Is the thinner iPhone in history on the road? Apple Insider suggests that Apple’s new iPhone 17 lineup may debut a redesigned model with a remarkable thickness of just 6mm. Industry analysts cited by another report from the Economic Daily News are optimistic that TSMC will remain the sole processor manufacturer for the latest iPhones.

As per tradition, the iPhone 17 series is anticipated to be unveiled in September 2025. The Economic Daily News further notes that the slim model may adopt TSMC’s 3nm node.

Even before the release of this year’s iPhone 16 series, there has been widespread speculation that Apple is preparing to introduce a lightweight and slim model called either the “iPhone 17 Slim” or the “iPhone 17 Air.” Now the rumors seem to be more credible, as more details have surfaced.

According to Apple Insider, Apple is rumored to replace its current Plus lineup with the redesigned iPhone 17 Slim, probably with a 6.6-inch display, single rear camera, and a titanium-aluminum alloy to enhance its structural integrity and prevent bending.

However, the most intriguing part would be its thinness. Compared to the iPhone 16 Plus, which measures 7.8mm thick, the iPhone 17 Slim is said to have a chassis just 6mm thin.

It is worth noting that though this would make it the thinnest iPhone ever released, it wouldn’t claim the title of Apple’s thinnest device, according to Apple Insider. The throne reportedly belongs to the 2024 iPad Pro, powered by the M4 chip, with a remarkably slim 5.1mm profile.

As for why the slim iPhone cannot be thinner than the iPad, the Economic Daily News report indicates that the reason may lie in the battery. Due to cost and technical considerations, the battery Apple plans to use on iPhone cannot be made any thinner. Nevertheless, it may adopt a thinner Resin-Coated Copper (RCC) motherboard to reduce thickness, the report notes.

Read more

• [News] TSMC Reportedly Begins Small-Scale Production in Arizona for Apple’s A16 with the N4P Node
• [News] Apple is Reportedly Developing M5 Chips, Boosting Orders for TSMC’s Advanced Processes

(Photo credit: Apple)