Most of the time, where there’s smoke, there’s always fire. In 2024, rumors are flying about a Slim iPhone, which would significantly reduce the thickness of Apple’s already thin smartphone. Here are all the current rumors and some exclusive renders based on what’s in store.
Slim iPhone Renders
Although there is more than a year left until its release, rumors are already talking about the iPhone 17 family of devices. However, some rumors seem to claim that something new is on the way.
Some claim that the “iPhone Slim” would be a new variant that would be thinner than the other models. It could even be the legendary Ultra model that has already appeared several times in the past.
But beware: it’s still very early in the rumor cycle, so there are relatively few at the moment. As time goes by and the supposed release of the device gets closer, more rumors should arrive and solidify the characteristics of the legendary model.
The iPhone Slim will be thin
As the name suggests, the iPhone Slim is expected to be the thinnest iPhone in the lineup when it launches. As for how thin it will be, no one is quite sure.
In May, a report claimed that a slim iPhone would be released in 2025 to complement the iPhone 17 lineup. Reportedly dubbed the D23, the model is expected to be a massive overhaul, as significant as the introduction of the iPhone X.
Even renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo offered a set of specifications for the model in July, but said nothing later.
The Slim iPhone vs. what the iPhone 16 could be.
However, the report does not specify how thick it will be. For reference, the iPhone SE is the current thinnest iPhone at 0.29 inches, while the iPhone 15 clocks in at 0.31 inches.
Apple still has the option to come up with a thinner device. The iPad Pro with M4 is Apple’s thinnest mobile device at 0.20 inches.
Since the iPad Pro is a large but extremely thin device, there’s no reason why a flagship iPhone should match it. Or at least come close.
The iPhone Slim Could Be Ultra Expensive
The iPhone Ultra has been touted in the past as an all-new device that would follow the same convention as the Apple Watch, with the Ultra theoretically being a version with much higher specifications than the standard editions.
It could be argued that the Pro models already offer this feature to consumers, but the Ultra insists on being a tier all its own.
The iPhone Slim could be more premium than the iPhone 17 Pro.
Serial leaker “Ice Universe” said in July that there would be another model beyond the Pro. That model is expected to start at $1,299, at least according to the leaker.
For comparison, the iPhone 17 is expected to start at $799, the Pro at $1,099, and the Pro Max at $1,199.
This may seem like a significant price increase to consumers. But, for a product potentially dubbed “Ultra” and being an all-new edition, it could be justified.
Slim iPhone could replace iPhone 17 Plus
One element that has been repeatedly mentioned in rumors is the potential replacement of the Plus model by the 17th generation iPhone.
Adding the iPhone Slim to the lineup would mean that the flagship smartphone lineup would have five models. That number might be too high for Apple to seriously consider offering to consumers, given the breadth of choice available.
To address this issue, Apple has the option to ditch the Plus model altogether for the iPhone 17 lineup.
Apple may sacrifice the iPhone 17 Plus for the iPhone Slim.
In July, Kuo said Apple would do this as part of its spec release. He added that the decision could be purely based on a lack of sales of the Plus models.
Large iPhones reportedly account for less than 10% of sales in any given year, making them a considerable minority among other models in the lineup. However, Kuo also insisted that the decision was not specifically intended to replace the iPhone 17 Plus, but rather to address Apple’s design and usage trends.
Even with Kuo’s insistence, that doesn’t really explain Apple’s decision, other than that it’s the most expedient model to discontinue based on sales figures.
The iPhone Slim screen is smaller than the iPhone Plus
The display itself will be a big part of the Slim iPhone, but while it’s likely to replace the Plus, it won’t be any bigger.
According to Kuo’s specs, the Slim iPhone will feature a 6.6-inch display. In theory, that puts it between the standard 6.1-inch iPhone size and the 6.7-inch Plus models.
This is confirmed by an April report from DSCC’s Ross Young, who said the iPhone 17 Plus would have a screen somewhere between the standard iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus.
The size of the iPhone Slim may not match that of the Plus models.
It’s plausible that Young’s report about the iPhone 17 Plus is actually about the iPhone Slim, given the size claims.
Other display rumors include the possibility that the Slim iPhone will feature a 120Hz ProMotion display. If it were an Ultra-like version, that would make sense, as it would have to at least match the Pro models.
It could use a 2,740 x 1,260-pixel display, which is slightly lower than the iPhone 15 Plus’ 2,796 x 1,290-pixel resolution. That 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 that it will still feature Dynamic Island. Even if Apple changes the aperture of the top of the camera, for example by using a smaller version, it seems likely that the UI system for hiding the holes will still be used.
Other features of the iPhone Slim
As for the rest of the iPhone Slim’s specs, it’s probably safe to say that most of them will be in line with the iPhone 17 generation in general. If it does turn out to be an Ultra, you can expect it to be closer to the Pro lineup than the non-Pro in cameras and processor.
If so, consider the A19 Pro instead of the A19.
As a thinner device, it should have some extra strength to prevent it from bending and breaking easily, whether in the hands of enthusiastic YouTubers or not.
Some claim that the frame is made of a “titanium-aluminum alloy,” which should help keep the case light but strong. Given the lack of thickness, the reinforcement will likely help keep the frame strength close to that of thicker models.
The iPhone Slim’s thin body might limit it to just one rear camera.
The smartphone’s limited size could also impact the camera lineup. According to Kuo’s spec list, it could use just one wide rear camera, rather than two or even three.
Another factor that hasn’t been mentioned in the rumors yet is battery life. This is a crucial element, but a thinner device ultimately means that the battery will be much thinner, and therefore less capable.
Unless Apple can free up space with its other components inside the case, the move to the Slim form factor could also reduce all-day battery life.
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