iPhone 17e May Arrive in 2026: What We Know So Far About Apple’s Next Budget Smartphone

For so many years, Apple has completely focused on premium and flagship smartphones, but earlier this year, the tech giant surprised everyone by launching iPhone 16e, which is a relatively affordable device. The iPhone 16e quickly caught everyone’s attention for delivering a performance-to-price ratio.

The success of iPhone 16e has sparked speculation that Apple is ready to turn this into a regular lineup, and hence the early reports are indicating and hinting toward the next iteration, possibly called the iPhone 17e. The leaks suggest that the iPhone 17e is already in the pipeline, and if all goes well, the new upcoming budget iPhone could make its official debut in spring 2026.

Apple Prepares iPhone 17e for a Spring Launch

According to reports, the production trials for the iPhone 17e are already underway, however, it is still too early for the fully-fledged leaks, but one thing is clear and that is Apple wants to improve the performance without increasing the price tag for iPhone 17e.

Talking about the processor, report suggests that the iPhone 17e could be powered by the Apple’s next-generation A19 chipset. The said chipset could also be included in the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. If true, this would mean a notable jump in performance compared to the A18 chip in the iPhone 16e.

iPhone 17e

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— Apple Club (@applesclubs) June 6, 2025

Expected Hardware and Design Elements

As far as design is concerned, there may not be major changes in the iPhone 17e, however, as per early leaks and rumors, the iPhone 17e could stick to a familiar look, may be closely resembling the iPhone 16e. If this happens, then chances are we could see the single 48MP rear camera and a notch on the front to house face ID.

While many premium models are shifting to Dynamic Island, Apple is expected to keep this feature off the 17e to help maintain an accessible price. Additionally, it might use the same display panel as the iPhone 14.

Not only this, Apple might be introducing its own modem dubbed the C2 chip in the iPhone 17e. This will mark a shift from third-party suppliers.

A New Chapter in Apple’s Budget Strategy

While it’s still early, the iPhone 17e could continue Apple’s strategy of offering affordable models with just enough flagship DNA. With rumours of a low-cost MacBook also in development, 2026 might be the year Apple brings powerful tools to more users that too without the premium price tag.