A longtime model could make an exit, while a ‘Slim’ one enters. The new iPhone 16 series won’t be announced until September, but next year’s iPhone 17 lineup could see the biggest shakeup in years. Reliable leaker Ice Universe recently shared on Weibo details about next year’s models, including their screen sizes and prices.
Rumors have been circulating about a possible iPhone 17 Slim, which Ice Universe claims could be the most expensive iPhone ever, priced at $1,299, even higher than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The 6.65-inch display positions it between the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.
With the introduction of the iPhone 17 Slim, Apple may phase out the Plus model to maintain a four-model lineup. Given its higher price than the Pro Max, the iPhone 17 Slim is expected to feature a significantly slimmer design and potentially introduce a new design language, distinguishing it from the aesthetic Apple has used since the iPhone 11 Pro.
Reputable leaker Ice Universe has suggested several intriguing specs for the iPhone 17 Slim. These include an A19 chip, 8GB of RAM, an aluminum chassis, and a dual rear camera system. The latter is particularly surprising, as top-tier iPhones typically feature a triple camera setup, like the previous Pro models.
In contrast, the rumored specs for the iPhone 17 Pro seem more robust. It is expected to have a triple 48MP rear camera system, 12GB of RAM, and an A19 Pro chip using TSMC’s N3P process. This is a notable upgrade compared to the iPhone 16 lineup, which is rumored to use the same A18 chip across all models.
Another interesting detail from the leak is that all four models will feature LTPO displays, enabling ProMotion technology with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This is a significant upgrade for the base iPhone 17 model, which has been limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, a point of contention among critics, especially given that cheaper phones, like the Pixel 8a, have already moved to faster refresh rates.
With the iPhone 17 lineup expected to be revealed in 2025, there’s still time for more developments. Given the previous rumors about an iPhone Ultra model, the iPhone 17 Slim might be that device.