iPhone 17 Slim Expected to Lag Behind Pro Models in Camera Features

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a new version of the iPhone next year, tentatively named the iPhone 17 Slim, which will serve as a fresh take on the company’s smartphone lineup. The device is expected to be slimmer and more affordable than the Pro models, targeting buyers who prefer a lighter, thinner phone. However, the iPhone 17 Slim will reportedly make significant compromises in terms of camera technology.

According to a recent report from Korean news outlet The Elec, LG Innotek, Apple’s primary camera module supplier, is investing 357.9 billion won (approximately $255 million) into new facilities for the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera hardware. This means that the non-Pro models, including the iPhone 17 Slim, will likely miss out on the advanced 5x optical zoom that will be available on the Pro versions, which feature a sophisticated tetraprism camera system.

This is not unexpected, as the optical zoom feature has been a Pro-exclusive for several generations of iPhones. Additionally, with the iPhone 17 Slim rumored to be only 6mm thick—13% thinner than the iPhone 6, Apple’s thinnest phone to date—it would be challenging to include the complex camera modules needed for such advanced features. The primary focus for the Slim model is expected to be its slim profile, so Apple may opt for a simpler design to maintain the device’s ultra-thin form factor.

The iPhone 17 Slim is expected to feature a single rear camera lens, omitting the ultrawide module seen in the standard iPhone 16. Despite this, the device could still offer impressive photography performance, thanks to a 48MP sensor and Apple’s ability to simulate a 2x optical zoom through pixel binning. However, for consumers who may judge the phone based on the number of camera lenses, the Slim model could face some challenges in terms of appeal, especially given its expected high price tag.

Some early reports have suggested that the iPhone 17 Slim could be one of Apple’s most expensive handsets, potentially surpassing the $1,199 starting price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. While this price seems hard to believe for a non-Pro model, it highlights a shift in Apple’s pricing strategy. Even with this potential price increase, the iPhone 17 Slim would still likely be priced below the more feature-packed iPhone 17 Pro models. This suggests that Apple could position the Slim as a premium option in the mid-range segment, possibly alongside the upcoming iPhone SE 4, which is expected to have a starting price of around $499.

Ultimately, it will be interesting to see how Apple balances the pricing of its 2025 iPhone lineup. If these rumors hold true, the iPhone 17 Slim could represent an intriguing option for those seeking a sleek and affordable iPhone, but with compromises in camera technology to keep the price in check.