While the iPhone 16 series launch is just around the corner, rumors about the iPhone 17 lineup, particularly the "Slim" model, are already swirling. Here's a breakdown of the key details gleaned from reputable sources so far.
A Potential Price Bump: Aiming for the Top Tier
(Photo : Rachael Crowe from Unsplash)
The iPhone 16 lineup is coming soon, but there are already rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 Slim. So far, some information has come from reputable sources.
As spotted by MacRumors via The Information, the iPhone 17 "Slim" could carry a hefty price tag, potentially exceeding the current iPhone 15 Pro Max starting price of $1,199. This positioning hints at it becoming the new flagship, possibly aligning with the long-rumored "iPhone Ultra" moniker.
Related Article: New iPhone 17 Rumor Suggests Having 'Anti-Reflection Layer,' But Won't Be Available For iPhone 16
Enhanced Selfies: Capturing Every Detail
When we see Ming-Chi Kuo in an article, we automatically think that a new Apple rumor is up in the air. The renowned Apple analyst predicts an upgrade to a 24-megapixel front-facing camera across the entire iPhone 17 lineup.
The significant improvement over the current 12-megapixel camera found in iPhone 14 and 15 models (expected to remain unchanged in the iPhone 16 series) translates to sharper photos that hold up well when cropped or zoomed. The accompanying six-element lens also promises slightly better image quality.
Internal Powerhouse: A Jump in Performance
Analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities predicts the iPhone 17 "Slim" will boast 8GB of RAM, a notable upgrade from the 6GB in the iPhone 15 Plus. However, it's worth noting that all upcoming iPhone 16 models are also expected to receive the same 8GB bump, likely to meet the demands of Apple's in-development "on-device Apple Intelligence" features.
The Information further suggests the device will be equipped with the next-generation A19 chip, potentially built on an optimized version of TSMC's 3nm manufacturing process.
Improved Display Protection and Viewing Experience
According to Chinese Weibo leaker Instant Digital, all iPhone 17 models will come with an anti-reflective display coating that surpasses the scratch resistance of the current Ceramic Shield found on iPhone 15 models.
Rumors point towards a "super-hard anti-reflective layer" that enhances both scratch resistance and reduces glare. While details remain unclear, this description aligns with the latest innovation from Corning, the manufacturer of Gorilla Glass.
ProMotion for All: Smoother Scrolling and Video Playback
South Korean online newspaper The Elec reports that all iPhone 17 models are likely to feature OLED displays with low-power backplane technology. This paves the way for ProMotion technology to finally grace Apple's non-Pro iPhones for the first time.
ProMotion allows the display refresh rate to dynamically adjust between a smooth 120Hz for scrolling and video content and a power-saving 1Hz for static content. This technology is what enables the always-on displays on the iPhone 15 Pro models.
A Slimmer Design with Potential Dynamic Island Tweaks
Another report from The Information claims the iPhone 17 will usher in a significant design change, featuring a noticeably thinner aluminum chassis compared to the titanium build of Apple's Pro models. Additionally, the news outlet suggests a narrower Dynamic Island cutout, possibly due to a smaller "metalens" technology for the Face ID system. Codenamed D23 internally, this redesign is said to be a major shift, comparable to the transition seen with the iPhone X.
Display Size: Rumors Remain Unsettled
Initial reports from Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu suggested a 6.6-inch display for the iPhone 17 "Slim." However, Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) analyst Ross Young offers a slightly smaller prediction of 6.55 inches. Apple is likely still evaluating different designs for the slimmer phone, so the final display size might change before launch.
While these rumors offer a glimpse into the potential features of the iPhone 17 "Slim," it's important to remember that details can change before the official unveiling.
Recently, another iPhone rumor hinted about the new "Rose" color. This time, it teased about the potential colorway for the iPhone 16 Pro model.
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