Could Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 slim feature only one camera?

Apple's iPhone 17 Slim is anticipated to combine high performance with the A19 chip and a sleek design but might compromise on camera versatility. Although Apple has yet to unveil the iPhone 16 series, preparations for next year's lineup are well underway. Alongside the iPhone 17 series, reports suggest Apple is developing the iPhone SE4 and a folding iPhone. Included in these plans is the iPhone 17 "Slim," which aims to deliver Pro-grade performance in a compact form factor but may feature limited camera capabilities.

Renowned supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has contributed to the speculation surrounding the iPhone 17 Slim, outlining tentative specifications. The "ultra-slim" iPhone is expected to sport a 6.6-inch display with a resolution of 2,740 x 1,260, slightly smaller than the current iPhone 15 Plus and 15 Pro Max models, which the upcoming iPhone 16 series is set to retain. Apple is reportedly phasing out the Plus variant for the iPhone 17 series due to lower sales compared to other models. The iPhone 17 Slim is positioned as a new variant above the standard iPhone 17 and potentially the iPhone 17 Pro, with speculated pricing reaching up to $1,200.

Similar to other models in the lineup, the iPhone 17 Slim is likely to feature a Dynamic Island on the display. While specifics on the refresh rate were not disclosed by Kuo, the suggested $1,200 pricing hints at possible inclusion of ProMotion or a higher 120Hz refresh rate.

Slim iPhone 17 likely to feature single camera

The iPhone 17 Slim may feature a single rear camera, departing from Apple's usual Pro model approach for the sake of a slimmer design. This strategy mirrors Apple's 2024 iPad Pro, which also prioritizes slimness by omitting the ultrawide camera found in previous models. It remains uncertain whether the iPhone 17 Slim will utilize the same sensor as the iPhone 17 Pro or a smaller one better suited to its thinner profile. While specifics are unclear, it is anticipated that this single camera will surpass the capabilities of the camera on the upcoming iPhone SE 4, slated for release before the iPhone 17 series.

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to begin sourcing camera sensors from Samsung starting in 2026, but until then, the iPhone 17 series, including the rumored Slim variant, is likely to continue using sensors from Sony, currently Apple's sole supplier.

Apple's potential move to Its own 5G chip in the iPhone 17 slim

In addition to proposing a single-camera setup, the analyst also suggested that the iPhone 17 Slim could be powered by Apple's A19 chipset, potentially trailing the A19 Pro found in the Pro and Pro Max models. The slimmer iPhone is also expected to feature Apple's in-house 5G modem, reducing reliance on Qualcomm.

While the iPhone 17 Slim is unlikely to revert to the all-metal chassis of the iPhone 6 and 6s, it will incorporate a metal frame made from a titanium-aluminum alloy, with a higher aluminum content compared to the existing iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.

There are no specific rumors regarding the exact thickness of this new ultra-slim iPhone, but hopes are high that it will achieve a profile as sleek as the recently launched iPad Pro.