Unlock 120Hz Browsing in Safari on Your iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide
Many iPhone users with ProMotion displays have noticed that Safari browsing can sometimes feel less smooth than expected. Despite Apple's transition to 120Hz screens a couple of years ago, which generally delivers fluid animations and scrolling, certain webpages in Safari may still exhibit choppy performance. This issue arises because Safari, by default, renders most webpages at 60 frames per second (fps), limiting the full potential of the high refresh rate displays on newer iPhone models.
Why Safari Limits Refresh Rates and How to Overcome It
According to reports from technology publications like Tom's Guide, Safari's default 60fps rendering can make scrolling through text-heavy websites feel sluggish and uneven. This is particularly noticeable on iPhone models equipped with ProMotion technology, such as those launched after the iPhone 13 Pro. The good news is that Apple has included a hidden setting within Safari's Feature Flags that allows users to unlock 120Hz browsing, resulting in a significantly smoother, faster, and more fluid web experience.
To verify your iPhone's current refresh rate while using Safari, you can visit a refresh rate test page online. This will help you confirm the improvement once you enable the 120Hz setting. The process involves a few simple steps within your iPhone's settings, and it does not require any technical expertise or third-party applications.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable 120Hz Browsing in Safari
Follow these detailed instructions to activate the hidden 120Hz feature in Safari on your iPhone:
- Open Safari Settings: Begin by launching the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap on Apps, then select Safari from the list of applications.
- Access Advanced Options: In the Safari settings menu, scroll to the bottom and tap on Advanced. This will open a submenu with additional configuration options.
- Navigate to Feature Flags: Within the Advanced list, find and select Feature Flags. This section contains experimental settings that can enhance Safari's performance.
- Enable 120Hz Rendering: In the Feature Flags menu, locate the option labeled Prefer Page Rendering Updates Near 60fps. Toggle this setting to the off position. This action prevents Safari from defaulting to 60fps rendering, allowing it to utilize the full 120Hz capability of your ProMotion display.
- Restart Safari: After making this change, close the Safari app completely and relaunch it. This ensures that the new setting takes effect immediately.
Verifying the Changes and Expected Benefits
Once you have enabled the 120Hz setting and restarted Safari, you can revisit the refresh rate test website to confirm that pages are now rendering at 120Hz. Users who have implemented this tweak report a noticeable improvement in scrolling smoothness, especially on content-rich websites. The enhanced refresh rate reduces visual stuttering and provides a more responsive browsing experience, making it ideal for reading articles, navigating social media, or browsing multimedia sites.
It is important to note that this feature is specifically available on iPhone models with ProMotion displays, such as the iPhone 13 Pro and later versions. If your device does not support ProMotion technology, this setting may not be applicable. However, for eligible users, unlocking 120Hz browsing in Safari is a simple yet effective way to maximize the performance of their iPhone's display technology.
By following this guide, you can take full advantage of your iPhone's hardware capabilities and enjoy a superior web browsing experience. This adjustment aligns with Apple's commitment to innovation and user customization, allowing individuals to tailor their devices for optimal performance.
