Most of the time, when there’s smoke, there’s fire eventually. In 2024, rumors swirled around the iPhone Slim, significantly reducing the thickness of Apple’s already thin smartphone. Here are all the current rumors and some exclusive renders based on what’s being predicted.
iPhone Slim renders
Although more than a year away from the launch, rumors are already discussing the iPhone 17 family of devices. However, some of the rumors seem to claim that something new is on the way.
There are claims that the so-called “iPhone Slim” is a new variant that will be the same name thinner than the other models. It could even be the legendary Ultra model that has appeared several times in the past.
But a word of warning – it’s so incredibly early in the rumor cycle, so there are relatively few rumors out there right now. As time progresses and the alleged launch of the device approaches, more rumors should arrive and solidify the specs of the legendary model.
iPhone Slim will be thin
As the name clearly suggests, the iPhone Slim is set to be the thinnest iPhone in the range at launch. How thin that 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. Apparently codenamed D23, the model is supposed to be a massive redesign as big as the iPhone X’s introduction.
Even noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo offered plenty of specs for the model back in July, but said nothing more
iPhone Slim vs. what could be the iPhone 16.
However, the report does not say what the thickness will be. For reference, the iPhone SE is the current thinnest iPhone at 0.29 inches, while the iPhone 15 reaches 0.31 inches.
Apple still has the ability to get thinner. iPad Pro with M4 is Apple’s thinnest mobile device at 0.20 inches.
Since the iPad Pro is a large device but extremely thin, there should be no reason for the flagship iPhone to match it. Or at least get close.
The iPhone Slim can indeed be ultra-expensive
The iPhone Ultra has been offered in the past as a brand new device that follows the same convention as the Apple Watch. The Ultra is theoretically a much higher spec version than the standard editions.
It could be argued that the Pro models already provide this feature to users, but the Ultra is being pushed to be a whole separate tier.
The iPhone Slim could be more premium than the iPhone 17 Pro.
A serial leaker “Ice Universe” said in July that there would be another model outside of the Pro. This model is expected to start at $1,299, at least according to leaked information.
For comparison, the iPhone 17 is believed to start at $799, the Pro at $1,099, and the Pro Max at $1,199.
This may seem like a big jump in price for consumers. But for something that’s potentially been named “Ultra” and is an all-new release, it might be justified.
The iPhone Slim could replace the iPhone 17 Plus
Something that has been brought up several times in the rumors is the potential replacement of the Plus model for the iPhone 17 generation.
The addition of the iPhone Slim to the lineup would mean that the flagship smartphone lineup will have five models. This may be too much for Apple to seriously consider offering to consumers due to the wide selection available.
To remedy this, Apple has the potential 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 specifications release. He said this could be a decision based solely on the lack of sales of the Plus models.
Large-sized iPhones are said to account for less than 10% of sales in a given year, making it a significant minority among others in the range. However, Kuo also insisted that the decision was not specifically to replace the iPhone 17 Plus, but more for Apple to respond to design and usage trends.
Even with Kuo’s insistence, that doesn’t quite explain Apple’s decision, other than it being the most appropriate sales-based exclusion model.
iPhone Slim display, smaller than the Plus
The display itself will be a big part of the iPhone Slim, but while it’s likely to replace the Plus, it won’t be any bigger.
Kuo’s spec sheet says the iPhone Slim will have a 6.6-inch display. That, in theory, puts it between the standard 6.1-inch iPhone size and the 6.7-inch Plus models.
This is echoed by an April report by DSCC’s Ross Young, who said the iPhone 17 Plus will have a display 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 likely that Young’s iPhone 17 Plus report is indeed about the iPhone Slim, based on the size claims.
Other display rumors include how the iPhone Slim could have a 120Hz ProMotion display. If it was to be an Ultra-style release, that would make sense as it would have to at least match the Pro models.
It can use a 2740 by 1260 display, which is slightly smaller than the 2796 by 1290 resolution of the iPhone 15 Plus. This should also keep it close to the 460 ppi pixel density of Apple smartphones.
As for the top of the device, current rumors suggest that it will still feature the Dynamic Island. Even if Apple changes the aperture at the top of the camera, such as using a smaller version, it seems likely that the UI system to hide the holes will still be used.
Other features of iPhone Slim
As for the rest of the iPhone Slim’s specs, it’s probably safe to say that most will match the iPhone 17 generation as a whole. If it turns out to be Ultra-like, you can expect it to be closer to the Pro line than non-Pro for cameras and processor.
If so, consider the A19 Pro rather than the A19.
As a thinner device, it will need to have extra strength to prevent it from bending and breaking easily. At the hands of eager YouTubers or otherwise.
It claims to use a “titanium-aluminum alloy frame” which should help keep the body light but strong. Given the lack of thickness, the bracing will likely keep the frame strength close to that of the thicker models.
The thin body of the iPhone Slim may limit it to a single rear camera.
The size limitation can also affect the camera matrix. According to Kuo’s spec list, it may only use one wide rear camera instead of having two or even three.
Another factor that hasn’t been mentioned in the rumors so far is battery life. This is a key component, but a thinner device ultimately means it will have a much thinner battery and therefore less battery capacity.
Unless Apple can free up space with its other components inside the case, going Slim could also eat up a full day of battery life.
