Apple’s long-awaited in-house cellular modem is reportedly set to debut in iPhones and iPads starting next year, beginning with the 2025 iPhone SE refresh. This strategic move aims to reduce Apple’s dependence on external suppliers and empower its engineers to innovate with new designs. One such design could be the rumored iPhone 17 Slim or Air, expected to replace the Plus model in the current lineup.
According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple’s proprietary modem could enable a significantly slimmer iPhone design. “By using its own modem, Apple is able to create a smartphone that’s about 2mm thinner than an iPhone 16 Pro while still accommodating the battery, display, and camera system,” the report states. The same report also indicates that the slim iPhone 17 variant will be among the first devices to utilize Apple’s Sinope modem. While offering 5G connectivity, the Sinope modem reportedly lacks the faster mmWave capabilities and underperforms Qualcomm’s modem in carrier aggregation metrics.
Alt text: A conceptual render of the iPhone 17 Air, showcasing its slim profile.
Apple engineers have reportedly expressed concerns about the space occupied by Qualcomm modems and associated components, prompting the company’s pursuit of in-house solutions. This journey began with the acquisition of Intel’s smartphone modem division and the recruitment of talent from Qualcomm. If the Bloomberg report proves accurate, the new iPhone variant could boast a thickness of just 6.25mm.
This would make it considerably thinner than Apple’s current slimmest offering, the iPhone 6, which measures 6.9mm. In comparison, the Honor Magic V3 foldable phone measures a mere 4.4mm when unfolded, and the Vivo Air, released a decade ago, measured just 5.1mm.
Alt text: An iPhone 6S in gold held against a red pipe, highlighting its slim design.
Over the years, smartphone technology has advanced significantly. To accommodate larger batteries, enhanced camera systems, and improved thermal management, manufacturers largely abandoned the pursuit of extreme thinness. With Apple re-entering this arena, concerns arise about potential compromises. Will features like MagSafe wireless charging be retained? How will heat dissipation be managed? Existing rumors suggest the slim iPhone 17 might feature only a single rear camera, indicating a potential trade-off for thinness.
The “bendgate” controversy surrounding the slim iPhone 6 series also raises concerns about durability. Following reports of bending issues, Apple showcased the phone’s strength in its Cupertino testing lab. Furthermore, thinner phones, particularly those with sharp edges and flat sides, can be less comfortable to hold.
The marketing strategy for a slimmer iPhone 17 remains unclear. However, it’s hoped that the device will offer a compelling hardware package at a reasonable price, justifying the emphasis on thinness. Ultimately, the success of this new design will depend on its ability to balance aesthetics with functionality and durability.
