Apple’s iPhone 17 series, unveiled on September 9, 2025, is packed with exciting features, but one game-changing option flew under the radar during the big reveal. For the first time, all iPhone 17 models—iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—let you completely disable pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming.
If you’ve ever experienced eye strain or headaches from flickering screens, this could be a lifesaver. Let’s explore what this feature means, how it works, and why it’s a big deal for sensitive users.
What Is PWM Dimming and Why Does It Matter?
PWM dimming is a technique OLED screens use to adjust brightness by rapidly turning the display on and off. This flickering, often invisible to the naked eye, happens at a specific frequency. For some people, low PWM rates can cause discomfort like eye strain, headaches, or even nausea, especially in dim lighting.
Apple’s iPhones have historically used lower PWM frequencies compared to some Android brands, making them tougher for sensitive users. The good news? The iPhone 17 series now offers a way to turn PWM dimming off entirely, a feature that could make these phones a go-to for those affected by screen flicker.
How to Turn Off PWM Dimming on iPhone 17
Disabling PWM dimming is super easy. Apple tucked the option into the Accessibility settings, labeled Display Pulse Smoothing. When activated, it switches off PWM, using an alternative method to dim the OLED display. This creates a smoother, flicker-free experience at low brightness levels, perfect for late-night scrolling or reading.
However, Apple notes that turning off PWM might slightly affect display performance in very low-light conditions. For most users, though, the trade-off is worth it for comfort.
Steps to Disable PWM Dimming
- Open Settings on your iPhone 17.
- Go to Accessibility > Display & Text Size.
- Find Display Pulse Smoothing and toggle it on.
- Enjoy a flicker-free screen!
Why This Feature Is a Big Deal
For people sensitive to PWM, this is a game-changer. Previously, Apple’s low PWM frequencies (sometimes below 240Hz) could trigger discomfort for some users. Meanwhile, Android brands like OnePlus or Xiaomi often use high PWM rates (e.g., 1920Hz or above) to reduce flicker issues. Samsung and Google have stuck to lower rates, but they don’t offer a full PWM disable option like Apple now does.
The ability to turn off PWM completely sets the iPhone 17 apart, catering to users who prioritize eye comfort. It’s a small but meaningful step toward making smartphones more accessible.
iPhone 17 Series: Quick Specs Overview
All iPhone 17 models come with stunning Super Retina XDR OLED displays featuring 120Hz ProMotion for smooth scrolling. Here’s a quick look at the lineup:
| Model | Starting Price (India) | Display Size | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | ₹82,900 | 6.3-inch | A19 chip, 48MP dual cameras |
| iPhone 17 Air | ₹1,19,900 | 6.3-inch | 5.6mm slim, A19 Pro chip |
| iPhone 17 Pro | ₹1,34,900 | 6.3-inch | Triple 48MP cameras, vapor cooling |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | ₹1,49,900 | 6.9-inch | 8K video, best battery life |
Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 series began on September 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. IST, with availability starting September 19.
Could Other Phones Follow Suit?
Apple’s move to allow PWM dimming to be disabled raises the bar. Android brands have tackled flicker by boosting PWM frequencies, but combining high rates with an option to turn PWM off entirely would be ideal. Imagine a phone with 1920Hz PWM and a disable toggle—flicker-sensitive users would rejoice. For now, Apple’s solution is a bold step forward.
If you’re prone to eye strain or just want a smoother display experience, the iPhone 17’s new setting could make it your perfect pick. Pair it with the series’ gorgeous displays and powerful chips, and you’ve got a winner.
FAQs About iPhone 17 PWM Dimming
What is PWM dimming on iPhone 17?
PWM (pulse width modulation) dimming adjusts screen brightness by rapidly turning the display on and off. Low PWM rates can cause eye strain for some users.
How do I turn off PWM dimming on iPhone 17?
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size, then toggle on Display Pulse Smoothing to disable PWM dimming.
Which iPhone 17 models let you disable PWM dimming?
All models—iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—support disabling PWM dimming.
Does turning off PWM affect iPhone 17 display quality?
Disabling PWM may slightly impact low-brightness performance, but it reduces flicker for a more comfortable experience.
When can I buy the iPhone 17 series?
Pre-orders started on September 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. IST, with availability from September 19, 2025.