An apparatus and method are described for subdividing swap chains using partitions. For example, one embodiment of an apparatus comprises: a graphics processing unit (GPU) to process graphics commands and responsively render a plurality of image frames; partition management logic to subdivide each of the image frames into at least two partitions and to designate each partition in each image frame as being in a front buffer or in a back buffer; the GPU to perform rendering operations to partitions designated as being in the back buffer; and a display link to concurrently perform a scan-out of scan lines from partitions designated as being in a front buffer.