Apple is said to be planning to launch the iPhone 17e - the next low-cost iPhone model - in the spring of 2026. This is a new step that shows that Apple is reshaping its strategy with the popular iPhone series, when moving to the annual release cycle exclusively for the "e" series.
The iPhone 17e is expected to retain the design of the iPhone 16e, including a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a traditional rabbit ear, without Dynamic Island.
This design is said to be reused from the iPhone 14 to save production costs, thereby helping Apple maintain an affordable price for popular users.
The most notable upgrade is the processor. If the iPhone 16e is only equipped with the A18 chip, the iPhone 17e will likely be upgraded to the A19 - similar to the iPhone 17 models that are about to launch this fall.
In addition, the iPhone 17e may use a 5G C2 modem chip developed by Apple, but there is currently no confirmed confirmation of this.
In terms of selling price, it is likely that the iPhone 17e will still maintain the starting price of 599 USD, equivalent to the iPhone 16e. With a moderately upgraded configuration, this is still an attractive choice for users who are not interested in high-end features but need stable performance for daily tasks.
According to experts, the strategy of launching the "e" iPhone at the annual pace will help Apple expand its market share in price-sensitive markets, while creating a product line with a clear positioning between the iPhone SE and flagship models.
If it follows last year's schedule, the iPhone 17e could be announced by Apple in March or April 2026.
