Why Does Apple's XDR Display Have a Lower Refresh Rate?
Apple's XDR Extreme Dynamic Range (XDR) display, like the one in the Pro Display XDR, operates at a refresh rate of 60 Hz, which many professional displays use. This choice is not arbitrary, but rather a result of several factors, including target audience, content creation requirements, and technical constraints.
Target Audience
The XDR display is primarily designed for professional users such as photographers, video editors, and graphic designers, who prioritize color accuracy and image quality over high refresh rates. For most professional applications, a refresh rate of 60 Hz is more than sufficient to meet their needs.
Content Creation
The vast majority of video content is produced at 24, 30, or 60 frames per second (fps). A 60 Hz refresh rate is well-aligned with these standards, ensuring smooth playback without introducing motion artifacts that could occur at higher refresh rates. This consistency is crucial for maintaining the quality of the content and providing a seamless viewing experience.
Technical Constraints
Achieving high refresh rates while maintaining other advanced features, such as high brightness, wide color gamut, and HDR capabilities, can be technically challenging. The XDR display focuses on delivering exceptional image quality and color accuracy, rather than maximizing refresh rates. High refresh rates can actually compromise the quality of the display, especially in scenarios where the content is produced at lower frame rates.
Different Use Cases
In contrast to the iPad Pro, which features a 120 Hz ProMotion display designed for gaming and interactive applications, the XDR display is more focused on static content and critical color work. The iPad Pro's higher refresh rate enhances user experience in applications where rapid updates and smooth animations are essential. However, for professional workstations where precise color calibration and image integrity are key, the XDR display provides the necessary performance.
High Refresh Rate vs. Professional Workflows
High refresh rates are not always meaningful to content creators and professionals. For example, professional filmmakers rarely need to display more than 24 or 29.97 fps. Recording at higher frame rates, such as 60 fps, is more time-consuming and cost-inefficient. In fact, 60 fps recordings can make movies appear to be moving faster, which is less enjoyable compared to 30 or 24 fps. Hollywood studios often try to milk every second to maximize box office revenue, leading to longer films than might be necessary.
The difference in frame display reduction is significant. For a 2-hour movie recorded at 24 fps, the playback time would be 1 hour and 46 minutes at 30 fps, and just 1 hour and 26 minutes at 60 fps. These significant reductions in playback time can be beneficial for various reasons, including editing efficiency and convenience for viewers.
While higher refresh rates can be beneficial for certain applications, the design and intended use of the XDR display prioritize other aspects of display performance, such as color accuracy and image quality, which are more relevant to professional workflows.
Keywords: refresh rate, XDR display, ProMotion display