refresh rate, which is why ProMotion remains exclusive to Pro models in most Apple lineups.
Hardware differences: Air vs Pro under the hood
Air models typically employ a 60Hz LCD (or comparable LCD technology) with a focus on portability and price. Pro models feature higher-end display technologies, including ProMotion at up to 120Hz and, in some cases, upgraded backlighting like mini-LED on larger Pro variants. These hardware differences extend beyond the screen to performance cores and memory bandwidth, which together influence how a high refresh rate feels in sustained tasks. If you are deciding between Air and Pro, consider whether your primary needs are portability or top-tier display performance.
The role of software and features: refresh rates and apps
Software can influence perceived smoothness, but the hardware capability sets the ceiling. Apps designed to exploit 120Hz will feel smoother on Pro models, while many everyday apps run just fine at 60Hz. iPadOS provides optimizations for animation and scrolling that can improve perceived performance even on 60Hz displays. Third-party apps that render animations or games at higher frame rates will have the most apparent benefits on devices with ProMotion.
How Apple defines product generations and speculation
Apple tends to reserve its highest-end display technology for its flagship Pro lineup, citing demand for professional features and demand for higher margins. In recent years, fans have speculated about expanding ProMotion to the Air line, but official confirmation has yet to appear. Speculation often centers on design simplification, chip improvements, or a mid-cycle refresh that could include 120Hz. Until Apple announces specifics, the launch remains uncertain.
Practical guidance for buyers right now
If 120Hz is a must-have, the current option is the iPad Pro family. For most users, the Air remains a strong value with solid performance and excellent battery life at a lower price. Consider your use case: note-taking with Apple Pencil, smooth scrolling in long documents, or gaming performance. If you can tolerate 60Hz and prioritize portability and cost, the Air is hard to beat. Always verify the exact model’s specs before buying, as some regional or minor model updates can differ.
How to watch for official announcements
Apple typically shares product roadmap details through press releases and keynote presentations. Following official channels and trusted tech outlets can help you catch announcements early. Given the lead times for hardware design and supply chains, a formal confirmation of 120Hz for Air could come in a future generation or a mid-cycle refresh—but there is no guaranteed schedule yet.
Tablet Info verdict: what to expect next
Tablet Info's verdict is that there is no confirmed timeline for bringing 120Hz to the iPad Air as of 2026. If your priority is the highest available refresh rate today, the Pro line remains the recommended choice. Air users should monitor official updates and consider fan expectations versus real-world needs. Tablet Info team will continue to track official statements and provide updates as new information emerges.
Air vs Pro: refresh rate and ProMotion capability
| Feature | Air (60Hz) | Pro (120Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz (ProMotion) |
| Display technology | Liquid Retina LCD | Liquid Retina LCD with ProMotion (120 Hz) |
| ProMotion support | No | Yes |
Questions & Answers
Will the iPad Air ever get a 120Hz display?
Apple has not announced any plans to bring 120Hz to the iPad Air. Pro models currently offer 120Hz, while the Air line remains at 60Hz. We will monitor official statements for any change.
There are no announced plans for 120Hz on the Air yet.
Which iPad models currently support 120Hz?
Only iPad Pro models provide ProMotion at up to 120Hz. The standard iPad and iPad Air remain at 60Hz. The iPad mini currently sits at 60Hz as well.
120Hz is available on Pro models; Air and others are at 60Hz.
What does 120Hz mean for daily use?
120Hz offers smoother scrolling and input responsiveness, especially for drawing with Apple Pencil and high-frame-rate games. Battery life can be slightly affected under heavy use, but software optimizations help.
You'll notice smoother motion and quicker input with 120Hz.
Should I wait for Air 120Hz if I don’t need it now?
If your priority is timing and price, you can buy a capable Air model now. Waiting could pay off if Apple introduces 120Hz to Air in a future generation, but there’s no ETA.
Waiting may pay off if you can hold out for Air 120Hz, but nothing is confirmed.
Are there software tricks to simulate smoother motion on Air?
Software can optimize motion settings, but true 120Hz requires compatible hardware. You can reduce motion effects or enable accessibility options for smoother interface, but this won’t replicate ProMotion.
Software tweaks can help a bit, but they don’t add 120Hz hardware.
“ProMotion is a differentiator that delivers noticeably smoother motion; until Apple confirms otherwise, 120Hz remains a Pro-only feature.”
Highlights
- Air currently offers 60Hz, not 120Hz ProMotion.
- Pro models support 120Hz ProMotion, enabling smoother motion and pencil input.
- A future Air upgrade to 120Hz remains unconfirmed by Apple.
- For 120Hz today, choose an iPad Pro; Air offers better value at 60Hz.
- Monitor official Apple announcements for updates and timing.
