High refresh rate displays are a coveted feature in modern laptops, giving users a smoother visual experience especially in fast-moving content and animations. Apple introduced the 120Hz refresh rate display to its MacBook Pro lineup, enhancing how motion renders on screen. The advanced display technology, branded as ProMotion, is available in select MacBook Pro models. It adapts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, providing both fluid scrolling and a more responsive feel while also being energy efficient.
This feature first appeared in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models launched in 2021. Following suit, the refreshed versions of these models released in January 2023 also come equipped with the 120Hz ProMotion display. However, not every model offers this higher refresh rate. The 13-inch MacBook Pro, for instance, does not have a 120Hz display. As a result, consumers seeking the fluidity of a 120Hz refresh rate on an Apple laptop need to focus on the specific 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro models that support this feature.
The inclusion of a 120Hz display in a MacBook Pro is more than an incremental upgrade—it substantially changes the user interaction, offering a viewing experience that is crisper and more dynamic. Whether it’s for professional video editing, graphic design, or everyday multitasking, models with this feature provide a noticeable improvement in display performance.
What Is ProMotion (120Hz)?
ProMotion is Apple’s marketing term for a variable 120Hz refresh rate display. It automatically adjusts between 24Hz and 120Hz, depending on what you’re doing — saving battery life during static content and delivering ultra-smooth motion during scrolling, gaming, or video editing.
💻 MacBook Models With 120Hz (ProMotion) Displays
1. MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021 and newer)
- Models:
- MacBook Pro 14″ (2021, M1 Pro / M1 Max)
- MacBook Pro 14″ (2023, M2 Pro / M2 Max)
- MacBook Pro 14″ (2024, M3 Pro / M3 Max)
- Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR with ProMotion (up to 120Hz)
- Notes: First MacBook to feature ProMotion. All subsequent 14-inch Pro models continue to include it.
2. MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021 and newer)
- Models:
- MacBook Pro 16″ (2021, M1 Pro / M1 Max)
- MacBook Pro 16″ (2023, M2 Pro / M2 Max)
- MacBook Pro 16″ (2024, M3 Pro / M3 Max)
- Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR with ProMotion (up to 120Hz)
- Notes: Shares the same ProMotion and mini-LED display technology as the 14-inch model.
🚫 MacBooks Without 120Hz Displays
These models do not include ProMotion and are limited to 60Hz refresh rates:
- MacBook Air (all models) — including M1, M2, and M3 versions
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1 / M2) — uses a standard Retina display
- Older Intel-based MacBooks — all capped at 60Hz
⚙️ Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Year Introduced | Display Type | Refresh Rate | ProMotion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 14″ | 2021 → present | Liquid Retina XDR | Up to 120Hz | ✅ |
| MacBook Pro 16″ | 2021 → present | Liquid Retina XDR | Up to 120Hz | ✅ |
| MacBook Pro 13″ | All years | Retina | 60Hz | ❌ |
| MacBook Air | All years | Retina / Liquid Retina | 60Hz | ❌ |
🧩 Summary
If you want a 120Hz ProMotion display, your options are straightforward:
✅ Get a 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021 or newer).
All other MacBook models — including the Air and 13-inch Pro — remain at 60Hz.
Sources:
- SlashGear – MacBook Models With 120Hz Displays
- ScreenRant – Which MacBooks Have a 120Hz Display?
- Apple Discussions – MacBook Pro 13 120Hz
Key Takeaways
- The 120Hz ProMotion display is available in certain MacBook Pro models.
- MacBook Pro versions with 14-inch and 16-inch screens released in 2021 and January 2023 support 120Hz.
- A 120Hz display offers a smoother, more responsive visual experience.
Technical Specifications of 120Hz MacBook Models
This section dives into the distinctive characteristics of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that feature 120Hz displays, focusing on their display properties, internal components, and connectivity options that cater to advanced computing needs.
Display and Resolution
The MacBook Pro models equipped with 120Hz refresh rates use ProMotion technology to deliver a fluid visual experience. The 16-inch model has a 3456-by-2234 native resolution at 254 pixels per inch, while the 14-inch model’s native resolution is 3024-by-1964 also at 254 pixels per inch. Both feature the Liquid Retina XDR display which provides 1 billion colors, wide color (P3), and True Tone technology. With XDR brightness, users can expect 1000 nits sustained full-screen brightness and a peak of 1600 nits for HDR content. This is complemented by a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, making darks and lights in images stand out sharply.
Performance and Hardware
The heart of these MacBook Pro models is either an M1 Pro or M1 Max chip, and both variants can be configured with different amounts of unified memory and storage. The options include 16GB of unified memory standard with configurations up to 64GB, and built-in storage starting at 512GB SSD, with options up to 8TB. The 16-inch model houses an 8-core CPU with a 16-core Neural Engine, making complex tasks such as video editing and 3D modeling both smooth and efficient.
Connectivity and Power
Both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models come equipped with MagSafe for charging, alongside a range of ports for connectivity. This includes HDMI, SD card slots, and several USB-C ports capable of supporting Thunderbolt 4, which allows connection to a 6K display at 60Hz. Wireless capabilities cover Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The 16-inch has a 100-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, while the 14-inch has a 70-watt-hour battery, both fast-charge capable, meaning they can regain a significant charge in a short amount of time with the included USB-C Power Adapter.
User Experience and Functionality
Advancements in the MacBook lineup have aimed to provide a seamless user experience. High refresh rates, such as the 120Hz found in some MacBook Pro models, are central to this effort, offering users a more fluid and responsive interaction with their device.
Refresh Rate Technology and User Impact
Apple’s ProMotion technology allows MacBook Pros to support refresh rates up to 120Hz. This creates smooth visuals during tasks like scrolling through web pages or swiping between apps. With ProMotion, the MacBook adjusts the refresh rate to match the movement of content. This reduction in lag and more fluid movement is felt during every gesture a user makes.
Audiovisual and Camera Features
MacBook Pros with 120Hz refresh rates provide not just smooth visuals but also enhanced sound and camera capabilities. For sound, they are equipped with a high-fidelity six-speaker system that offers clear audio for experiences like music and movies. The camera in these MacBooks is a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, giving users sharp video for calls and recordings. Moreover, the new MacBook Pros include Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR display, supporting HDR content with high brightness and contrast.
Security and Accessibility
Security features include Touch ID for secure and easy authentication. Accessibility is bolstered by an ambient light sensor that adjusts the screen brightness for optimal viewing. The trackpad’s Force Touch capability adds another layer of interaction, allowing users to access features through varying levels of pressure.
