Development Underway with Target Release in September Next Year
Apple is reportedly developing a slimmer iPhone than the existing models, aiming for a release next year.
The IT news outlet The Information cited sources on the 17th (local time) reporting that a thinner iPhone model will be released in September next year. It is likely to be launched alongside the iPhone 17, and its price may be higher than the top-tier Pro Max model in the iPhone series.
Apple refers to this device by the codename 'D23.' Since various designs capable of housing Apple's latest processor called A19 are being tested, specific specs such as how much slimmer it will be compared to existing models have not been disclosed.
Apple is also undertaking a major lineup overhaul. The outlet reported that Apple plans to discontinue the relatively affordable iPhone Plus and release a low-cost iPhone, a successor to the existing iPhone SE, in spring next year. This is analyzed to be because Apple’s sales have been sluggish while competing with Honor, Huawei, and Samsung Electronics. According to research firm International Data Corporation, Samsung held the highest smartphone market share at 20.8% from January to March 2024, with Apple recording 17.3%. iPhone sales were recorded at $45.96 billion, down 10.5% compared to the same period last year.
Earlier, there were speculations that Apple had halted development of a foldable smartphone. Reports indicate design difficulties due to the device being prone to breakage and challenges in applying a small battery. The U.S. IT media PhoneArena reported, "Foldable phones are not expected to appear on Apple's roadmap this year or next." Plans for mass production of a foldable iPhone remain undecided, with the earliest forecast being 2026. This would be seven years after Samsung Electronics released the Galaxy Fold in 2019.
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