Apple Inc., the tech giant renowned for its innovative products, is reportedly considering a significant change to its iPhone lineup. According to a report by 9To5Mac, which cites The Information, Apple is planning to discontinue the iPhone Plus model by 2025. The iPhone Plus, known for its larger screen and enhanced features compared to the standard model, might be replaced with a new, high-end model tentatively called the “iPhone Slim.”
The iPhone Slim is expected to mark a major redesign for Apple, the likes of which hasn’t been seen since the introduction of the iPhone X in 2017. The iPhone X was revolutionary, removing the home button, introducing Face ID, and featuring OLED displays with significantly thinner bezels. Similarly, the iPhone Slim is anticipated to bring substantial changes, including a slimmer chassis and an entirely new design aesthetic.
Features and Design Changes
The iPhone Slim is expected to feature a screen size that sits between the 6.1-inch display of the standard iPhone and the 6.69-inch display of the Pro Max variants. One of the standout features of the new model will be a smaller dynamic island, enhancing the overall screen experience. Additionally, the smartphone will boast an aluminum chassis, which will not only make it lighter but also give it a sleek and modern look. The rear camera module is rumored to be centrally aligned, a departure from its traditional top-left position, which has been the norm since the original iPhone.
One of the most exciting aspects of the iPhone Slim is its anticipated thinness. The report suggests that this new model will be significantly slimmer than current iPhone models, which will likely make it more comfortable to hold and easier to slip into pockets. This design overhaul is expected to position the iPhone Slim as a more premium option, possibly even surpassing the Pro Max in terms of price, which currently sits at $1,199.
New Naming and Design Directions
While the final design of the iPhone Slim has yet to be finalized, Apple is reportedly testing various prototypes. There is speculation that this new model might be branded as the “iPhone Ultra,” a name that has been circulating in rumors for several years. If true, this would align with Apple’s strategy of offering ultra-premium products, similar to its Apple Watch Ultra.
The introduction of the iPhone Ultra would signify Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone design and technology. It would also cater to a segment of consumers willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge features and a distinctive look. The potential price point of the iPhone Ultra, if it exceeds the current Pro Max, would make it the most expensive iPhone to date, highlighting Apple’s confidence in its new design direction.
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has provided additional insights into Apple’s future plans. In a Medium post, Kuo mentioned that Apple would be using a stainless steel battery case for the first time in the upcoming iPhone 16 series. While stainless steel offers more rigidity and better protection for the battery, it is not as effective as aluminum in dissipating heat. This change is part of Apple’s broader strategy to comply with new European Union regulations regarding the repairability of smartphones. The new battery enclosure design will make it easier to remove and replace the battery, aligning with the EU’s push for more sustainable and user-friendly electronics.
This move towards a stainless steel battery case also indicates Apple’s ongoing efforts to enhance the durability and longevity of its devices. By making batteries more accessible for replacement, Apple not only adheres to regulatory requirements but also improves the user experience by extending the lifespan of its products.
Looking Ahead: The Apple’s iPhone 17 Series
As anticipation builds for the iPhone 16 series set to be announced in a few months, reports about the subsequent iPhone 17 series are already emerging. According to The Information, the iPhone 17, expected to launch in 2025, will feature the “iPhone Slim” or possibly “iPhone Ultra” model. This new series is predicted to bring one of the most significant design changes in iPhone history, akin to the transformation seen with the iPhone X.
The iPhone 17 Slim is expected to sport a 6.6-inch screen, striking a balance between the 6.1-inch standard model and the 6.9-inch Pro Max. Analyst Ross Young estimates a slightly smaller screen size of 6.55 inches. The redesign will include a smaller dynamic island and potentially a new side button, adding to the phone’s sleek profile.
what to expect?
Apple’s potential discontinuation of the iPhone Plus and the introduction of the iPhone Slim/Ultra reflect a strategic shift towards offering more differentiated products in its lineup. This approach aims to cater to diverse consumer preferences and capitalize on the growing demand for premium smartphones.
By continuously innovating and introducing new features, Apple maintains its position as a market leader in the highly competitive smartphone industry. The significant redesign anticipated for the iPhone Slim/Ultra underscores Apple’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and setting new standards in technology and design.
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the rumored discontinuation of the iPhone Plus and the introduction of the iPhone Slim/Ultra represent a bold move by Apple to reinvent its product lineup. As the company tests various designs and prepares for upcoming releases, consumers can look forward to groundbreaking changes that promise to enhance their user experience. With its focus on innovation and premium quality, Apple continues to shape the future of smartphones.
