“iPhone 17 Slim” rumors point to a redesigned model in 2025

Since the iPhone X’s introduction of OLED and Face ID in 2017, Apple’s phones haven’t changed their look significantly, but now The Information reports a major redesign is underway for a new “Slim” iPhone. The outlet says it could arrive in 2025 as part of the iPhone 17 refresh, with a price even higher than Apple’s current most expensive model, the iPhone Pro Max.

9to5Mac reported on a rumor from Haitong International analyst Jeff Pu saying the new iPhone 17 models could have a refreshed design with a smaller Dynamic Island. Following a rumored size increase and a new side button for the iPhone 16 lineup later this year, the “Slim” iPhone 17 would feature a 6.6-inch display that falls in between the 6.1-inch screen of the smallest version and a 6.9-inch screen on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Another report from analyst Ross Young reportedly pegs the new display size at 6.55 inches.

The Information’s sources indicate there are still multiple designs under consideration for the new high-end model, with an aluminum frame, smaller hole and cutout for the front-facing camera hardware, and center-mounted rear cameras as some of the factors being considered. One other factor could be a rumored energy density upgrade for the iPhone 16 Pro Max reported earlier by supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who says that if the new design with a stainless steel battery case goes well, then it could be adopted in all models for 2025.

All of this follows the introduction of Apple’s slim new iPad Pro, which has held up impressively against YouTube’s strongest bend tests. Hopefully, a skinny iPhone will do the same in pants pockets and purses when (or if) it ever arrives.