Is iPhone 16 Plus the Last Apple Big Non-Pro Model?

Apple’s iPhone Plus variants have struggled with sales for years, especially compared to the company’s more popular models. The idea behind the “Plus” versions was simple:

• Offer a larger screen size without the premium price tag of the Pro models.
• Bridge the gap between the standard model and the Pros

However, this middle-ground offering hasn’t captured consumers' attention the way Apple initially hoped.

Take, for instance, the iPhone 14 Plus. It didn’t sell as well as Apple expected, with many users opting to either save money by going for the smaller standard iPhone or splurging on the Pro models for more advanced features.

The “Plus” variant has always seemed like an awkward compromise—too expensive for those looking for a budget-friendly option and not feature-packed enough for those willing to spend more on the Pro models.

In this article, we'll try to make sense of this move (should Apple did truly consider this).

🔑 Key Takeaways:

If the iPhone 16 Plus is indeed the final “Plus” variant, Apple’s reasoning likely goes beyond simple sales figures. The company is known for its long-term strategic planning, and this decision could align with several trends in the smartphone market:

1. Consumer Shifts Toward Premium Models

More customers are willing to spend extra for Pro models, which offer exclusive features like ProMotion displays, better cameras, and higher-end performance. The Pros are also getting significant size upgrades, which seems to defeat the purpose of having a Plus size. With the increasing differentiation between Pro and non-Pro models, the “Plus” variant sits in a shrinking middle ground that fewer consumers seem interested in.

2. Simplifying the Lineup

Apple could be aiming to streamline its product lineup, making it easier for consumers to choose between models. The presence of multiple variants—standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max—creates a somewhat convoluted product range. By eliminating the “Plus” model, Apple could focus on clearer distinctions, with just one non-Pro option and a couple of Pro variants.

3. Focus on Higher Margins

Apple could also prioritize models that offer higher profit margins. The Pro models, with their more advanced features and higher price tags, naturally yield better margins for the company. Phasing out the “Plus” could allow Apple to concentrate on selling devices that generate more revenue per unit.

These sound like good reasons; however, there’s a bit of a twist to this potential change.

If the iPhone 16 Plus is truly the last large-screen, non-Pro iPhone, what might Apple introduce in its place? One compelling possibility is the rumored iPhone 17 Slim. According to recent leaks, this model could be a major departure from the existing Plus line, focusing on an ultra-thin design rather than sheer size.

The iPhone 17 Slim is expected to be Apple’s thinnest phone yet, potentially offering a sleek and lightweight alternative to the bulkier “Plus” variants. Reports suggest that Apple is doubling down on minimalism with this model, emphasizing a more compact form without sacrificing performance or features appeal to users who prefer a slimmer, more portable device but still want some of the features found in the larger iPhones.

This rumored new iPhone could be catering to a segment of the market that values style and convenience, without the bulk of the Plus models.

While it’s still early days, the iPhone 17 Slim could mark a new direction for Apple’s non-Pro lineup, offering a fresh alternative to the Plus while maintaining Apple’s signature design ethos.

Here's a quick video from CNET regarding the iPhone 17 Slim:

If Apple truly phases out the iPhone Plus line, it will be interesting to see how the company reconfigures its future offerings. The current trend suggests a stronger focus on premium devices, with more users gravitating toward the Pro or Pro Max models.

Alternatively, Apple could introduce new devices that fill the gap left by the “Plus” model. For instance, we might see standard iPhones with larger screens or new features that appeal to the mid-range market without needing a dedicated “Plus” model.

Or, we could see Apple entirely shift its attention to high-end iPhones, perhaps even introducing an “Ultra” model, if not the slim, as rumors suggest.

For now, we’ll just have to wait and see what Apple has in store.