Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a groundbreaking addition to its smartphone lineup next year, rumored to be named the iPhone 17 Slim—or possibly iPhone 17 Air. This ultra-thin device is expected to refresh Apple’s offerings following the disappointing sales of the mini and Plus variants. By introducing a thinner and sleeker model, Apple may be hoping to capture the attention of design-focused buyers who have been waiting for something new.
The iPhone 17 Slim’s most striking feature is its rumored thickness of just 6mm, making it 13% thinner than Apple’s current slimmest model, the iPhone 6. Achieving such a feat is expected to pose significant engineering challenges, particularly when it comes to housing the device’s internal components and camera modules. Thinness is tipped to be the Slim’s primary selling point, but it may come at the cost of advanced camera technology.
A report from the Korean outlet The Elec suggests the iPhone 17 Slim will have only a single-lens rear camera, marking a departure from the dual-camera setup seen on standard iPhone models like the iPhone 16. The absence of an ultrawide lens simplifies the design, aligning with the Slim’s minimalist aesthetic. However, Apple is likely to include a powerful 48MP sensor, capable of producing high-quality images and emulating a 2x zoom via pixel binning. Despite these advancements, the single-lens design might remind consumers of Apple’s entry-level iPhone SE, which could affect its appeal among casual buyers who associate more lenses with superior photography capabilities.
Another potential hurdle for the iPhone 17 Slim is its rumored price. Reports indicate it could be Apple’s most expensive handset to date, potentially exceeding the $1,199 starting price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. If true, this steep price tag, combined with its simplified camera setup, could make the Slim a challenging sell in a competitive market.
While the iPhone 17 Slim promises a stunning, ultra-thin design and Apple’s usual engineering excellence, its compromises and premium pricing will likely determine whether it becomes a bold success or struggles to resonate with buyers.
