If you’re a fan of the Plus-sized iPhones that Apple has lined up over the past three iPhone launches, now might be the time to pick up the iPhone 16 Plus. Because we don’t know how long that particular model will be part of Apple’s phone lineup.
Apple has yet to reveal anything about its future iPhone plans, so speculation about the future of the Plus is just that. Still, all the signs and harbingers of the iPhone’s future suggest that there won’t be much of that in the Plus model.
And you know what? That’s a shame. While it’s not necessarily my pick as the best iPhone, I think the recent Plus models have established a significant place in Apple’s lineup.
It didn’t always feel that way. When the iPhone 14 Plus replaced the mini model in Apple’s phone lineup, I argued that the Plus didn’t make much sense. However, by the time the iPhone 15 Plus arrived, I had changed my mind for reasons I’ll explain in more detail later. And I think the iPhone 16 Plus just doubles down on the qualities that make this particular model so important.
So why am I concerned about the future of the Plus in the upcoming iPhone lineup? Because several different reports suggest that the larger-screen version of the standard iPhone may be out of date. Because it is.
Why the iPhone 17 Plus situation is so tough
Let’s start this week with an analyst report on how various iPhone 16 models are performing in their first month on the market. This prediction by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that while the iPhone 16 Pro model remains popular, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus haven’t really found an audience.
Please note that sales figures are not official until announced by Apple. We also won’t receive any official information from Apple until it releases its September quarter earnings report on October 31st. Mr. Kuo certainly has an excellent reputation for his work. Accurately understands the movements of Apple’s supply chain. And the iPhone 16 sales forecast is largely based on what Kuo hears from iPhone suppliers. While the stronger performance of the more expensive models may be good for Apple’s bottom line, it doesn’t portend a positive outlook for the Plus models heading into the next upgrade cycle.
Now, as for those 2025 upgrade plans, early rumors suggest that Apple will launch four new models, similar to the fall release period in recent years. But this time, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be joined by a new device called the iPhone 17 Slim or iPhone 17 Air, depending on who’s spreading the rumors.
First of all, good news. The iPhone 17 Slim is expected to feature a large and expansive display just like the iPhone 16 Plus. Specifically, Apple is expected to switch to a 6.6-inch panel for government work, which is close enough to the iPhone 16 Plus’s 6.7-inch display. Even better, the iPhone 17 Slim is thought to take the “slim” part of its name very seriously, and is certainly thinner than the current Plus’ 7.8mm thickness.
Unfortunately, another persistent rumor claims that the iPhone 17 Slim will be priced higher than the Pro Max model, which currently costs $1,199. In other words, the phone scheduled to replace the iPhone 16 Plus in Apple’s lineup next fall may be as big as the Plus, but I don’t think it’ll be as expensive as the Plus.
Why iPhone 16 Plus matters
The iPhone 16 Plus isn’t just about screen size, but that’s a big part of its appeal. For those who want the biggest screen possible, the iPhone 16 Plus offers 6.7 inches of space without paying the extra $300 over the iPhone 16 Pro Max. If you want a bigger screen but want to spend a little less, this is ideal.
However, not only will the display be larger, but there will also be more space for the battery. And while Apple hasn’t confirmed how big the power pack inside the iPhone 16 Plus is, it says it’s larger than the one that kept the iPhone 15 Plus powered.
Our battery test numbers reflect that. The iPhone 16 Plus lasted just under 16.5 hours of continuous web surfing over cellular before running out of power. That’s 16% better than the results for the iPhone 15 Plus, and the old phone still remains on our best phone battery life list a year after its release. (Of course, the iPhone 16 Plus is also on that list, but only at the top.)
Helping the iPhone 16 Plus with its battery life is the A18 chipset inside the phone. And this speaks to another important part of the iPhone 16 Plus’ appeal. Apple didn’t skimp on features. Adding an A18 chipset, new camera control buttons, and action buttons – these features aren’t limited to the Pro model, they’re also extended to the Pro model. all About Apple’s new mobile phone. With the iPhone 16 Plus, you not only get a bigger screen for less, but you also get a significantly more premium experience.
Striving toward the future
All that will go away next year when the iPhone Plus loses its place in Apple’s phone lineup and the more expensive iPhone 17 Slim arrives. And for people who don’t want to spend more than $1,000 on their next phone, that would be a shame, because it would leave them without a very attractive option.
Again, we don’t know what Apple will ultimately do in a year’s time. There is a possibility that the iPhone 17 Slim will be added to the lineup in addition to the Plus model, and this rumored new model may not materialize at all. But no matter what happens, I hope Apple remembers that it has good things to do with Plus, even if its immediate sales numbers don’t reflect that early on.
