Rumors regarding the iPhone 17 have emerged, despite the iPhone 16 not yet being released. The Information reports that Apple is contemplating a slimmer iPhone 17, designated internally as D23, for release in 2025. This model is anticipated to undergo a significant redesign, akin to the iPhone X in 2017.
The D23 iPhone is rumored to feature a remarkably thin body and a smaller display cutout. There are speculations that Apple might replace the Dynamic Island with a pinhole cutout, potentially debuting with the upcoming iPhone 16 this fall. Additional changes may include relocating the rear camera from the upper-left corner to the top center. The screen size is expected to be between the 6.1-inch iPhone 16 Pro and the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The potential super-thin iPhone 17 draws inspiration from the recently released iPad Pro, which boasts an ultra-thin profile of just 0.2 inches (5.1mm). Apple has emphasized this slim design in advertising, highlighting its ability to compress various instruments and tools into the iPad Pro.
The thinner chassis aligns with rumors of increased energy density in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, allowing for a longer-lasting battery or a smaller battery with equivalent capacity. Batteries occupy significant space within a phone’s body, and utilizing advanced battery technology to reduce thickness may enable Apple to further slim down the iPhone 17.
If the rumors hold true, the iPhone 17 D23 could surpass the iPhone 17 Pro Max in pricing, despite being the more expensive model in Apple’s lineup. According to Apple Insider, this does not necessarily imply that Apple will release five iPhone models; instead, it may discontinue the iPhone 17 Plus. This would make sense, considering the similarity between the Plus and Pro Max models, both catering to consumers seeking larger screens and batteries. However, Apple could differentiate pricing by introducing a model even more expensive than the Pro Max.
It is important to note that these rumors are still in their early stages, and with the super-thin iPhone 17 not expected until 2025, there is ample time for changes and adjustments.