Leaked cases suggest iPhone 17 series may drop ‘Plus’ model

Leaked Cases Suggest iPhone 17 Series May Drop ‘Plus’ Model

Leaked cases suggest iPhone 17 series may drop ‘Plus’ model

Recent leaks surrounding the upcoming iPhone 17 series have sparked significant discussion among tech enthusiasts and industry analysts alike. A series of leaked case designs and supply chain whispers suggest that Apple may be planning to drop the “Plus” model entirely from its iPhone 17 lineup, marking a notable shift in its product strategy. While not officially confirmed by Apple, these leaks offer insights into how the company might be rethinking its approach to screen sizes, product differentiation, and user preferences heading into 2025.

The History of the “Plus” Model

The “Plus” moniker has had a storied role in Apple’s iPhone lineup. First introduced with the iPhone 6 Plus in 2014, the model was positioned as a larger-screen alternative to the standard iPhone, catering to users who desired more screen real estate without jumping to the more premium “Pro Max” category, which came later. Over the years, the “Plus” model became a familiar middle ground—offering larger displays and slightly better battery life without the added cost of the top-tier Pro devices.

In recent years, the market for this model has seemed to shrink. The introduction of devices like the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus didn’t see the expected sales traction, reportedly underperforming compared to both their smaller and more powerful counterparts. This raised questions about the relevance of the Plus model in today’s increasingly segmented smartphone market.

What the Leaked Cases Reveal

The recent wave of leaks began with case manufacturers who typically receive early device dimensions to prepare for product launches. According to multiple sources in the accessory manufacturing industry, the schematics provided for the iPhone 17 line included only three device sizes: a standard iPhone 17, an iPhone 17 Pro, and an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Noticeably missing from these design leaks is a fourth device size that would correspond to the current 6.7-inch iPhone “Plus” model. This absence is leading many to speculate that Apple has officially discontinued the Plus variant in favor of streamlining the product lineup.

The leaks also hint at a slightly redesigned camera bump, suggesting further distinction between the Pro and standard models—potentially reinforcing Apple’s strategy of pushing consumers toward higher-priced options by widening the feature gap.

Strategic Implications for Apple

If Apple does decide to eliminate the Plus model in 2025, it could signal a significant strategic recalibration. From a product perspective, it simplifies the buying process. Currently, many consumers find it difficult to distinguish between the “Plus” and “Pro Max” models beyond subtle differences in performance and display quality. Removing the Plus model may reduce consumer confusion and improve the perception of value for the remaining tiers.

More importantly, Apple could be aiming to drive more consumers toward its higher-margin Pro models. With the gap between the standard and Pro devices increasingly defined by features like advanced camera systems, better displays, and now rumored “Apple Intelligence” AI enhancements in iOS 19, Apple appears to be consolidating its offerings around distinct user categories: casual users, power users, and professionals.

Consumer Behavior and Market Trends

The decline of the Plus model may also be a reflection of broader market trends. In a time when large-screen smartphones are no longer a novelty, consumers appear to be prioritizing premium features—such as advanced photography, AI capabilities, and superior performance—over screen size alone.

According to recent market analytics, the iPhone 15 Pro Max vastly outsold the iPhone 15 Plus, despite being significantly more expensive. Users seem more willing than ever to invest in a top-tier device that promises longevity, advanced features, and status appeal.

Conversely, the standard iPhone and SE models continue to perform well due to their affordability and compact form factor, reinforcing the idea that Apple’s customer base is polarizing into budget-conscious and high-end segments.

What to Expect from the iPhone 17 Lineup

If the rumors prove accurate, the iPhone 17 lineup may include:

• iPhone 17 (6.1-inch) – The base model, offering improved performance, battery life, and possibly minor design updates.

• iPhone 17 Pro (6.1-inch) – Featuring a ProMotion display, advanced camera system, and faster chip.

• iPhone 17 Pro Max (6.7-inch) – Likely to include exclusive Pro Max features, such as a periscope camera or even a titanium frame redesign.

Early reports also suggest Apple may use this cycle to debut more AI-powered features under the new “Apple Intelligence” branding, bringing natural language processing, image generation, and predictive suggestions to iOS 19.

The potential removal of the iPhone Plus model from the iPhone 17 lineup signals more than just a shift in naming—it reflects Apple’s evolving understanding of its user base and its product strategy moving forward. By focusing on simplicity, differentiation, and performance-based segmentation, Apple may be preparing its iPhone lineup for a more AI-integrated, experience-driven future.

As always, while leaks and rumors provide valuable clues, the full picture will only become clear when Apple officially unveils the iPhone 17 series, likely in September 2025.