In a significant shift for its iconic product line, Apple is expected to discontinue the iPhone “Plus” model in its upcoming iPhone 17 series to introduce a new variant tentatively dubbed the “iPhone 17 Slim.” Although the official name may differ upon its debut in the fall of 2025, the anticipation surrounding this development is already building. Even as the tech community eagerly awaits the launch of the iPhone 16 series, set for later this year, speculation about the iPhone 17 Slim has already begun to surface.
Thinner Design for iPhone 17 Slim
According to a report by The Information, the iPhone 17 Slim will feature a “significantly thinner” design, distinguishing itself from previous models. Unlike the titanium casing found on Apple’s Pro models, this new iteration will sport an aluminum chassis.
The device’s internal codename, D23, hints at a substantial redesign, akin to the transformative leap seen with the iPhone X. This redesign is expected to include a narrower Dynamic Island, likely made possible by Apple’s adoption of a smaller “metalens” for the Face ID system.
Display Changes in the iPhone 17 Slim
The display size of the iPhone 17 Slim has been a topic of discussion among industry analysts. Jeff Pu from Haitong International Securities has suggested a 6.6-inch display, while Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) believes it will be 6.55 inches.
For context, the current iPhone 15 Plus boasts a 6.7-inch display. As Apple continues to test different designs, the final display size could vary, but it is expected to be smaller than its predecessor, enhancing the device’s sleek profile.
Relocated Cameras
One of the most intriguing rumors involves the relocation of the rear cameras. Historically, iPhone cameras have been positioned in the top-left corner, a design choice consistent since the original 2007 model.
However, The Information reports that the iPhone 17 Slim may feature rear cameras in the “top center” of the device. This potential change would align Apple’s design with some Android devices, such as Google’s Pixel 8 Pro, and could offer a fresh aesthetic for the iPhone lineup.
Advanced Display Technology for iPhone 17 Slim
Another significant upgrade for the iPhone 17 Slim series is the introduction of an anti-reflective display. According to a leak on Chinese platform Weibo by Instant Digital, the new iPhone models will feature a display that is not only more scratch-resistant than the current Ceramic Shield but also includes a “super-hard anti-reflective layer.”
While it remains unclear if Apple will adopt Corning’s Gorilla Glass Armor, used in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, the description of Corning’s latest technology matches the rumors, suggesting a robust enhancement in display durability and clarity.
ProMotion Technology
For the first time, Apple plans to bring ProMotion technology to its non-Pro iPhone models with the iPhone 17 Slim series. ProMotion allows the display to adjust its refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and video playback and down to as low as 1Hz for power efficiency.
This feature, currently available on Pro models, enables always-on display capabilities, showing the Lock Screen’s clock, widgets, notifications, and wallpaper even when the device is locked.
Upgraded Selfie Camera
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that the iPhone 17 Slim lineup will feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera with a six-element lens. This marks a significant upgrade from the 12-megapixel cameras with five-element lenses found on the iPhone 14 and 15 models. The higher resolution will allow for greater detail in selfies and video calls, and the additional lens element is expected to enhance overall image quality.
Internal Hardware Enhancements
Internally, the iPhone 17 Slim is rumored to come equipped with 8GB of RAM, an upgrade from the 6GB found in the iPhone 15 Plus. This enhancement aligns with expectations for the iPhone 16 models, which are also anticipated to feature 8GB of RAM to support advanced on-device Apple Intelligence functions. Additionally, the iPhone will likely be powered by Apple’s next-generation A19 chip, promising improved performance and efficiency.
Potential Price Increase
The introduction of the iPhone 17 Slim could also bring a shift in Apple’s pricing strategy. According to The Information, this new model might carry a higher price tag than the current Pro Max, which starts at $1,199.
This suggests that the iPhone could become the new high-end model, potentially being branded as the “iPhone Ultra.” Such a move would place it at the pinnacle of Apple’s product lineup, offering premium features and design innovations.
Conclusion
As we look ahead to 2025, the potential discontinuation of the iPhone “Plus” in favor of the iPhone 17 Slim represents a significant evolution in Apple’s product strategy. With a thinner design, relocated cameras, advanced display technology, ProMotion features, and substantial internal upgrades, the iPhone 17 Slim promises to be a noteworthy addition to Apple’s lineup.
While these rumors continue to circulate, the anticipation and excitement for what Apple has in store remain high. As always, the tech world will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and what they ultimately mean for consumers and the industry at large.
Source: MacRumors
