Apple is getting ready to reveal the new iPhone 16 series. But there are already rumors about next year’s models (the 17 series) and, in particular, the iPhone 17 Slim. Expected to launch sometime in September of 2025, the new ‘Slim’ series phone will open up the iPhone to a new segment of buyers. To make room for the new phone Apple is widely expected to discontinue the ‘Plus’ series – so the 16 Plus might be the last of its kind.
Experts are predicting big changes to Apple’s smartphone lineup so 2025 could be a big year for Apple’s hardware team. Not much is known about the supposed “ultra-thin” iPhone 17 Slim, but a slim iPhone does have a nice ring to it and makes a lot more sense than what the ‘Plus’ offers. A shift towards slimmer, more premium models for Apple would inject excitement back into the lineup and be a significant boost for the company’s future products.
Evolution of Apple’s iPhone: A New Era Beckons with the iPhone 17 Slim
The End of an Era: iPhone 16 Plus is the Last
According to analyst predictions from both Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities and Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities, the iPhone 16 Plus could mark the end of Apple’s “Plus” model lineup. This surprising move comes after Apple revived the larger-screen option just two years ago with the iPhone 12 series.
Enter the iPhone 17 Slim: A New Premium Contender
In place of the iPhone 16 Plus, Apple is reportedly gearing up to introduce a new ultra-thin premium iPhone, tentatively named the iPhone 17 Slim. While details are scarce, this new model is expected to debut in 2025, ushering in a fresh design direction for Apple’s flagship smartphone.
What to Expect in the iPhone 16 Series
Despite the impending demise of the Plus model, the iPhone 16 series is still on track for a fall 2024 release. The lineup will likely include the standard iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
| Model | Expected Features |
|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | Standard model, likely with iterative improvements over the iPhone 15. |
| iPhone 16 Pro | Pro-level features, potentially including a new A18 chip, enhanced camera system, and ProMotion display technology. |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | The top-tier model with the largest screen size and most advanced features. |
Implications for the Future of iPhones
The discontinuation of the Plus model suggests a shift in Apple’s strategy. It seems the company is focusing on a slimmer, more premium design for its future iPhones. This could lead to more compact and elegant devices, but it also means that those who prefer larger-screened iPhones may have fewer options in the coming years.
Short Summary:
- The iPhone 17 Slim will replace the iPhone Plus lineup, focusing on a thinner design.
- Rumors suggest an advanced display and camera revisions to enhance user experience.
- Analysts predict price points that may challenge the previous boundaries of smartphone pricing.
Background: The Shift from Plus to Slim
The iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to consist of four models: the standard iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 17 Slim. Industry experts have noted a shift away from the iPhone Plus model, which has shown dwindling popularity, accounting for a mere 9% of iPhone sales according to analysts. This dynamic reflects a strategy where Apple seeks to streamline its offerings by introducing a model that caters to the growing desire for a sleeker, more stylish device.
“Apple is replacing the least popular model in its lineup with something unique—the iPhone 17 Slim is set to become a flagship in its own right,” noted influential Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Design Innovations
One of the most significant rumored changes for the iPhone 17 Slim is its design. Reports from reputable sources, including The Information, indicate that this model will feature a “significantly thinner” profile, deviating from the current design standards that have maintained a thicker form factor in recent models.
Thinner Aesthetics
Expectations point towards a more elegant aluminum chassis instead of the titanium casing that characterizes the Pro models. The idea is to enhance portability without compromising durability. An analyst from Haitong International Securities, Jeff Pu, speculates a display size of 6.6 inches—slightly smaller than the iPhone 15 Plus’s 6.7 inches. However, Ross Young from Display Supply Chain Consultants suggests a more compact 6.55-inch display could be in the works, showcasing Apple’s commitment to continuous refinement.
Camera Layout Changes
Intriguing rumors also suggest a reconfiguration of the rear camera system—possibly moving to a top-center placement, mirroring the design seen in certain Android competitors like Google’s Pixel series. If confirmed, this would mark a significant shift from Apple’s decades-long practice of placing cameras in the top-left corner of iPhones. In a surprising twist, some reports indicate a singular camera system rather than the multi-camera setup typical of previous models.
Advanced Features
Aside from its aesthetic appeal, the iPhone 17 Slim is expected to introduce several technological advancements aimed at enhancing user experience.
Highly Durable Displays
All models in the iPhone 17 series are anticipated to come with a new anti-reflective display coating that promises increased scratch resistance compared to the Ceramic Shield found in the iPhone 15 series. Sources from Chinese Weibo leaker Instant Digital claim that the new displays will utilize cutting-edge technology potentially inspired by Samsung’s Gorilla Glass Armor, leading to unprecedented durability.
ProMotion Technology for All
For the first time, ProMotion technology—known for enhancing refresh rates—will be available across all iPhone 17 models. Reports suggest these OLED displays will feature low-power backplane technology, allowing a seamless adjustment in refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz. This leap enhances multimedia experiences significantly, making the devices more appealing to consumers who value high-performance displays.
Enhanced Selfie Camera
The front-facing camera is also set to receive significant upgrades, transitioning to a 24-megapixel lens equipped with a six-element structure. This enhancement sharpens image quality and impressively maintains detail even in cropped shots or zoomed-in scenarios—marking a substantial improvement over the current 12-megapixel front camera featured in the iPhone 15 models.
Internal Specifications
The next-generation iPhone is expected to boast impressive internal capabilities. Reports indicate that the iPhone 17 Slim may contain 8GB of RAM—up from the 6GB seen in previous models—with plans for a formidable A19 chip based on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process technology. This move not only enhances performance but also aligns with Apple’s push for incorporating its own 5G modems, reducing its reliance on Qualcomm’s infrastructure.
Price Expectations and Market Position
The pricing strategy for the iPhone 17 Slim is shrouded in speculation but is anticipated to be higher than the iPhone Pro Max, which currently starts at $1,199. Some analysts predict a potential price point of around $1,299, pushing the boundaries of iPhone pricing into new territory while positioning the Slim model as a premium offering.
“This could mean that the Slim is not just a new model but the ‘iPhone Ultra’ we’ve been hearing about—something truly different,” explains another Apple industry expert.
Market Implications
The removal of the Plus model could change what people buy. Some experts think that people who currently use the Pro Max might choose the new Slim instead of the Pro Max, which could mean fewer sales of the Pro Max. This new plan lets Apple appeal to people who want a special design without going after the same customers as the Pro models. These changes in Apple’s products came from noticing that what people want is changing. Apple seems to be betting that there are people who will pay more for a better design, even if it means giving up some features. This goes against what loyal customers have said in the past, as they have usually preferred powerful devices over slim ones.
