Introduction
In the rapidly evolving world of smartphones, both Apple and Samsung are reportedly gearing up for the release of slimmed-down versions of their flagship devices, the iPhone 17 Slim and Galaxy S25 Slim, expected to launch in the second half of 2025. These two devices are set to push the boundaries of mobile design, promising thinner profiles while maintaining high-end performance and features. However, despite their ambition to create the slimmest smartphones possible, both companies are facing similar design and production challenges—mainly concerning the motherboard and the battery.
As these obstacles emerge, both tech giants are trying to overcome these roadblocks, with each focusing on different aspects of their designs to achieve the desired slimness without compromising on functionality or performance.
Apple’s Struggles with the Battery: Keeping Costs in Check
Apple’s efforts to develop the iPhone 17 Slim have reportedly led to progress in one key area: the motherboard. According to Naver, Apple has already found a solution to the motherboard problem, which often requires advanced materials or more compact designs to fit everything into a thinner chassis. The company has reportedly overcome this issue, ensuring that the motherboard design for the iPhone 17 Slim can meet the demands of the device’s slim profile without sacrificing power or performance.
However, battery technology continues to be a challenge. Apple attempted to incorporate new battery technologies that could further reduce the phone’s thickness, but these innovations are not yet ready for mass production. The challenges with scaling up production using these new materials, coupled with supply chain issues, have forced Apple to stick with current battery materials for the iPhone 17 Slim. While this decision may prevent the device from being as thin as originally intended, it will help ensure the phone is still functional and cost-effective for large-scale production.
Despite these battery setbacks, Apple is reportedly moving forward with a 6mm thick design for the iPhone 17 Slim, which is a significant reduction compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Plus. For context, the iPhone 16 Plus measures around 7.8mm thick, while the Pro models are even thicker at 8.3mm. The iPhone 17 Slim’s thinner design will likely make it more appealing to consumers who value compactness and portability, but without sacrificing features that make the iPhone an attractive option.
Additionally, the iPhone 17 Slim will feature a 6.6-inch OLED display, slightly smaller than the 6.7-inch display found on the iPhone 16 Plus. This reduction in size may be a part of the effort to keep the phone slim while still offering a vibrant and high-quality screen. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that the iPhone 17 Slim could account for 5-10% of iPhone shipments in 2025, reflecting consumer interest in a thinner, more compact alternative to the standard iPhone models.
Samsung’s Challenges with Thinner Motherboards and Battery Innovation
On the other side of the competition, Samsung is also working on a Galaxy S25 Slim, which will replace the current Galaxy S25 FE model. The S25 Slim is expected to be a more experimental design, serving as a trial for future slim models in the Galaxy S26 series, depending on the reception and success of the S25 Slim. As with Apple, Samsung has encountered its own set of challenges in trying to build a thinner device.
One of the primary hurdles Samsung faces is the mass production of thinner motherboards. According to sources, delays in this area have arisen due to supplier issues, slowing down Samsung’s efforts to refine and manufacture these compact components at scale. Thinner motherboards are critical for ensuring that the Galaxy S25 Slim maintains its slim profile without compromising on internal components or performance.
On the battery front, however, Samsung is reportedly making progress. The company has been working on new materials for the battery to make it more energy-efficient and lighter, which would allow it to be housed in a thinner body. While there have been improvements in this area, there are still no official details on how thin the Galaxy S25 Slim will be. For reference, the thinnest Galaxy S24 model—the Galaxy S24—measures 7.6mm thick, so it’s possible that the S25 Slim could be thinner than this, though no exact measurements have been confirmed.
Just like Apple, Samsung is also focused on delivering a premium experience despite the slim design. The S25 Slim is expected to feature flagship-level performance, top-tier displays, and a design that balances aesthetics and functionality. If the S25 Slim proves to be successful, it could lay the groundwork for a more mainstream adoption of slim devices in future Galaxy series models.
The Road Ahead: Both Phones Expected in Late 2025
While both the iPhone 17 Slim and Galaxy S25 Slim are facing similar challenges, both companies have a strong track record of overcoming design and production hurdles. These slim models are set to offer an alternative to users who are seeking compact devices with a premium feel, without sacrificing the high-end features that both brands are known for.
As of now, both the iPhone 17 Slim and Galaxy S25 Slim are expected to launch in the second half of 2025, likely in September or October, following the traditional release schedules for both Apple and Samsung. While the details about these devices remain scarce, the slim models are expected to feature cutting-edge technology, including advanced OLED displays, premium build quality, and potentially next-gen processors.
The success of the iPhone 17 Slim and Galaxy S25 Slim will depend largely on how well Apple and Samsung are able to resolve the ongoing challenges they face with motherboard production, battery efficiency, and overall production costs. If these issues are successfully addressed, the slim models could become a major part of both companies’ strategies for 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
1. When will the iPhone 17 Slim and Galaxy S25 Slim be released?
Both the iPhone 17 Slim and Galaxy S25 Slim are expected to launch in the second half of 2025. While specific dates have not been confirmed, it’s likely that they will follow the typical release schedules of Apple and Samsung, likely around September or October.
2. What are the main challenges Apple and Samsung are facing with these slim models?
The main challenges both companies are facing are related to the motherboard and battery. Both Apple and Samsung have encountered delays in the mass production of thinner motherboards, and while Apple has been focusing on maintaining battery efficiency with existing materials, Samsung is exploring new battery technologies to achieve a thinner design.
3. How thick will the iPhone 17 Slim and Galaxy S25 Slim be?
The iPhone 17 Slim is expected to be around 6mm thick, a significant reduction from the iPhone 16 Plus, which is 7.8mm thick. Meanwhile, the thickness of the Galaxy S25 Slim has not been confirmed, but it is expected to be thinner than the 7.6mm thickness of the standard Galaxy S24 model.
4. What features can we expect from the iPhone 17 Slim and Galaxy S25 Slim?
Both devices are expected to feature high-end specifications, including advanced OLED displays, premium build quality, and next-gen processors. Despite their slim profiles, both phones will aim to deliver flagship-level performance with compact designs that appeal to users seeking portability without sacrificing power.
5. How much of Apple’s and Samsung’s sales are expected to come from slim models?
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the iPhone 17 Slim could make up about 5-10% of iPhone shipments in 2025, indicating strong consumer interest. For Samsung, the Galaxy S25 Slim is expected to be a more experimental model, with success potentially influencing the adoption of slim devices in future Galaxy series phones.