With the iPhone 16 series still about a month away from release, rumors about the iPhone 17 have already started to emerge. Several reports suggest that Apple may discontinue its “Plus” model with the iPhone 17 lineup in 2025. Instead, Apple is expected to introduce a new, ultra-premium iPhone model that will distinguish itself from the rest. Initially, many speculated that this would be the much-anticipated iPhone Ultra. However, recent rumors indicate that the new high-end model might be called the iPhone ‘Slim’. Here’s what we know so far about Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 ‘Slim’.
iPhone 17 Slim: Rumored Design
This year, Apple introduced its thinnest product ever with the 13-inch iPad Pro M4, and it seems the company plans to continue this trend with the upcoming 2024 Apple Watch Series 10 and 2025 iPhones. According to The Information, Apple is preparing to release a new iPhone 17 model that will be ‘significantly thinner’ than its predecessors. Instead of a Titanium frame, this new model will have an aluminum chassis and will be priced higher than the Pro Max version. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Slim is expected to draw design inspiration from the iPhone X, potentially offering a modern redesign of the classic model and delivering the thinnest iPhone fans have been eagerly awaiting.
iPhone 17 Slim: Display
Analyst Jeff Pu from Haitong International Securities has shared the initial details about the upcoming thinnest iPhone. He reported that the new iPhone 17 Slim, set to replace the iPhone Plus model, will feature a 6.6-inch display. Recent information from Ice Universe supports these claims, outlining the anticipated display sizes as follows:
- iPhone 17: 6.27-inch LTPO display
- iPhone 17 Pro: 6.27-inch LTPO display
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.86-inch LTPO display
- iPhone 17 Slim: 6.65-inch LTPO display
The iPhone 17 “Slim” is expected to feature a 6.65-inch display, placing it between the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max models in size. Additionally, the entire iPhone 17 lineup is anticipated to include a 120Hz ProMotion Display for smoother performance. All models will have a Dynamic Island, though the Pro versions will feature a smaller one. If the iPhone 17 Slim is indeed the new flagship, it will likely also come with a narrower Dynamic Island, similar to the Pro models.
According to leaker Instant Digital on Weibo, the iPhone 17 models will introduce a new anti-reflective display that is more scratch-resistant than the Ceramic Shield used in the iPhone 15 models. The panel is said to feature a “super-hard AR layer” that offers enhanced scratch resistance. There is currently no information on whether Apple will incorporate the Gorilla Glass Armor used by Samsung in the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
iPhone 17 Slim: New Redesigned Camera
The iPhone 17 Slim is rumored to feature a major redesign similar to the iPhone X, making a striking entrance with a repositioned rear camera system. According to The Information, the iPhone 17 Slim might have its cameras placed in a new location potentially at the top-center of the device. Since the iPhone X’s release in 2017, Apple has consistently positioned rear cameras in the top-left corner. Thus, relocating the camera to the top-center would represent a significant and surprising change.
This redesign could make the iPhone 17 Slim stand out from the rest of the lineup. If visualized, the camera module might resemble the design seen on the Google Pixel 8 Pro. Additionally, it is suggested that the “Slim” model will feature a dual-lens rear camera, unlike the triple-lens system found on the Pro models. If this is accurate, it may not claim the title of the “most-premium flagship” unless it boasts top-of-the-line specifications to justify its flagship status.
In addition to its redesigned rear camera, the iPhone 17 Slim will feature an upgraded 24MP front camera. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the entire iPhone 17 lineup is expected to feature a 24MP selfie camera with a 6P lens. In contrast, the current iPhone 15 has a 12MP front camera with 5 plastic lens elements, and the upcoming iPhone 16 will retain the same hardware. The enhanced 24-megapixel resolution on the iPhone 17 will allow for higher-quality photos with finer details, even when cropped or zoomed in.
iPhone 17 Slim: Performance
According to The Information, the iPhone 17 Slim will be powered by Apple’s A19 Pro chipset, likely based on TSMC’s 2nm process, offering enhanced performance and efficiency. While the Pro models will also use the A19 Pro chipset, Apple may adjust the core count to distinguish the “Slim” model as the new premium option.
Analyst Jeff Pu reports that the iPhone 17 Slim will feature 8GB of RAM, an upgrade from the 6GB RAM found in the iPhone 15 Plus model. All upcoming iPhone 16 models are also expected to come with 8GB of RAM, a requirement for Apple’s advanced intelligence features. Here’s the anticipated RAM configuration for the iPhone 17 models:
- iPhone 17: 8GB
- iPhone 17 Slim: 8GB
- iPhone 17 Pro: 12GB
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 12GB
Given the rumored RAM for the iPhone 17 Slim, it doesn’t seem to justify its status as the highest-end model. It’s unclear why Apple would market the iPhone 17 Slim as the top-tier option if it shares the same internals and camera hardware as the non-Pro models. This seems to be an assumption based on the replacement of the “Plus” model. The highest-end flagship should not fall behind the Pro models in terms of specifications. A true flagship should feature the best processor, camera system, and other key features. If the iPhone 17 “Slim” is indeed the new flagship, it should incorporate all the Pro-exclusive elements while offering a slimmer design.
iPhone 17 Slim Expected Price & Release Date
Predicting the release date for the new iPhones is relatively straightforward, as Apple typically follows its established schedule and launches new models in September. Unless Apple deviates from its usual schedule, the iPhone 17 Slim is expected to be unveiled in September 2025.
The key question remains: what will be the cost of the thinnest iPhone? According to tipster Ice Universe, the iPhone 17 Slim might come with a higher price tag than the current iPhone Pro Max, which is priced at $1,199. Here are the projected prices for the iPhone 17 models:
- iPhone 17: $799
- iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199
- iPhone 17 Slim: $1,299
Priced at $1,299, the iPhone 17 “Slim” would become Apple’s flagship model for 2025 and the most expensive iPhone to date.
That’s all we know about the iPhone 17 Slim at this point. Opinions on this ultra-thin model are mixed, as it appears to blend standard and Pro features. It remains uncertain whether the iPhone 17 Slim will simply replace the iPhone Plus model or if it will be the highest-end model in the iPhone 17 lineup. Given its substantial price, the iPhone Slim could potentially evolve into the long-rumored iPhone Ultra.
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