- The slimmer version of the iPhone, codenamed “D23” is expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17, slated for launch in September next year.
- This version could be priced higher than the top-tier model of the iPhone, the “Pro Max” (starting from $1200).
- It’s been revealed that the slimmer iPhone will also feature a new Apple chip.
Apple is developing a slimmer version of the iPhone slated for release next year, according to information from the U.S. IT specialised media, The Information.
Slimmer version of iPhone
It is expected that Apple will unveil a thinner iPhone than the existing models. Following the recent introduction of the iPad Pro model, which emerged after 18 months with a thickness of 5.1mm, claiming the title of the thinnest device among Apple products, attention is now focused on whether the iPhone will be released even thinner.
Also read: Apple is pursuing AI ambitions at a lower cost than its rivals
Proceeds with overhaul
Additionally, Apple is expected to initiate a revamp of its iPhone series lineup. It’s reported that they will discontinue sales of the budget-oriented iPhone Plus and plan to launch a successor to the iPhone SE, offering a more affordable option.
This restructuring of the iPhone lineup comes amidst a noticeable decline in iPhone sales, which account for roughly half of the total revenue, particularly struggling in key markets like China. In the second quarter of the 2024 fiscal year, Apple’s iPhone revenue dropped by 10.4% from the previous year, totaling $45.963 billion, with sales in the China region recording a decline of 8%, reaching $16.372 billion.
Also read: Apple releases latest iPads with M4 chip
Development of next-generation chips
Apple unveiled its AI-specialised next-generation chip, the “M4”, on May 7, and introduced a new model of the iPad equipped with the M4 chip after 18 months. The high-end model, the Pro model, adopted organic light-emitting diode (OLED) for the first time in the history of iPads, reducing the thickness of the 13-inch device to 5.1mm, claiming the title of Apple’s thinnest device ever.
Amid recent industry assessments that Apple has fallen behind in the AI market, there’s speculation that they strategically equipped the iPad with the M4 chip ahead of the MacBook, aiming to regain leadership.
Expectations are rising for the possibility of unveiling their AI strategy at the upcoming “Worldwide Developers Conference” scheduled for next month.
