Rumor roundup: iPhone Slim could be Apple's thinnest smartphone
Most of the time, when there's smoke, there's eventually fire. In 2024, the rumor mill has been churning abut an iPhone Slim, cutting way down on the thickness of Apple's already thin smartphone. Here are all the current rumors and some exclusive renders based on what's being predicted.
Renders of the iPhone Slim
Despite being over a year away from release, the rumor mill is already discussing the iPhone 17 device family. However, a few of the rumors seem to claim something new is on the way.
There have been claims that the so-called "iPhone Slim" is a new variant that will be eponymously thinner than other models. This could even be the fabled Ultra model that has cropped up a few times in the past.
But a word of caution -- it is so incredibly early in the rumor cycle, so there are relatively few rumors at this time. As time progresses and the supposed release of the device nears, more rumors should arrive and solidify the features for the fabled model.
iPhone Slim will be thin
As the name strongly implies, the iPhone Slim should be the thinnest iPhone in the range on release. As to how thin that will be, no-one's quite sure.
In May, one report claimed that a thin iPhone will be out in 2025 as an addition to the iPhone 17 range. Apparently codenamed D23, the model is supposedly to be a massive redesign, as big as the iPhone X's introduction.
Even famed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo offered a load of specifications for the model in July, but didn't say anything over
The iPhone Slim vs what the iPhone 16 could be.
However, the report didn't say what the thickness would be. For reference, the iPhone SE is the current thinnest iPhone at 0.29 inches, while the iPhone 15 gets to 0.31 inches.
Apple does still have the capability to go thinner. The iPad Pro with M4 is the thinnest Apple mobile device at 0.20 inches.
With the iPad Pro being a large device yet extremely slimline, there should be no reason for a flagship iPhone to meet it. Or at least get close.
iPhone Slim may really be Ultra expensive
The iPhone Ultra has been proposed in the past as a brand new device that follows the same convention as the Apple Watch. The Ultra theoretically being a version with far higher specifications than the standard editions.
It could be argued that the Pro models already provide this function to consumers, but the Ultra is insisted on being a whole separate tier.
The iPhone Slim could be more premium than the iPhone 17 Pro.
Serial leaker "Ice Universe" said in July that there will be a further model beyond Pro. That model is expected to start from $1,299, at least according to the leaker.
By comparison, the iPhone 17 is thought to cost from $799, the Pro from $1,099, and the Pro Max from $1,199.
This may seem like a big jump in price to consumers. But, for something potentially given the "Ultra" name and being a new edition entirely, this could be justifiable.
iPhone Slim could replace iPhone 17 Plus
Something that has been raised a few times in the rumors is the potential replacement of the Plus model for the iPhone 17 generation.
Adding the iPhone Slim to the range would mean the flagship smartphone range will have five models. This may be too many for Apple to seriously consider offering to consumers, due to the breadth of choice available.
To fix that, Apple has the potential to drop the Plus model entirely for the iPhone 17 range.
Apple could sacrifice the iPhone 17 Plus for the iPhone Slim.
In July, Kuo said that Apple would do so as part of his specifications release. He said it could be a decision that's purely based on a lack of sales of the Plus models.
Plus-size iPhones are claimed to account for less than 10% of any given year's sales, making it a considerable minority among others in the range. However, Kuo also insisted the decision wasn't to specifically replace the iPhone 17 Plus, but more Apple responding to design and usage trends.
Even with Kuo's insistence, it doesn't quite explain Apple's decision other than it being the most opportune model to cull based on sales numbers.
iPhone Slim display smaller than Plus
The display itself will be a big part of the iPhone Slim, but while it is likely to replace the Plus, it won't be bigger.
Kuo's spec list said that the iPhone Slim will have a 6.6-inch display. This in theory puts it between the standard iPhone size of 6.1 inches and the 6.7-inch Plus models.
This is echoed by an April report from DSCC's Ross Young, who said the iPhone 17 Plus would have a display somewhere between the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
The size of the iPhone Slim may not match that of Plus models.
