There have been rumors for a while that Apple discontinuation of iPhone Plus model from next year, and replace it with a provisionally named iPhone 17 SlimAs the name suggests, this should be record-breaking thin (at least for an iPhone), in the same way as Apple’s latest iPad Pro is the thinnest tablet ever.
Today, more details about the iPhone 17 Slim have leaked by Ming-Chi Kuo, a longtime industry analyst and purveyor of Apple-related rumors. He claims that the iPhone Plus currently only makes up 5% to 10% of iPhone shipments, which is why it’s being scrapped.
The iPhone 17 Slim will feature a 6.6-inch display with a resolution of 1260×2740 and the A19 chip at the helm (note: the iPhone 17 Pro models will use the A19 Pro). The Dynamic Island surface will be similar to that of current iPhones, and the metal frame will use a titanium alloy with a lower percentage of titanium compared to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Slim could also be Apple’s long-delayed internal 5G chipand… a single rear-facing camera. That’s a big step back in terms of mobile trends, but Kuo emphasizes that Apple will “emphasize innovative form factor design” with the iPhone 17 Slim “rather than competing on hardware specs.” In other words, looks will be everything with this one. Style over substance, if you will.
It’s certainly an interesting gamble on Apple’s part, and one that could pay off. After all, to be successful, the company only needs to account for 15% of all new iPhone sales. That would still make it two or three times more successful than the model it replaces.