Apple’s next budget iPhone, the iPhone 17e, is shaping up to be one of the first new Apple phones of 2026. Multiple supply-chain leaks and industry reports point to early mass production after CES 2026 and a launch window as early as the first quatre of 2026.
All the Rumoured Upgrades Coming to the iPhone 17e
Unlike its direct predecessor, the iPhone 16e, the 17e is expected to adopt the Dynamic Island cutout instead of the traditional notch. That change alone would give the entry-level model a more modern look, aligning it visually with the iPhone 17 series, Apple’s current flagship lineup.
Under the hood, Apple is rumored to equip the 17e with a downclocked A19 chip, the same core architecture used in the standard iPhone 17, but tuned down to protect performance differentiation with higher-end models. Early tips suggest this variant could perform closer to Apple’s older silicon than to the full-strength A19.
Ejiro Onose
The display is likely to stay at 6.1 inches with a 60 Hz refresh rate, similar to the 16e, though slimmer bezels will help the screen feel more immersive. Rumours on whether it will actually ditch the notch entirely vary slightly by source, but the direction is clear toward a less dated top bezel.
Other expected upgrades include MagSafe support, missing from the 16e, and possibly a stronger selfie camera, but the core rear camera setup and mid-range specs will remain conservative to keep costs down.
Pricing is widely expected to remain around $599, keeping the 17e competitive with previous “e”-series launches while delivering a more modern design and competent performance for everyday use.
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