iPhone 17 Slim Rumors: Pricing, Release Date, Display, Camera, and More
- Apple is pushing the boundaries with the ultra-thin iPhone 17 “Slim.”
- Discover the design dilemmas Apple faces in crafting the slimmest iPhone yet.
- The iPhone 17 “Slim” might just be thinner than ever—find out what Apple is sacrificing in the name of style.
Apple enthusiasts are abuzz with rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 17 “Slim,” poised to make a significant mark with its ultra-thin design. As Apple continues to innovate, the “Slim” variant faces the intricate task of balancing minimal thickness with essential functionalities like battery capacity and SIM card placement, including debating whether to remove the SIM card tray altogether.
Photo via Gearrice // iPhone 17 Slim, also known as iPhone 17 Air, is expected to launch alongside iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max in September 2025.
Design Challenges
According to The Information, Apple engineers are grappling with the placement of critical components within the iPhone 17 “Slim.” The pursuit of a slimmer profile, potentially as thin as 6mm, is pushing the boundaries of current design capabilities. This feat would surpass the thinnest iPhone to date, the iPhone 6 at 6.9mm.
Apple engineers are wrestling with where to put the SIM card, battery, and thermal materials in the rumored iPhone 17 Slim. The Information.
The challenge is particularly pronounced in markets like China, where physical SIM cards are still mandatory, adding complexity to the device’s design.
Redesigned Lineup
In a strategic shift, Apple is reportedly phasing out the “Plus” variant in favor of the new “Slim” (or potentially “Air”) model. This move aligns with Apple’s long-term vision to produce "the thinnest and lightest products in their categories across the whole tech industry."
Photo via Technizo // Apple's rumored iPhone 17 Air in various color shades including rose gold.
Anticipated Features:
- Display: 6.6-inch (or 6.55-inch) LTPO OLED with 120Hz ProMotion
- Frame: Aluminum construction
- Camera: Single 48MP rear camera with a rectangular aluminum bump
- Battery: More energy-dense to accommodate the slimmer profile
- RAM: Minimum of 8GB
Analyst Jeff Pu from Haitong International Securities highlights that the “Slim” model is expected to offer a 6.6-inch display, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max will maintain a 6.9-inch screen.
ProMotion for All
A significant upgrade across the iPhone 17 lineup is the adoption of 120Hz ProMotion displays on all models, including the “Slim.” This enhancement promises smoother scrolling and more responsive touch interactions.
ETNews cites a display industry insider, noting that Samsung and LG are slated to manufacture these advanced LTPO panels for the different iPhone variants.
All iPhone 17 models will feature an anti-reflective display that is more scratch-resistant than Apple's Ceramic Shield found on iPhone 15 models. Instant Digital on Chinese Weibo.
Photo via FPT // iPhone 17 Air (top) side-by-side with a modern-day iPhone 16 Pro (bottom) to illustrate its thinness.
Camera Upgrades
The iPhone 17 lineup is set to upgrade its front-facing cameras from 12MP to 24MP, enhancing photo quality and detail capture. Ming-Chi Kuo, a renowned Apple analyst, confirms this upgrade, stating:
The entire iPhone 17 lineup will feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera with a six-element lens.
Additionally, the “Slim” model will feature a single rear camera centered within a new aluminum bump, deviating from Apple’s traditional top-left placement.
Performance Enhancements
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 and 17 Slim are expected to be equipped with the A19 chip, built on TSMC's N3P 3-nanometer technology. The Pro variants will receive the more robust A19 Pro chips, ensuring top-tier performance and efficiency.
Memory Specifications:
- iPhone 17 Slim: 8GB RAM
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 12GB RAM
This increase in memory supports Apple’s on-device intelligence features, maintaining smooth and efficient operation despite the device’s slim form factor.
Pricing and Release Date
The iPhone 17 “Slim” is rumored to command a premium price, potentially exceeding $1,200, positioning it above the Pro Max model despite offering fewer features. This pricing strategy may hinge on the allure of its revolutionary thin design.
Apple is anticipated to maintain its traditional September launch window for the iPhone 17 series, with the iPhone SE 4 expected to debut in early 2025.
The iPhone 17 Slim’s single, center-mounted camera will reportedly be surrounded by a rectangular bump that’s made of aluminum instead of glass. The Information.
Photo via FPT // A concept rendering of Apple's 2025 iPhone 17 Air.
Conclusion
Apple’s pursuit of an ultra-thin iPhone with the 17 “Slim” model underscores its commitment to innovation, even as it navigates the complexities of design and functionality. While the slimness may come with trade-offs, such as reduced battery capacity and limited speaker configuration, the potential for a groundbreaking device remains high.
As Apple continues to refine the iPhone 17, the tech world eagerly awaits to see if the “Slim” can deliver on its promise without compromising the essential features users have come to expect.
Recommended by the editors:
Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.Published to Apple Scoop on 26th November, 2024.
No password required
A confirmation request will be delivered to the email address you provide. Once confirmed, your comment will be published. It's as simple as two clicks.
Your email address will not be published publicly. Additionally, we will not send you marketing emails unless you opt-in.