Apple first introduced a fourth flagship iPhone model in 2020 with the iPhone 12 mini, but it didn’t perform well and was replaced by the iPhone 14 Plus in 2022. However, the Plus model also struggled to gain traction, so Apple is trying something different with a unique, slimmer iPhone 17 model.
Rumors about this thinner iPhone 17 started circulating earlier this year, but its purpose was unclear. We learned that it would have a smaller Dynamic Island, an aluminum chassis, a 6.6-inch display (smaller than the iPhone Plus models), and a simplified camera setup. It seemed like a mix of premium and entry-level features.
Mark Gurman confirmed the ultra-thin iPhone 17 reports, describing it as a potential “Air” iPhone, positioned between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. The idea is to offer a model that looks cooler than a standard iPhone without the performance, screen size, or camera features of a Pro model.
Gurman believes this new slim model could be more popular than the iPhone 12/13 mini and iPhone 14/15/16 Plus, potentially driving significant growth in 2025. He also mentions that Apple aims to eventually fit the power of a Pro model into this smaller design, but that may not happen until at least 2027. A slim “Ultra” iPhone could be more appealing than the current iPhone 17 Slim rumors.
Additionally, Gurman expects Apple to develop a foldable iPhone, though a foldable iPad is reportedly just as much of a priority. We might see the foldable iPad released first.
