iPhone ‘Slim’ may be priced higher than Pro models

WEB DESK: In 2025, Apple is expected to discontinue the iPhone “Plus” in favour of a new model, tentatively called the iPhone “Slim.”

Although the final name remains uncertain, the launch is anticipated for autumn next year. Given that details about the iPhone 16 Pro’s larger displays emerged as early as May 2023, it is not unusual for rumours about a future iPhone model to surface well in advance.

According to The Information, the iPhone 17 “Slim” may carry a higher price tag than the Pro Max model, which currently starts at $1,199. This suggests the “Slim” could become the highest-end model in Apple’s lineup, potentially even being branded as the “iPhone Ultra,” a name that has been rumoured for several years.

The iPhone 17 “Slim” is expected to feature a “significantly thinner” design with an aluminium chassis, deviating from the titanium casing used in Pro models.

The device will also likely sport a narrower Dynamic Island, possibly due to Apple’s use of a smaller “metalens” for the Face ID system. Internally code-named D23, this redesign is anticipated to be as revolutionary as the iPhone X.

Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu initially reported that the iPhone 17 “Slim” would have a 6.6-inch display. However, Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) analyst Ross Young later suggested a slightly smaller 6.55-inch display.

For comparison, the iPhone 15 Plus features a 6.7-inch display. Apple is still testing various designs, so the final display size may change before the official launch.

The Information also revealed that the iPhone 17 “Slim” might introduce a new camera layout, with rear cameras positioned at the “top centre” of the device.

This would mark a significant shift from Apple’s traditional top-left corner camera setup, which has been standard since the original iPhone in 2007. Similar camera positions are seen in some Android devices, such as Google’s Pixel 8 Pro.

Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the entire iPhone 17 lineup will feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera with a six-element lens. This is a substantial upgrade from the current 12-megapixel front cameras with five-element lenses found in the iPhone 14 and 15, and expected in the iPhone 16.

The higher resolution will enhance photo quality, especially when cropped or zoomed, and the additional lens element should further improve image clarity.

Jeff Pu also noted that the iPhone 17 “Slim” will include 8GB of RAM, an increase from the 6GB found in the iPhone 15 Plus. All upcoming iPhone 16 models are expected to feature 8GB of RAM, aligning with the hardware requirements for on-device Apple Intelligence.

The new model will also be powered by Apple’s A19 chip, according to The Information.

As we await the launch of the iPhone 16 series, these insights provide a glimpse into what the future holds for Apple’s iPhone lineup. The iPhone 17 “Slim,” with its anticipated design overhaul, enhanced camera capabilities, and potential to become the highest-end model, is generating significant interest and speculation.

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