In 2025, Apple is expected to replace the iPhone "Plus" with a new model, tentatively dubbed the iPhone "Slim."
Though the official name remains uncertain, the anticipated fall debut has generated considerable buzz. Despite the iPhone 16 series launch being over two months away, early rumors about the iPhone 17 are not unusual. With that in mind, here’s a comprehensive look at everything we’ve heard about the so-called iPhone 17 "Slim" from reliable sources.
Thinner Design
According to The Information, the iPhone 17 will feature a significantly thinner design with an aluminum chassis, unlike the titanium casing of the Pro models.
Additionally, the device is expected to have a narrower Dynamic Island, potentially due to the use of a smaller "metalens" for the Face ID system. Internally code-named D23, this redesign is considered as revolutionary as the iPhone X.
Smaller Display
Details on the display size have emerged from various analysts. Jeff Pu from Haitong International Securities mentioned a 6.6-inch display, while Ross Young from Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) suggested a 6.55-inch display. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7-inch display. Apple is still testing different designs, so the display size may change before the official launch.
Relocated Cameras
The Information also reports that the iPhone 17 "Slim" will feature cameras positioned in new locations. A May report suggested that the rear cameras could be moved to the "top center" of the device, a design seen in some Android phones like Google’s Pixel 8 Pro. Traditionally, iPhone cameras have been placed in the top-left corner since the original 2007 model.
Anti-Reflective Coating
According to Chinese Weibo leaker Instant Digital, all iPhone 17 models will have a more scratch-resistant anti-reflective display compared to the Ceramic Shield on the iPhone 15 models. This "super-hard anti-reflective layer" is speculated to be similar to Corning’s latest technology, though it remains unclear if Apple will use Gorilla Glass Armor like Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra.
ProMotion Technology
The Elec reports that all iPhone 17 models will include OLED displays with low-power backplane technology, introducing ProMotion to non-Pro iPhone models for the first time. ProMotion allows the display to ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and video content and can also reduce to as low as 1Hz for power efficiency, enabling always-on display features.
Improved Selfie Camera
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the iPhone 17 lineup will feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera with a six-element lens, a significant upgrade from the 12-megapixel camera with five plastic lens elements in the iPhone 14 and 15. This improvement will enhance photo quality, allowing for better detail capture and image clarity, even when cropped or zoomed in.
Internal Upgrades
Jeff Pu from Haitong suggests that the iPhone 17 "Slim" will come with 8GB of RAM, an upgrade from the 6GB in the iPhone 15 Plus. This aligns with the expected 8GB RAM in all iPhone 16 models. Additionally, The Information reports that the iPhone 17 "Slim" will be equipped with Apple’s A19 chip.
Higher Price
The Information also hints that the iPhone 17 "Slim" could have a higher price tag than the Pro Max model, currently starting at $1,199. This suggests that the "Slim" could become the highest-end model in the lineup, potentially branded as the "iPhone Ultra," a name rumored for several years.
As the launch date approaches, anticipation builds around the potential of Apple’s next major innovation in the iPhone 17 "Slim."
