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Home / Models / iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) / refresh-rate-not-120hz

Model-specific diagnostic path

iPad Pro M5 does not stay at 120 Hz

The M5 iPad Pro uses ProMotion with an adaptive 10–120 Hz range. A reading below 120 Hz can therefore be normal; the useful question is whether high-refresh motion becomes available when content and system state call for it.

QUESTIONWhy is iPad Pro M5 refresh rate below 120 Hz?

Start with evidence

Run the tests that separate the likely branches

Monitor Refresh Rate TestEstimate display refresh timing using animation frames.
Run →
Display Motion TestTrack a moving browser-rendered target to inspect obvious judder, tearing or motion artifacts.
Run →

Decision table

What the observation changes

ObservationWhat it meansNext action
Rate varies with static vs moving contentThat is consistent with adaptive ProMotion behavior.Do not treat every sub-120 reading as failure.
Motion is smooth in system UI but one app is cappedApp/content limit is more likely than panel failure.Check that app's frame-rate/content settings.
System-wide motion is visibly abnormalA settings/software/display issue remains possible.Restart, review accessibility/power settings and compare native content.

Sequence

Work from reversible checks to escalation

  1. 01

    Confirm exact M5 iPad Pro.

  2. 02

    Use motion content, not only a static page.

  3. 03

    Compare multiple apps/system UI.

  4. 04

    Review relevant power/accessibility settings.

Likely areas

Keep these branches separate

Normal adaptive refreshPower/accessibility settingApp/content frame rateDisplay fault

Repair boundary

When to stop changing settings

Use Apple diagnostics/support if persistent system-wide display artifacts or motion faults remain after restart/settings checks.