 "Apple likely to ditch iPhone 17 Plus for new slimmer device, paving the way for iPhone Fold")
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed fresh insights into the upcoming “iPhone 17 Slim,” which is set to launch next year. According to Kuo, this new model will prioritise a sleek, ultra-slim design, even if it means making notable compromises in functionality.
The standout feature of the iPhone 17 Slim will be its ultra-thin profile, according to Kuo. To achieve this design, Apple will incorporate a lower percentage of titanium than what is currently used in the Pro and Pro Max models. Despite the reduced titanium, Apple hopes that the phone will maintain a premium feel.
Cameras also get an upgrade
In a significant departure from recent trends, the iPhone 17 Slim will feature just one rear camera. This camera will be a “wide camera,” which is 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.
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. Powering the device will be Apple’s A19 chip, promising enhanced performance and efficiency. Additionally, it will feature a Dynamic Island similar to current iPhone models and will use Apple’s own in-house 5G chip instead of Qualcomm’s.
Apple also plans to discontinue the “iPhone Plus” model next year, if reports and leaks are to be believed. 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 rumoured to be the most expensive in the lineup, with an estimated price tag of $1299.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsWhy a slim iPhone?
Kuo explains that the iPhone Plus model currently accounts for only 5–10% of total 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 anytime soon. This way, Apple will not only get plenty of time to fine-tune a foldable iPhone, but also 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 to go, 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.
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