Briefly, methods and apparatus provide image content to, and display image content on, displays with a variable refresh rate that reduce frame delays and avoid display image flickering problems. In one example, the methods and apparatus are operative to vary a display's refresh rate by varying a current frame's vertical blanking period by re-providing the current frame for display prior to providing a new frame for display. In this fashion, the displaying of a new frame may be advanced by assuring that a new frame can be provided for display as soon as it has been rendered and available for display. In addition, by re-providing the current frame for display prior to providing a new frame for display, new frames may be provided for display at rates within a safe rate range such that display image flickering issues are avoided or reduced.