Rumors of a thinner iPhone 17 model, tentatively called the iPhone 17 Slim or iPhone 17 Air, have been circulating for months. Recent reports suggest this new model could be remarkably thin, potentially claiming the title of the world’s slimmest smartphone.
How Thin is the iPhone 17 Slim?
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo initially projected the iPhone 17 Slim to measure a mere 5.5mm thick. This is incredibly thin, even by Apple standards, though still slightly thicker than the current slimmest Apple device, the 2024 iPad Pro (M4) at 5.3mm.
Leaker Ice Universe corroborated this 5.5mm thickness in a recent Weibo post. They further specified a 4mm camera bump, bringing the total thickness to 9.5mm. For comparison, the iPhone 16 is 7.8mm (excluding the camera bump), and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 8.25mm. This 9.5mm total thickness, minus the 4mm camera bump, aligns with Ice Universe’s previous statements about the 5.5mm thickness.
Comparing the iPhone 17 Slim to Competitors
If the 5.5mm measurement proves accurate, the iPhone 17 Slim would surpass the rumored 5.8mm thickness of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the 5.75mm Techno Spark Slim concept showcased at MWC 2025.
Mobile news leaker Majin Bu recently posted comparison images on X, seemingly depicting the iPhone 17 Slim next to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. While no specific measurements were provided, the images offer a visual representation of the potential size difference, highlighting the slim profile of the rumored iPhone 17 Air compared to the current iPhone flagship.
Will the iPhone 17 Slim Become a Reality?
It’s important to remember that these details are still speculative. Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the existence of the iPhone 17 Slim or iPhone 17 Air. However, if it does launch alongside the iPhone 17 series later this year, it could very well be the world’s thinnest smartphone.
The Future of Slim Smartphones
The pursuit of slimmer phone designs raises questions about battery life, durability, and overall functionality. While a sleek profile is appealing, it’s crucial that it doesn’t compromise other essential aspects of the user experience. Only time will tell if the iPhone 17 Slim lives up to the hype and sets a new standard for thinness in the smartphone market.
