iPhone 17 Slim: Apple's Thinnest Smartphone Yet
Rumored iPhone 17 Slim may redefine thinness but lag in camera performance.
The upcoming iPhone 17 Slim, potentially named iPhone 17 Air, is rumored to launch next year as Apple aims to refresh its smartphone lineup. After lackluster sales of both the mini and Plus models, Apple appears to be banking on thinness as the next big selling point. The Slim is rumored to be just 6mm thick, a 13% reduction compared to Apple’s current thinnest phone, the iPhone 6.
Despite its expected appeal in design, the iPhone 17 Slim may fall short in camera performance compared to the Pro models. According to a report from South Korea’s The Elec, LG Innotek, Apple’s key supplier for camera modules, is investing 357.9 billion won ($255 million) in new facilities dedicated to the iPhone 17 Pro’s hardware. This strongly suggests the non-Pro models, including the Slim, will not feature the 5x optical zoom enabled by the tetraprism camera system exclusive to the Pro variants.
The iPhone 17 Slim is also expected to feature a single camera lens, potentially dropping the ultrawide module found on standard models like the iPhone 16. While equipped with a 48MP sensor and Apple’s advanced 2x zoom via pixel binning, it may struggle to appeal to consumers who equate more lenses with superior quality.
Rumors surrounding its price have fueled debate, with some reports suggesting the Slim could be Apple’s most expensive handset yet, surpassing the $1,199 starting price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, others speculate a price closer to $999, positioning it higher than the retiring $899 Plus model but below the Pro’s price point.
The rumored pricing strategy also raises questions about Apple’s mid-range offerings. If the iPhone SE 4, expected to start at $499, is intended as a companion to the regular iPhone 17, Apple may face challenges in maintaining a balanced lineup.
The iPhone 17 family is anticipated to launch in September 2025. Clarity on pricing and features may emerge in March with the unveiling of the iPhone SE 4. For now, Apple’s gamble on slimness over advanced camera capabilities remains a fascinating strategic pivot.