Are you tired of your iPhone's Safari browser feeling sluggish, even though you have a high-end device? Here's the surprising truth: your iPhone might not be using its full potential when it comes to browsing speed.
While Apple introduced 120Hz refresh rate displays with the iPhone 13 Pro in 2021, and even brought this feature to the base iPhone 17 in 2025, many users are still unaware that Safari doesn't automatically take advantage of this capability. And this is the part most people miss: by default, Safari renders most webpages at a mere 60fps, which can make scrolling feel choppy, especially on text-heavy sites.
But here's where it gets controversial: even though your iPhone is capable of a smoother 120Hz experience, Apple doesn't enable this setting out of the box. Why? Some speculate it's to preserve battery life, while others argue it's an oversight. Regardless, the good news is that you can manually unlock this hidden potential.
Here's the catch: this feature is only available on iPhones with a ProMotion display, such as the iPhone 13 Pro or later, and the iPhone 17 lineup. If you own one of these devices, you're in luck. But even then, enabling 120Hz browsing requires navigating through a series of obscure menus. Here's how to do it:
- Dive into Safari Settings: Open the Settings app, scroll down to 'Apps,' and select Safari. It's odd, but you won't find this option within the Safari app itself.
- Uncover Advanced Options: Scroll to the bottom of Safari settings and tap 'Advanced.'
- Access Feature Flags: Within the Advanced menu, find and open 'Feature Flags.'
- Disable 60fps Preference: Locate the 'Prefer Page Rendering Updates near 60fps' option and toggle it off. This step is crucial, as it prevents Safari from limiting itself to 60Hz.
- Relaunch Safari: Fully close Safari using the App Switcher and reopen it. Now, your browsing experience should feel noticeably smoother, particularly on content-rich websites.
But here's the trade-off: while 120Hz browsing enhances smoothness, it can slightly impact battery life. Is the trade-off worth it? That's a question only you can answer. If you're a heavy Safari user, you might appreciate the fluidity, but if battery longevity is your priority, you may want to think twice.
What do you think? Is Apple's decision to keep 120Hz browsing disabled by default a wise move to conserve battery, or should it be enabled automatically on capable devices? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more tips and tricks to get the most out of your iPhone, be sure to follow our updates. And if you're curious about other hidden features, check out our articles on secret iPhone functionalities, from hidden photo vaults to advanced Notes app capabilities. Your iPhone is more powerful than you realize—it's time to unlock its full potential!
