Apple is gearing up to refresh its iPhone lineup next year, and exciting new features are expected to make their debut. A key highlight is rumored to be the introduction of a new model called “iPhone 17 Slim,” which some have begun to refer to as the “Air” variant.
Recent leaks suggest that this new phone will undergo a significant design transformation, potentially making it the thinnest iPhone to date. It appears to represent a bold shift from Apple’s existing aesthetic. According to various social media renders, a completely metal construction may be in the works.
Haitong International Analyst Jeff Pu has recently provided further insights (via Macrumors & 9to5Mac) about the internal hardware of this new device. He mentions that the display will measure 6.6 inches and feature a Face ID module at the top.
Noteworthy is Pu’s observation that the phone will likely have an aluminum construction, helping keep its weight manageable. In recent years, Apple has favored heavier materials, like stainless steel and titanium, for its premium Pro models starting with the iPhone 15 Pro series.
The upcoming “Slim” iteration will be powered by the latest A19 system on a chip (SoC), built on a 3nm process similar to the A18 series that fuels the iPhone 16 lineup. It will also include 8GB of RAM, although details about storage capacity remain unclear.
In terms of camera capabilities, the device will sport a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a standard feature across the iPhone range now, while users can look forward to a 24-megapixel front camera for selfies.
Interestingly, the analyst suggests that the iPhone 17 Slim may be positioned as a “mid-tier” option. However, other reports have indicated that it could be Apple’s most expensive offering yet, potentially exceeding $1,200.
Regardless of pricing strategies, this new model is expected to replace the “Plus” variant in the overall iPhone series, marking Apple’s second major shift in less than five years after the brief run of the “mini” version.
Keep in mind that these insights are based on early speculation regarding a device that won’t hit the market for nearly a year. As always, it’s wise to approach such predictions with caution and anticipate unforeseen developments as Apple continues to evolve its next-generation smartphones.
