South Korean media reports and information from the GSMA global mobile registry indicate that Samsung is in the process of developing an ultra-slim variant of its flagship Galaxy S25 smartphone. This new device is anticipated to launch in the second quarter of 2025, positioning it as a direct competitor to the expected iPhone 17 Air.
The anticipated release window for this product is between April and June of next year, which is just ahead of the iPhone 17’s debut. Smartprix has identified a Galaxy smartphone with the model number SM-S937U in the GSMA IMEI database. This database typically sees Samsung registering new models approximately six to seven months prior to their official release. The model number aligns with the naming conventions used for the Galaxy, Plus, and Ultra series, suggesting that this device will likely be introduced separately from the Galaxy S25 series to prevent internal competition.
This is not Samsung’s first venture into the realm of slim smartphones. In 2014, the company launched the Galaxy Alpha, which measured 6.7 mm in thickness, compared to the 8.1 mm thickness of the Galaxy S5. Industry sources indicate that Samsung views this initiative as a strategic effort to rejuvenate the smartphone market in light of declining demand. The company aims to gauge market response before implementing significant changes to the Galaxy S26 lineup.
Additionally, Apple is reportedly developing a slim iPhone featuring a 6.55-inch ProMotion display, tentatively named the iPhone 17 Air, which is set to replace the less popular Plus model. The year 2025 is anticipated to usher in a new trend focused on slim designs, shifting away from the previous emphasis on camera enhancements.