It's plausible that Young's reporting on the iPhone 17 Plus is really for the iPhone Slim, based on the size claims.
Other display rumors include how the iPhone Slim could have a 120Hz ProMotion display. If it were to be an Ultra-style release, this would make sense, since it would need to at least match the Pro models.
A 2,740 by 1,260 display could be used by it, which is slightly smaller than the 2,796 by 1,290 resolution of the iPhone 15 Plus. This should also keep it close to the 460 ppi pixel density of Apple's smartphones.
As for the top of the device, current rumors indicate it will still have Dynamic Island. Even if Apple changes the aperture at the top for the camera, such as using a smaller version, it seems likely that the UI system to hide the holes will still be employed.
iPhone Slim's other features
For the rest of the specifications of the iPhone Slim, it's probably safe to say that most will match the iPhone 17 generation in general. If it turns out to be Ultra-like, you can expect it to be closer to the Pro line than the non-Pro for cameras and processor.
If so, think A19 Pro rather than A19.
As a thinner device, it would need to have some extra strength to prevent it from easily bending and breaking. At the hands of eager YouTubers or otherwise.
There are claims of the use of a "titanium-aluminum alloy frame," which should help keep the casing light but strong. Given the lack of thickness, the strengthening probably will keep the frame's strength close to that of the thicker models.
The iPhone Slim's thin body may limit it to one rear camera.
The size constraint may also impact the camera array. According to Kuo's spec list, it could just use one single wide rear camera, rather than having two or even three.
Another factor that hasn't been mentioned in rumors so far is battery life. It's a crucial component, but a thinner device ultimately means there will be a much thinner battery, and so less battery capacity.
Unless Apple can free up space with its other components inside the casing, going Slim could also eat into the day-long battery life.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
Think back to the unveiling of the original Macbook Air. It was a radical reimagining of what a laptop could be, in terms of size, weight and thinness, and it was priced at a premium even though its specs were distinctly meh--and "meh" is being generous. Didn't matter. The form factor and design were enough to drive a huge success and the biggest selling laptop of all time.
Now imagine that iPhone Slim isn't just a thinner version of the same iPhone design we have now--suppose it's a radical departure, like the original MBA, much closer in appearance to the ideal "slab of glass" form factor that Jony Ive said was the end goal for iPhone design. And yes, maybe Apple has sacrificed premium specs to get there, but the design is so cool and unlike anything else--like the original MBA--that everyone wants one anyway, even at a premium price. THAT is an "iPhone Slim" that has my attention and excitement and probably has me as a buyer, too. Is this speculation? Of course, but it's at least informed speculation because it IS based on a strategy pursued previously by Apple for the most successful product in its history outside of the iPhone. And that's a pretty good basis on which to speculate.
Actually, that is the best explanation of what might be the rational behind it. It would leave Apple with a four-square grid. Two sizes of iPhone, one iPhone Pro with all the bells and whistles, and the ‘iPhone Air’. Nice differentiation between the four. Stick the SE at the bottom and for an absurd premium the theoretical iPhone Fold at the top.
Maybe this could replace the iPhone SE.
Then the lower specs would make sense.
I thought Apple had gotten over the fixation on the thinnest phone…
https://explodingtopics.com/blog/smartphone-usage-stats
https://www.harmonyhit.com/phone-screen-time-statistics/?clreqid=a5b99b78-5919-4ddd-a2d7-5cb3c4e66e6d&kbid=58587
iPhone 15 lasts about 4 hours for gaming and 11 hours for normal use.
The M4 iPad Pro didn't drop battery life while becoming slimmer. It was only 10% thinner.
A very slim model with 80% battery life of the iPhone 15 would be fine for most users and there will always be an option to have an extended battery addon.
The iPhone X is nearly the perfect mainstream form factor, only slightly too wide but is very comfortable to hold and use. That form factor with a ~5.6" display and 4/5th the thickness would be a nice option. The plus/max models would have the extra battery life for people who need it.