There's about a month left until Apple's annual tech spring festival - the fall product launch event. As the main star of this event, the iPhone naturally attracts the most discussion over these two months.

However, according to the latest report from a renowned tech analyst, this year's iPhone 16 series doesn't differ much from its predecessor. But next year's iPhone 17 series will undergo significant changes.

The analyst has confirmed an ultra-thin version of the iPhone 17, marking Apple's first ultra-thin offering in the iPhone lineup. Positioned between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, this ultra-thin model will replace the iPhone 17 Plus, making the iPhone 16 Plus the last of its kind in the Plus series.

Overall, this new ultra-thin iPhone is similar to the rumored iPhone 17 Slim. It will feature a 6.55-inch screen, slightly smaller than the Plus's 6.7 inches, and boasts a sleek and lightweight design.

Moreover, it will retain the same features as the iPhone 17 in other aspects. The device will continue to sport the Dynamic Island display and a dual rear camera system. Core specifications remain the same as the standard model, equipped with the A19 chip.

Notably, this new model will support ProMotion technology, making it the first non-Pro iPhone to offer a high refresh rate, a milestone in Apple's history.

Additionally, according to Apple analysts, the upcoming iPhone 17 series will upgrade the front camera across the lineup to 24MP.

The iPhone 17 series will include four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Slim, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, all equipped with 24MP front cameras and six plastic lens elements.

Compared to the 12MP front camera and 5P lens of the iPhone 15 series, this upgrade significantly enhances image quality.

Furthermore, the iPhone 17 series will continue to use TSMC's 3nm process, contrary to widespread expectations of a 2nm process.

The 2nm chip may not be ready for mass production until late 2025, suggesting the iPhone 18 series in 2026 could be the first to adopt the 2nm process node.

The iPhone 17 Slim will feature a single rear camera, a 6.6-inch display, and potentially the Apple A19 chip, housed in an aluminum-titanium alloy body.

Meanwhile, in a separate report, the analyst shared news about Apple Intelligence. While Apple plans to transition some Apple Intelligence AI features to a paid subscription model, akin to iCloud+, these services will remain free for at least the next three years. The analyst believes Apple's current AI offerings have room for improvement, and the company is catching up to AI pioneers. Charging for AI features now would be a "foolish move." He predicts it will take Apple at least three years to develop features worthy of a fee.

Additionally, the analyst mentioned the iPhone SE 4, which will resemble the iPhone 14 aesthetically and support Apple Intelligence, hinting at a high-performance chip for a smarter user experience.

Notably, Guo Mingqi's analysis revealed an intriguing detail –

He stated that the iPhone 17 Air would incorporate Apple's in-house 5G chip.

Apple's self-developed 5G chip has been a longstanding Achilles' heel, with development ongoing but no tangible results.

In 2019, Apple acquired most of Intel's smartphone modem business to develop its own hardware, but five years later, there are still no results, only failed attempts.

Apple initially aimed to launch its in-house 5G chip in fall 2023, potentially debuting it on the SE 4.

However, delays persisted, and the launch date kept getting pushed back.

According to analysts, Apple's setbacks stem from two main issues: rewriting Intel's legacy code without disrupting existing functions and avoiding infringement of Qualcomm's patents during chip development.

Some Apple employees even complained about taking on Intel's failed project with undue confidence in success.

Whether the iPhone 17 Air will indeed use Apple's in-house 5G baseband chip could be inferred from the SE 4's release.

Scheduled for next spring, the SE 4's launch precedes the 17 Air. If the SE 4 incorporates Apple's 5G chip, it's highly likely the 17 Air and the entire 17 series will follow suit.

In summary, Guo Mingqi claims Apple is accelerating its efforts to reduce reliance on Qualcomm and plans to equip both the SE 4 and 17 Air with its own 5G chips.

Ultimately, Apple's primary focus with the iPhone 17 Slim will be on design rather than hardware.

The iPhone 17 Air is an "unconventional" smartphone with a unique market target focused on design over performance. In a hardware-intensive smartphone market, Apple's courage to create a design-driven product is admirable.

With four models in the iPhone 17 series, each serves a distinct purpose: the standard iPhone 17 targets entry-level users, the iPhone 17 Pro/Max caters to professionals seeking high performance, while the iPhone 17 Air bridges the gap between standard and Pro models, appealing to fashion-conscious consumers. This aligns with 2024's Android trends, where brands like Huawei, OPPO, Honor, and Xiaomi emphasize aesthetics. As for the "Plus" models, their consistently low sales suggest they may eventually be phased out by Apple.

In conclusion, the iPhone 17 Air, with its ultra-thin design and cutting-edge technology, has the potential to become a star in Apple's future lineup, setting new trends in the smartphone market. While the iPhone 16 series may seem conservative, it serves as a transitional product laying the groundwork for significant changes ahead.

The fiercely competitive smartphone market and evolving consumer demands make the Plus version less appealing due to the prevalence of large screens. This could explain Apple's decision to phase out Plus models. If your current iPhone can last another year, consider waiting for the iPhone 17 series instead of opting for the iPhone 16 this September.

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