Source: Finance Association

According to three people familiar with the matter,$Apple (AAPL.US)$A thinner and lighter iPhone is being developed and is expected to be launched in 2025.

According to the report, this thinner version of the iPhone is currently known as the iPhone 17 Slim within Apple, codenamed D23, and the price may be higher than the Apple iPhone Pro Max. The Pro Max is currently Apple's most expensive model, starting at $1,200.

Sources expect the new model to launch along with the iPhone 17 series in September 2025. Insiders familiar with Apple's development process suggest that the iPhone Plus model may be phased out to make way for the iPhone 17 Slim. Additionally, Apple may also be planning to launch a cheaper iPhone in the spring of 2025 as a successor to the iPhone SE.

Design language will be transformed

Currently, Apple is still testing different design options for this D23 phone, including the use of an aluminum body. According to several sources, Apple wants to achieve a leap to the iPhone X level in the design language of this model.

According to reports, the upgraded front camera and facial recognition sensor will have smaller openings on the front of the fuselage, making the appearance more simple. The rear camera, on the other hand, may move to the center of the back of the phone (this can reduce the possibility that the user's finger will accidentally cover the lens).

In terms of size, the screen size of this model is between the current iPhone basic model and the iPhone Pro Max, that is, between 6.12 inches and 6.69 inches. The phone may eventually be equipped with Apple's latest generation processor A19.

However, given the thinner body of this model, Apple may need technical optimizations in terms of battery life, device performance, and functional integrity. Generally speaking, a slim body may affect battery capacity and durability, and phone performance and cooling issues are also more likely.

Apple is facing greater competitive pressure

Apple's potential upgrade highlights the company's urgent need to stimulate sales of iPhone series products.

As Apple's most popular product, the iPhone is currently facing fierce competition around the world: whether from China's Honor and Huawei, or South Korea's Samsung Electronics, they are launching highly competitive mobile phone products to seize market share.

According to data from research firm International Data Corporation (IDC), in the first quarter of this year, Samsung took the lead in the global smartphone market with 20.8% market share, followed by Apple with 17.3% market share.

In May of this year, Apple announced its financial results for the second fiscal quarter (that is, the first quarter of the 2024 natural year). During this quarter, global sales of Apple iPhones fell 10.5% year over year to US$45.96 billion.

editor/tolk