Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed fresh insights into the upcoming “iPhone 17 Slim,” which will launch next year. According to Kuo, this new model will prioritize a sleek, ultra-slim design, even if it means making notable compromises in functionality.
According to Kuo, the standout feature of the iPhone 17 Slim will be its ultra-thin profile. Apple will incorporate a lower percentage of titanium to achieve this design than currently used in the Pro and Pro Max models. Apple hopes the phone will maintain a premium feel despite the reduced titanium.
Cameras also get an upgrade.
The iPhone 17 Slim will feature just one rear camera, a significant departure from recent trends. This camera will be a “wide camera,” essentially the main camera in Apple’s terminology.
While detailed specifications of this camera are yet to be disclosed, the standard iPhone 17 is expected to feature a dual-camera setup, and the Pro models will boast three rear cameras, each equipped with a 48MP sensor.
The display and processor get tweaked.
The iPhone 17 Slim will sport a 6.6-inch screen with a resolution of approximately 2,740 x 1,260 pixels. Apple’s A19 chip will power the device, promising enhanced performance and efficiency. It will also feature a dynamic island similar to current iPhone models and use Apple’s own in-house 5G chip instead of Qualcomm’s.
If reports and leaks are believed, Apple also plans to discontinue the “iPhone Plus” model next year. The iPhone 17 lineup will include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Slim, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Slim is rumored to be the most expensive in the lineup, with an estimated price tag of $1299.
Why a slim iPhone?
Kuo explains that the iPhone Plus model accounts for only 5–10% of new iPhone shipments. This low percentage suggests that the standard, Pro, and Pro Max models already effectively cover the high-end market segments, rendering the Plus model redundant. Instead of replacing the Plus model, Apple aims to explore new design trends with the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Slim.
Moreover, given its current line of devices and their dimensions, Apple will have to make some significant changes to the design of its devices if it is to launch a foldable iPhone soon. This way, Apple will get plenty of time to fine-tune a foldable iPhone and introduce a new design language.
It’s important to remember that the iPhone 17 lineup is still over a year away from its official announcement and release. With at least 14 months, there is ample time for changes and adjustments. Additionally, while Kuo has been a reliable source in the past, his accuracy has seen some fluctuations recently.
The iPhone 17 Slim represents Apple’s bold move towards innovative design, even if it means diverging from current trends in functionality. With its sleek form factor and high price point, it will be interesting to see how it is received in the market and how it compares to the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup.
