The iPhone 16 lineup is shaping up to be a great successor to the iPhone 15 with its new Capture Button and camera hardware improvements. However, the company will have a lot more in store for users on the software front as well, including Apple Intelligence and the new chips that will enable the AI utilities. Next year's iPhone 17, on the other hand, will be a major update as well in terms of design and form factor, as the company is planning to introduce a new Slim model, which will be ultra-thin and pack internals that are somewhat confusing at this time.
iPhone 17 Slim and the iPhone SE 4 share almost the same specifications, the only difference is the design
It was originally reported that the iPhone 17 Slim would be a high-end device and replace the 'Plus' model in the lineup. According to these estimates, Apple will launch four models of the iPhone 17 next year, which includes two 'Pro' models, a standard non-Pro model, and the 'Slim' model. However, it appears that this will not be the case, as the company will keep the 'Plus' model and launch the 'Slim' model as a stand-alone device.
While there have been many details rumored for the device, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared his thoughts on the iPhone 17 Slim and how it will not come close to the performance and efficiency levels of the iPhone 17 Pro, including the list of features. According to the analyst, the iPhone 17 Slim will come with an A19 chip, which will be the same chip that will power the standard models of the iPhone 17 lineup. However, the device will also feature the company's first 5G modem as Apple seeks to move away from Qualcomm.
What surprised us is the fact that Apple is opting to go for a single rear camera on the iPhone 17 Slim against a dual or triple lens setup like the rest of the lineup. This specific change will put the iPhone 17 Slim in line with the iPhone SE 4, which will also come with a single rear camera, a 5G modem from Apple, and possibly the same internals. As for the material that will be used on the Slim model, it will be a hybrid between Aluminum and Titanium, but with a smaller ratio of titanium compared to the iPhone 15 Pro models.
While the aforementioned details are quite basic, it only matches with the specs of the iPhone SE 4, and not even the iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Plus. Kuo notes that the device will not replace the iPhone 17 Plus and instead the main selling point of the device will be the design. Details on Apple's plans are scarce at this stage, so we will keep a close eye on the latest from Apple.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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