iPhone 17e: Apple is preparing to release the iPhone 17 series worldwide this September, with special focus on high-end models such as the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. But according to early rumors, the company is also working on an affordable model for 2026, the iPhone 17e. In the footsteps of the iPhone 16e, which launched earlier this year, the 17e is expected to maintain its budget credentials while bringing a few significant upgrades in the hardware department. Here’s what we know so far.
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Display and Design: Small but Familiar
As per leaks from tipster Digital Chat Station, the iPhone 17e will come equipped with a 6.1-inch OLED screen. Apple will recycle the same 60Hz low-power display of the iPhone 16e to keep it budget-friendly yet provide a contemporary viewing experience. The phone will probably stick with the Dynamic Island notch, providing a design that follows Apple’s mainline offerings.
The largest visual update lies in the overall body design. Though details are thin, rumor has it that Apple is set to launch a thinner and more contemporary frame than the iPhone 16e. Despite these improvements, price remains the primary selling feature, making the 17e the base model within the iPhone 17 line.
Performance: A19 Power at a Lower Price
Inside, the iPhone 17e is said to be powered by the Apple A19 chipset, the same future-proof processor that will drive the rest of the iPhone 17 family. Although Apple might slightly throttle performance relative to Pro versions, the presence of the A19 guarantees big boosts in speed, efficiency, and AI-based features over previous-generation phones. This would make the 17e one of the most powerful budget iPhones ever made.
Camera Setup: Efficient But Trustworthy
Leaks suggest cameras to feature a 12-megapixel front sensor with 3D facial recognition, providing secure Face ID and trustworthy selfies. The iPhone 17e at the back is supposed to have a single 48-megapixel primary camera, like the iPhone 16e. Though it will not compete with the sophisticated multi-camera arrangements of the Pro variants, the 48MP sensor should still provide good results for day-to-day photography.
Capitalizing on the Success of iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e paved the way earlier this year by doing away with the SE series and quickly emerging as a sales success. Based on Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), the 16e accounted for 11 percent of total iPhone sales in the US last quarter of June 2025, doubling the SE’s numbers from the same period last year. It further minimized demand for previous models such as the iPhone 15 and 14, redefining Apple’s lower-end sales strategy.
Verdict: Affordable Yet Promising
With its sleek new design, A19 chipset, and tried-and-true camera setup, the iPhone 17e is well on its way to becoming Apple’s most enticing budget model of 2026. Picking up where the successful iPhone 16e left off, it should appeal to deal-finders and casual users equally, as well as make Apple’s ecosystem more affordable to a wider public.