Apple’s iconic Plus model might be headed for the digital graveyard. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has dropped a bombshell, suggesting that the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup will ditch the Plus altogether in favor of a radically different model: the iPhone 17 Slim.

Kuo’s rationale is simple: numbers. The Plus model has been underperforming, accounting for a mere 5-10% of total iPhone sales. In the cutthroat world of tech, those figures aren’t enough to justify keeping the Plus around.

But what’s replacing it is even more intriguing. The iPhone 17 Slim isn’t just a rebranded Plus. Instead, Kuo paints a picture of a device that could redefine what we expect from an iPhone. It’s being touted as a high-end model, potentially even more expensive than the Pro Max, and it’s promising a sleek, ultra-thin design.

While the name “iPhone 17 Slim” is a placeholder for now, the specs are starting to emerge. We’re looking at a roughly 6.6-inch display, the powerful A19 chip, and a design that blends titanium and aluminum. Notably, it’s rumored to sport a single rear camera, a departure from the multi-camera setups we’ve come to expect from Apple’s premium models.

This suggests a bold strategy from Apple. Rather than simply iterating on existing models, the company is exploring new design territories. The iPhone 17 Slim could be the first step in this direction. However, it’s a risky move. Can Apple justify a premium price tag for a device with a single camera? Will consumers be willing to pay top dollar for a thinner phone? These are questions that will be answered in the coming months.