A new sleek iPhone is on the way!

August 5, 2024

Apple is all set to shake things up with the 17th version of its device. From the rumors, it seems like the company plans to retire the Plus model in favour of an all-new “Slim” iPhone. Let’s dive into all the buzz surrounding the iPhone 17 Slim (or Air) and the things it might soon unveil.

iPhone Air

Instead of being the ‘iPhone 17 Slim’, there’s a good chance that the upcoming phone might be launched with the “Air” moniker.

Mirroring the design philosophy of the MacBook Air and iPad Air, this new model emphasizes a lightweight and ultra-thin form factor, targeting casual consumers who prioritize portability and sleek design. Not only that, with a single rear camera, a titanium-aluminium alloy frame, and a focus on design over high-end features, the iPhone 17 Air aligns perfectly with the concept of a smooth, mid-range device. Although Apple has yet to make any official announcements, the “Air” designation seems to capture the essence of this new iPhone, suggesting a fresh approach to combining style and functionality in their product lineup.

However, most rumors point at it being called the iPhone 17 Slim so that’s what we are going with.

Iphone 17 Slim Rumors

A new iPhone form factor

Even before the iPhone 16 hits the shelves, rumours about the iPhone 17 are already making waves in the tech world. A brand-new form factor for an iPhone is on its way.

Reports suggest that Apple is focusing more on aesthetics this time. As the name implies, the new model’s main attraction will be its thinness, unlike the Pro models, which emphasize camera quality and processing power to stand out from Apple’s standard iPhones.

Why the Slim?

According to a report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the Plus model makes up only a small percentage of (5-10%) of all new iPhones sold. This suggests that the other three models (Standard, Pro, and Pro Max) are already meeting the needs of customers looking for high-end iPhones, and the Plus model doesn’t add much value and is considered “redundant”.

So, Apple may phase out the iPhone Plus, a larger-sized base model, in favour of the new iPhone 17 Slim in 2025. That being said, there is conflicting information regarding this where some reporters suggest that this upcoming model is not meant to replace existing models; while others claim that it will replace the “Plus” in the lineup.

Design and Display

The iPhone 17’s design features a sleek, ultra-thin profile with a titanium-aluminium alloy metal frame, emphasizing form-factor above everything. Well, this could be a clever idea for Apple to get customers excited about the iPhone’s design again. The size of the dynamic island is likely going to stay the same while the screen size is going to be 6.6 inches, with a resolution of 2,740 x 1,260.

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Camera and Software

Speaking of the camera, the company’s super-slim iPhone may only have one main wide camera, meaning it would lack the ultrawide and telephoto lenses that have been staples within Apple’s premium iPhone lineup for years. Additionally, all iPhone 17 models, including the Slim, will feature an upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing camera which is a notable change from the 12-megapixel cameras found in current models.

The iPhone 17 will be powered by an A19 chip (not Pro) and will include Apple’s in-house 5G modem which hopefully will enhance connectivity.

iPhone 17 Slim Specifications (Rumored)

Design: Just about 5mm thick, slim body
Display: 6.6 “ inches with 2,740 x 1,260 resolution
Processor: A19 chip with Apple’s in-house 5g chip
Build: Titanium-aluminium alloy metal frame
Camera: 24MP front-facing cameras, Single rear camera (wide camera)

iPhone 17 Slim: Worth the price?

Well, if the company is prioritizing the form factor this time, what justifies charging $1300 for this model? There are hardly any wow factors about this phone as per the rumours. Including just one rear camera would help Apple keep the device slim and reduce bulk by saving significant space. However, charging the highest price of all the models for this one is quite underwhelming, especially considering that higher-end iPhones use the A19 Pro chip.