Apple’s ambition to launch the iPhone 17 Slim as its thinnest device to date is running into significant obstacles. Reports suggest that the company—and its suppliers, including Samsung—are struggling to develop batteries thin enough to meet Apple’s original design goals. The vision was to create a phone less than 6mm thick, but current battery technology may keep the device thicker than planned.
The Push for a Slimmer iPhone
The iPhone 17 Slim was intended to showcase Apple’s design evolution, with a profile noticeably slimmer than today’s models. Achieving this would have required breakthrough advancements in battery engineering, but insiders say suppliers have yet to deliver a workable solution. Instead, Apple may settle for a minor reduction in thickness, keeping the Slim above the highly anticipated 6mm threshold.
For context, the iPhone 16 Pro measures 8.25mm, while the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come in at 7.8mm. Apple’s original target for the 17 Slim promised a dramatic difference, but limitations in battery development could make that leap less impressive than expected.
Foldable Devices Face the Same Roadblock
The problem isn’t unique to the Slim. Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone concept also faces hurdles due to the bulk of current batteries. Foldables demand ultra-compact components since the overall thickness doubles when closed, making thin batteries even more essential. Without a breakthrough, Apple may be forced to delay or compromise on its foldable design.
An Industry-Wide Struggle
Apple isn’t alone in this challenge. Samsung, also working toward slimmer and foldable devices, has encountered similar setbacks with battery technology. The inability to produce reliable, ultra-thin batteries highlights a broader issue across the smartphone industry.
The fate of Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet—and its future foldable devices—ultimately depends on overcoming these technological barriers. Until battery innovation catches up with design ambition, Apple may have to temper expectations for just how slim its next-generation devices can truly be.