# iPhone 17 Air vs. Galaxy S25 Slim: Who Came First?
The tech industry is buzzing with excitement over the upcoming launch of two incredibly slim flagship smartphones: Apple’s **iPhone 17 Air** and Samsung’s **Galaxy S25 Slim**. Both gadgets pledge revolutionary designs and capabilities, yet the discussion regarding which brand was the pioneer in envisioning and bringing the ultra-thin smartphone to life is intensifying. Let’s explore the specifics of these much-anticipated devices and trace their development timelines.
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## **The Ultra-Thin Era**
The quest for thinner, sleeker smartphones has been a long-standing endeavor. However, 2025 is set to be a landmark year as both Apple and Samsung gear up to unveil their slimmest models to date. The **iPhone 17 Air** will be Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet, featuring a profile of **6.25mm**, while the **Galaxy S25 Slim** will be just a bit thicker at **6.6mm**. Both new models signify a considerable evolution from their former counterparts, the iPhone 15 (7.8mm) and the Galaxy S24 (7.6mm).
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## **The Chain of Speculation and Revelations**
### **iPhone 17 Air**
The iPhone 17 Air was the first to emerge in speculation, with rumors circulating as early as mid-2024. Insiders within Apple hinted at a new design direction aimed at phasing out the Plus model in favor of a sleeker, lighter version. By late 2024, leaks validated that Apple had completed the product roadmap for the iPhone 17 Air, which is slated for launch in **September 2025** along with the complete iPhone 17 lineup.
### **Galaxy S25 Slim**
In contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Slim has only recently been revealed in leaks. The device is anticipated to make its first appearance at Samsung’s **Unpacked event** scheduled for January 2025, with a launch expected in the **second or third quarter** of the year. Although Samsung might reach consumers first with its ultra-thin smartphone, industry experts believe that the Galaxy S25 Slim was designed as a competitive response to Apple’s initiative with the iPhone 17 Air.
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## **Design and Specifications**
### **iPhone 17 Air**
– **Thickness**: 6.25mm
– **Display**: Smaller than the iPhone 16 Plus, equipped with **LTPO OLED panels** featuring ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate).
– **Camera**: A single rear lens camera, highlighting minimalism and portability.
– **Objective**: Intended to supersede the Plus model, offering a more compact and lightweight alternative.
### **Galaxy S25 Slim**
– **Thickness**: 6.6mm
– **Display**: Comparable to the Galaxy S25 series, utilizing high-resolution AMOLED technology.
– **Camera**: A multi-lens rear camera, potentially providing an advantage over the iPhone 17 Air in photography.
– **Objective**: Marketed as a proactive measure against the iPhone 17 Air, offering a thinner flagship alternative at a more accessible price than the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
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## **Who Came First?**
The debate over who initially conceived the ultra-thin smartphone is a heated one. As per a report from Korean outlet **SisaJournal**, Apple was the first to strategize and create an ultra-slim device, with Samsung subsequently following after discovering Apple’s aims. This assertion is bolstered by the fact that whispers about the iPhone 17 Air began circulating months prior to any reports regarding the Galaxy S25 Slim.
Nevertheless, Samsung is poised to promote the Galaxy S25 Slim as the inaugural ultra-thin smartphone to reach consumers, thanks to its earlier launch date. This tactic corresponds with Samsung’s past of leveraging strategic timing to secure a competitive advantage over Apple.
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## **The Impact of Display Technology**
Both smartphones depend on advanced **LTPO OLED panels**, with Samsung Display and LG Display purportedly being the primary suppliers for Apple’s iPhone 17 series. This partnership may have granted Samsung crucial insights about Apple’s strategies, enabling a quicker development timeline for the Galaxy S25 Slim. The shared supply chain emphasizes the interconnected dynamics of the smartphone market, where rivals frequently utilize similar technologies and components.
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## **Marketing and Tactics**
Samsung’s strategic choice to unveil the Galaxy S25 Slim ahead of the iPhone 17 Air is a deliberate one. By launching first, Samsung seeks to establish itself as the front-runner in the ultra-thin smartphone arena, even if Apple was the initial visionary. The Galaxy S25 Slim’s competitive pricing and multi-lens camera array are likely to attract a wider consumer base, while the iPhone 17 Air will focus on Apple’s dedicated clientele through its minimalist aesthetic and premium quality.
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## **Final Thoughts**
The conflict between the **iPhone 17 Air** and the Galaxy S25 Slim illustrates a pivotal moment in the evolution of smartphones, with both companies pushing the boundaries of design and innovation.
