Apple is set to make waves in the smartphone market with its release of the first in-house cellular modem, expected to debut in iPhones and iPads next year. This transition, which will officially start with the refreshed 2025 iPhone SE, aims to reduce Apple's dependence on external suppliers, particularly in the modem arena.

As Apple engineers gain more freedom to innovate, we may see the introduction of the iPhone 17 Slim or Air model—an anticipated replacement for the current "Plus" version. According to a Bloomberg report, utilizing its proprietary modem allows Apple to create a smartphone that could be approximately 2 millimeters thinner than the existing iPhone 16 Pro, all while maintaining essential components such as the battery, display, and camera system.

The new iPhone 17 Slim will reportedly feature the Apple-designed "Sinope" modem, offering 5G support but lacking the mmWave technology and trailing behind Qualcomm's modems in carrier aggregation capabilities. For years, Apple engineers have expressed concerns over space constraints caused by Qualcomm modems and various connected components, driving the search for in-house solutions.

Apple's venture into modem production began with its acquisition of Intel's smartphone modem division and talent poaching from Qualcomm. If speculation holds true, the iPhone 17 Slim could measure around 6.25 millimeters thick. For reference, the thinnest iPhone to date is the iPhone 6, measuring 6.9 millimeters. In contrast, some Android phones, like the Honor Magic V3, have achieved spectacular thicknesses of only 4.4 millimeters when opened.

Despite advancements in smartphone technology, the industry had largely abandoned the quest for ultra-slim devices in favor of incorporating larger batteries, enhanced camera setups, and better thermal management. With Apple reviving its focus on thinner smartphones, concerns arise regarding the potential sacrifices: Will MagSafe wireless charging continue to be supported? How will the company manage heat dissipation? It has even been suggested that the iPhone 17 Slim might feature just a single rear camera, raising questions about its photography capabilities.

Historically, Apple's pursuit of thinner designs has not been without its challenges. The "bendgate" controversy surrounding the iPhone 6 series serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls. Apple was forced to showcase strength tests in response to public outcry, humorously igniting a slew of memes and jokes within the tech community.

Furthermore, it's essential to consider that thinner smartphones, especially those with sharp edges, can be uncomfortable to hold for extended periods. The marketing strategy surrounding the iPhone 17 Slim remains uncertain, with anticipation about whether it will be affordably priced or present a less-than-impressive hardware configuration.

As the launch draws closer, the tech world watches closely: will Apple's quest for slimness yield groundbreaking innovations or result in trade-offs that risks losing customer satisfaction? Stay tuned!