This year, both Apple and Samsung are gearing up to introduce ultra-slim high-end smartphones, further fueling their ongoing rivalry in the premium device market. A new report from Korea sheds more light on the details of these devices: Apple’s iPhone 17 Air and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Slim.
Apple is set to replace the iPhone 16 Plus with the iPhone 17 Air, marking a shift in its product lineup. The move comes as the Plus models have consistently underperformed in sales over the years. Interestingly, despite its slimmer profile, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to cost about the same as the outgoing iPhone 16 Plus. This means consumers won’t have to pay a premium for the sleeker design, which could improve its market appeal.
The iPhone 17 Air is reported to be 6.25 mm thick—a detail that is slightly thicker than earlier rumors suggested. This slim form factor, however, makes it one of Apple’s thinnest devices to date. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to launch in September alongside the rest of the iPhone 17 family.
Samsung, on the other hand, has been working on its ultra-thin device, the Galaxy S25 Slim, reportedly in response to Apple’s iPhone 17 Air. According to the report, the Galaxy S25 Slim will measure “mid-6mm” thick, likely around 6.5 mm. This places it slightly thicker than the iPhone 17 Air but still firmly in the slim smartphone category.
The Galaxy S25 Slim will be officially unveiled at Samsung’s upcoming Unpacked event later this month. However, the device is not expected to hit shelves for a few months afterward. Positioned between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S25+ in the lineup, the Slim will likely offer a more affordable alternative to Samsung’s flagship Ultra model while maintaining premium design elements.
The iPhone 17 Air is scheduled to debut in September, while the buzz is expected to be generated by the Galaxy S25 Slim at the Unpacked event this month.