As the year draws to a close and the first Mac M4s have hit the market, analysts are shifting their focus to the next big topic: the iPhone. More specifically, the iPhone 17, which is rumored to be a groundbreaking device as potentially the thinnest smartphone ever designed by Apple. However, achieving such a slim profile may come with some trade-offs!
The Ultimate in Slimness…
According to a report by The Information, the initial prototypes of the iPhone 17, possibly named the iPhone 17 Slim or Air, are between 5 mm and 6 mm thick, setting a new record for thinness. To put this into perspective, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are 8.25 mm thick, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus stand at 7.8 mm, and the measurements are similar for the iPhone 15 series. The last time an iPhone was under the 7 mm mark was the iPhone 6, with the thickest model in the series at a whopping 12.3 mm.
This year, Apple has already achieved a thickness record with the 13-inch iPad Pro M4 at only 5.1 mm, surpassing even the last iPod nano, which was 5.4 mm thick. Currently, the thinnest iPhone on record is the iPhone 6 at 6.9 mm. In recent years, iPhones have trended toward larger screens and thicker bodies, primarily to accommodate batteries large enough to power these features.
…But at What Cost?
Due to its ultra-thin design, the iPhone 17 Air might have to make some compromises. For example, the smartphone might lack a slot for a physical SIM card, although this could still change. In the United States, carriers have favored eSIMs since the iPhone 14, but not all countries are on board with this technology, such as China.
The iPhone 17 Air might only feature a wide and an ultra-wide camera, omitting the telephoto lens or the tetra-prism found in the Pro models. Instead, Apple might opt for a 48-megapixel sensor capable of 2x optical zoom. Moreover, unlike the current models, which have speakers both at the top and bottom, the iPhone 17 Air might only have a single speaker located at the top. This raises questions about potential impacts on sound quality.
The iPhone 17 Air could also feature an Apple-designed 5G modem, which might be less fast and reliable than Qualcomm’s modems but could offer better energy efficiency. Another significant challenge is the integration of a sufficiently powerful battery within such a thin frame, a major engineering hurdle.
Latest Rumors for the iPhone 17
Unlike the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro might switch from a titanium chassis to an aluminum frame with a hybrid aluminum-glass back. The upper half would be aluminum, possibly accommodating a larger camera block than previous models, while the lower half would remain glass to maintain compatibility with wireless charging.
According to recent leaks from production chains, particularly foundries, the iPhone 17 is expected to feature chips manufactured using 3nm technology by TSMC. However, some iPhone 18 models might benefit from an even smaller 2nm technology, offering faster processing speeds and greater energy efficiency.
Jeff Pu from Haitong International Securities suggests that by 2025, the iPhone could see a refreshed design with significant improvements in the front camera and a smaller Dynamic Island. Meanwhile, a recent rumor on Weibo claims that the iPhone 17 Pro MAX might come with 12 GB of RAM, up from the expected 8 GB in the iPhone 16 models.
All four iPhone 17 models are rumored to be equipped with 24-megapixel front cameras, a considerable upgrade from the current 12-megapixel cameras used by Apple. Additionally, a leaker named Instant Digital hinted at enhanced durability for the iPhone 17’s screen, which could feature a new anti-reflective coating more resistant to scratches.
According to supply chain sources, Apple might introduce a new glass in 2025, likely produced by Corning. This material would build on the existing Ceramic Shield, offering increased resistance to micro-scratches and a more effective anti-reflective treatment.
Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that two iPhone 17 models with an Apple-designed 5G modem could launch in 2025, including a fourth-generation iPhone SE in the first quarter and a brand-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 model in the third quarter. While all current iPhones use Qualcomm modems, Apple has been working on its own chips for years, having acquired the majority of Intel’s smartphone modem business in 2019. This move could reduce Apple’s dependence on Qualcomm, following a rocky relationship marked by a lawsuit over alleged anti-competitive practices settled amicably in 2019.
Hi, my name is Disha and I’m a passionate writer and editor at “Jason Deegan”. With a keen interest in all things tech, I strive to bring you the latest news and updates from the world of high-tech.