Among an iPad’s technical specs, “ProMotion” is one of the terms that causes the most confusion: it’s not a type of screen, but a technology that controls how the screen refreshes.
What it is, in detail
ProMotion is the technology Apple developed to make the screen’s refresh rate (how often the image updates, measured in Hertz) variable and adaptive, up to a maximum of 120Hz, instead of a fixed 60Hz. The system automatically adjusts this rate based on the type of content: higher when you scroll quickly through a page or draw with the Apple Pencil, lower (to save battery) when the screen shows a static image.
Why it matters
A higher refresh rate translates into two concrete benefits: visually smoother scrolling while browsing, and — especially for anyone drawing — less motion blur when the Apple Pencil moves quickly across the screen, giving a stronger sense of responsiveness and stroke precision.
Which iPads have it
Today, among all iPad models on sale, only the iPad Pro offers ProMotion. The iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini remain capped at a fixed 60Hz refresh rate. That doesn’t mean they have poor-quality displays — they still include True Tone and P3 wide color — they simply don’t offer the extra smoothness of variable 120Hz.