Speculations surrounding Apple’s future flagship, the iPhone 17, have already begun to surface, even before the launch of its predecessor, the iPhone 16. Recent reports hint at significant changes, including the potential replacement of the Plus models with a sleeker variant, the iPhone 17 Slim, which could also carry a hefty price tag.
Earlier conjectures hinted at Apple adopting a new processor from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for the iPhone 17. Additionally, there were murmurs suggesting the demise of the Plus models post the iPhone 16 launch this year. However, fresh reports now suggest that not only will the iPhone 17 Slim replace the Plus lineup, but it could also claim the crown for being the most expensive model in the series.
Forecasts by industry analyst Jeff Pu earlier this month predicted the discontinuation of the Plus model with the iPhone 16 series. These predictions gain further traction with a recent report from The Information, reinforcing the speculation that the iPhone 16 Plus will indeed be the final iteration of its kind. Instead, the report hints at the emergence of the iPhone 17 Slim, described as “significantly thinner” than current models, featuring a revamped camera system.
Sources cited in The Information’s report suggest that the iPhone 17 Slim could debut in 2025, boasting a major redesign internally dubbed as D23. This model is expected to introduce substantial changes akin to the revolutionary iPhone X launched in 2017. While the iPhone X introduced features like Face ID and OLED screen, the D23 model is anticipated to showcase a remarkably thinner chassis and a smaller display cutout.
Earlier rumors also hinted at Apple potentially replacing the Dynamic Island with a pinhole cutout, a change that might commence with the iPhone 16 series. Other speculated alterations include relocating the rear camera to the top center of the device from its traditional upper-left corner. The screen size of the iPhone 17 Slim is speculated to fall between the standard iPhone’s 6.12 inches and the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 6.69 inches.
Moreover, there are indications that the iPhone 17 Slim could carry a higher price tag than the Pro Max variant, potentially positioning the Slim models as the epitome of Apple’s smartphone lineup next year.
The Plus-size variant made its debut with the iPhone 14 lineup in 2022, targeting consumers seeking a larger screen without the premium price tag of the Pro model. However, if the rumors hold true and the iPhone 16 indeed marks the end of the Plus models, it would conclude a three-year run for the Plus version, one year longer than the iPhone mini’s tenure.
