Rumored iPhone 17 'Slim' will feature biggest redesign since iPhone X, priced above Pro Max variant as most expensive iPhone ever

Apple is reportedly planning to launch a high-end iPhone model as early as next year, dubbed the iPhone 17 'Slim'. This new model is expected to sport the most significant redesign since the iPhone X, according to a paywalled report from The Information spotted by MacRumors.

The last major redesign for the iPhone came all the way back in 2017, with the iPhone X which eliminated the home button for a larger display and introduced the infamous notch, beginning the transition towards an all-screen design. The rumoured iPhone 17 'Slim' is expected to introduce another major design change, this time repositioning the rear camera to the top-centre, deviating from the long-standing upper-left position used since the original iPhone in 2007.

The report suggests that the iPhone 17 'Slim' will stay true to its 'Slim' moniker, thanks to a much slimmer aluminium chassis and a generous 6.6-inch display, positioned between the upcoming 6.1-inch and 6.9-inch models. Further, the iPhone 'Slim' will feature Apple's future A19 SoC, a narrower dynamic island housing an improved front camera, and a starting price north of $1,199, making it even more expensive than the current top-end Pro Max model.

If these changes materialize, it will be rather intriguing to see how Apple manages to differentiate between the 'Pro' and 'Slim' monikers. Traditionally, 'Air' versions of iPads and MacBooks have been lower-priced, lightweight versions. However, with the new 5.1 mm iPad Pro (curr. $996 on Amazon) being significantly slimmer than the iPad Air, Apple's naming conventions have become increasingly complex. With the iPhone 17 'Slim' potentially priced higher than even the 'Pro Max' variant, the naming strategy could become even more confusing. Fortunately, with a launch window set for late 2025, Apple has plenty of time to iron out any kinks in its product lineup, and the iPhone 'Slim' variant might even turn out to be the long-rumoured iPhone 'Ultra'.